Contest-free review: Fuente Destino Al Siglo de Amistad (Robusto)

[Namisgr11]

I missed the deadline from the last contest, but don't want the review to go to waste. 😉 A long-named Fuente.  The Arturo Fuente Destino Al Siglo Gran AniverXario de Amistad. A robusto, 5 X 50. 

Such a name gets a special box presentation and two bands. Yep, it's 13 cigars to a box.

A dark Habano seed wrapper around Dominican Fuente estate tobaccos for a flavor distinct from those with Cameroon or Fuente Dominican wrappers. Smoked on the back deck on a beautiful Spring mid-afternoon with a Coke.

Pre-light: Barnyard and cedar aromas plus some salt and pepper on the cold draw. Box pressed, lending the cigar a well packed feel.

First third: Excellent draw with abundant smoke. Peppery first puffs settle down, revealing cappucino-like flavors of milk coffee and nutmeg, along with subtle orange peel.

Second third: The pepper is now fully in the background as the orange peel picks up intensity and the cappuccino continues. Burn is uneven and requires a couple touch ups, something that's been common to both cigars I've smoked from this box. Habano seed wrapper, maybe?

Final third: Coffee has morphed into baker's chocolate, with orange peel still strong and savory spices distinct. Subtle pepper on the draw is much more prevalent in the retrohale. The finish is long as the orange flavor lingers, the strength is over medium but not crazy strong.

Overall, an interesting flavor profile with good but not classic perfect Fuente construction, and for me a nice change of pace from a steady diet of Cubans. While it was enjoyable, I prefer the Don Carlos and Opus X Fuentes, and will look to this for the occasional different experience. Next time, a cognac or brandy might pair well with the orange peel flavors, as might a neat bourbon. A 75 minute smoke, owing to the excellent packing and roll I often find with Fuente.

Teddy, my furry buddy who kept me company for at least part of the smoke: