Arturo Fuente Flor Fina 8-5-8 Sun Grown – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The Arturo Fuente Flor Fina 8-5-8 Sun Grown is a part of the company’s Sun Grown extension of their Gran Reserva line. Recently we reviewed the more rare offshoot of this cigar the Flor Fina 8-5-8 Rosado Sun Grown. The Flor Fina 8-5-8 size is harder to find than the rest of the Sun Grown line, but not as hard to find as the Rosado. The blend uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Sun Grown wrapper, and dominican binder and fillers.

Other sizes in the Gran Reserva Sun Grown line include: Chateau (Robusto) (4.5″x50), Cuban Belicoso (5.7″x50), Double Chateau (Toro) (6.7″x50), King B (Belicoso) (7.0″x49), King T Tubes (Churchill) (7.0″x49), Queen B (Figurado) (5.5″x52), and Royal Salute (Churchill) (7.5″x54).

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Lonsdale
Length: 6 1/4″
Ring Gauge: 47
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Sun Grown
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A Fuente y Cia
Blender: Carlito Fuente
Number of reviewers: 4 – Alan (Eulogy) Mickey T. (irratebass) John A. (Bostoneo) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $8.38
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: 1999
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

Initial Impressions – Arturo Fuente Flor Fina 8-5-8 Sun Grown

Appearance: 87

“The multiple shades of brown throughout are reminiscent of tree bark.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Aroma: 88

“A lovely looser dry draw reveals flavors of ripened red fruits with a delicate note of black pepper on the backend. On the nose, lovely mild notes of cedar and leather combine together into a fantastic scent.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

First Third

Flavor: 85
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Well the cold draw is quite interesting,. I get a musty flavor along with a sour almost spoiled milk-type flavor….. which concerns me. Well, I am happy to report after the cigar settled down I am not getting that sour flavor. Instead, the cigar is giving me nice notes of wood, cinnamon, and white pepper, just like a cigar should. “-Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Bitter mossy wood immediately hits me after I light it. It’s quickly followed by bread and subtle red pepper with this underlying bit of mustiness that reminds me of being in the basement of an old home. Not the most pleasant thing to pick up, but it’s there.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Second Third

Flavor: 83
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Moving into the second third, medium-bodied leather and Brazil nut flavors are the focal point. Nearing the backend of this third, heavy tar flavors set in on top of the leather and nut profile, stifling the decent flavors it had going. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Cigar may be a one-trick pony, nothing much to report other than there are some cream notes I pick up on the retro. Strength is right at a medium ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Final Third

Flavor: 82
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Well, flavors are staying consistent. The cream is still lingering.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“One thing is for sure; this cigar has been straightforward throughout. Profile continues with the same notes of red pepper and must.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Overall Impressions – Arturo Fuente Flor Fina 8-5-8 Sun Grown

Draw: 88

“It remained a little tight the entire time but not so much that it caused it to heat up or become bitter. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Burn: 94

“Burned razor-sharp from beginning to end. I did need to do one relight because it went out suddenly but I do tend to smoke slowly.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Construction: 91

“Very good construction. Ash held on about an inch. Plenty of smoke and never got hot on me. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 84

“A satisfying smoke from beginning to end. The rich notes of leather and cedar with an ever-present baking spice really made this a profile I enjoy. I wish it stayed a little sweeter at the end but I would definitely smoke this again. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Eh, this cigar wasn’t really for me. It wasn’t bad, but it’s was kind of boring, Gave me typical flavors of wood, cinnamon, and white pepper. The strength was a medium at best. If given to me I would smoke again, but wouldn’t actively seek this one out.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Going into this cigar, I had high hopes from the pleasant aromas and flavors pre-light, however, I feel this cigar fell a bit short for me. It felt as if there was an infusion of some sorts, giving it that marshmallow topping-like aroma and the harsh tar notes towards the backend of this sample. Other than that the construction and burn were top-notch, with a good draw… In the end, not my type of cigar.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Well, I’m not really sure what to say here. This cigar gave me the creeps. The musty flavors and smell reminded me of my grandparent’s basement. I remember being a kid and their eerie basement had the same mustiness this cigar did. I was always uncomfortable going down there alone, especially in the little room in the back. It was like something out of The Conjuring. No thank you. ” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 96

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Arturo Fuente Flor Fina 8-5-8 Sun Grown – Blind Cigar Review