Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso Review

Don Carlos Belicoso
Made by: Arturo Fuente
Country: Dominican Republic
Vitola: 5 3/8 by 52

This will be the first review conducted on something from Arturo Fuente. This is a popular cigar for the occasional cigar smoker. Or a friend that recognizes it when they walk into a small cigar shop. I have had mixed experiences with these cigars in the past, not this particular one though. Let’s see if it is worthy of it’s often recommendation with a Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso Review.

Prelight

Visible seams and medium veins, there’s a slight tooth to the wrapper. Well done cap, but I have had unraveling issues with these cigars in the past. Clean-cut this time, the foot is giving off hazelnut and leather with a hint of black pepper. Firm pack with a couple of soft spots, the prelight draws resistance is about medium. The draw also shows more of the hazelnut and leather, also hinting at more pepper then the foot suggested. The roller used a bit too much glue on the cigar but that’s just a little hit to its aesthetics.

1/3

Medium body to start, the hazelnut with a light sweetness is on the front with leather following and then a mixed white and black pepper finish. The mixed pepper is a bit harsh but I believe that will calm down. The front of the profile is very balanced, low strength at this point. Good thick smoke output, the burn line is slightly off but it seems to be self-correcting. Flavors are holding at the end of the first third.

2/3

At the start of the second third a cashew note has joined the hazelnut to make a nice mixed nut note. With leather and a light cedar accompanying that flavor. And the pepper finish has calmed down it is still present though just better balanced. The burn line is still struggling but due to the medium veins I was expecting that to be the case. Pleasant flavors but not any real defined transitions. Very consistent and balanced currently.

3/3

As the cigar comes to an end the cedar has come up on the front, the mixed nuts have fallen a bit as has the leather. The finish still holds a black and white pepper mix, and that is rising slowly. The body is at a medium plus, I just can’t call it a medium full. Low strength remains, nothing attention grabbing that way. At the nub the pepper notes have risen further, and the front has changed slightly again incorporating more leather to the profile.

Smoke Time: 1 hour an 15 minutes

Conclusion: 83

Consistent but nothing exceptional, not much in the way of defined transitions. The complexity was all right, but left a lot of room for improvement. For a cigar on the lighter side, and a recognizable brand, this preformed mediocre. There are a lot of cigars that shine at this price point in comparison. But the popularity of the brand would be the reason for the attention in my opinion.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com