Cigar Info
This year Carlos Fuente Sr. turned 80-years-old. It also marked the 30th birthday for his eponymous brand, Don Carlos. To celebrate the occasion, Arturo Fuente is releasing two cigars: the Don Carlos Eye of the Shark and the Don Carlos Private Reserve. Eye of the Shark is a smaller version of the company’s popular Shark size measuring 5 3/4 x 52 instead of the normal 5 5/8 x 54 made famous by the Añejo size. The Shark is noted for its peculiar shape which starts with a rounded belicoso-like tip but transforms into a square box-pressed foot.
It was shown off at the IPCPR Convention & Trade Show and part of Fuente’s show special. A special new blend from the Fuente Family, the Edición de Aniversario “The Man’s 80th,” “Personal Reserve,” and “Eye of the Shark,” commemorates Carlos Fuente seniors 80th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos brand.
Little has been released about the blend, but the Don Carlos line utilizes a sweet-spicy Cameroon wrapper and an all-Dominican filler blend grown at the famed Arturo Fuente farms in the Dominican Republic. The Don Carlos “Personal Reserve” & “Eye of the Shark” is believed to be a tweaked version of the regular Don Carlos line that was blended by Carlos Sr. for his own private use with a very special aged Cameroon wrapper. The “Eye of the Shark,”cigars come box-pressed in the famous “Shark” Torpedo shape and the Personal Reserve is a round 5×50 Robusto.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: undisclosed
Filler: undisclosed
Size: 5.75Inches
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: Belicoso
MSRP: $11.25
Release Date: Oct. 12 2015
Pre-light
This shark cigar was very nice and looked really clean in the hand. The wrapper was a lot lighter in color than the Fuente Anejo shark. Still, the wrapper was a nice caramel color with seamless veins and a nice build. The aromas coming off the cigar were very sweet and inviting. A bit floral, sugar, and a hint of spice had me ready to get going on this smoke.
First Third
Immediately, a nice soft creaminess coupled with a nutty finish started the cigar. There were also hints of barnyard and dry grass present on the back of the tongue. The burn was clean and the aroma of the smoke was crisp and not overly potent.
Second Third
The second third develops into a bit more spice and a nice leather finish. The sweetness is still present, but the complexity has picked up slightly. The overall body of this cigar is medium to medium-full. Just a real delete to smoke.
Final Third
The final third is quickly coming to an end and I am slightly bummed. I wish I had a box or two of these because they will only continue to get better. Very good finish with a nice leather and spice. The draw and burn have been consistent throughout. Amazing.
Overall Impressions
The Eye of the Shark comes with a mystique of its own. It is a slightly milder and crisper cigar than it’s fellow Anejo shark. The construction is just as pleasant with a nice wrapper color and build. Again, this cigar was an amazing treat with a softer beginning to a leather and spice finish that never overpowered and never diminished. If you are able to find these at not outrageous prices do yourself the favor. This cigar will pair with any drink and during any time. Another home run from the Arturo Fuente company. Well done.
-Steve Warzee (ThaGreatWazoo)
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