Arturo Fuente Anejo Reserve No. 55 Review

Arturo Fuente’s Anejo Reserve series is arguably one of the most interesting offerings in the extremely broad Fuente portfolio. These cigars use the same blend of binder and filler tobaccos found in the ultra-exclusive OpusX series. The wrapper, however, is a dark, rich Connecticut broadleaf maduro. As if the prospect of a maduro-wrapped OpusX variant wasn’t enough, the wrappers are also aged for five years in ex-cognac casks. Today, we’ll be smoking the No. 55 size, a 6×55 torpedo vitola.

The Anejo series also has a story behind it that is just as interesting as the cigars themselves. In 1998, the Dominican Republic was hit hard by Hurricane Georges. That storm, the story goes, damaged the curing barns at the famous Chateau de la Fuente that produced the signature Dominican wrappers for the OpusX line. Left temporarily unable to produce his most famous cigar, Carlito Fuente invented an entirely new series that caught on with fans of the brand and ultimately found its way into the rotation of limited Fuente blends.

The Anejo series has always been rare, but it seems that these have become harder to find since I first encountered them. While they still aren’t as rare as several of the true OpusX cigars, don’t expect to find them everywhere. With that said, a peruse online will usually yield up at least some singles readily available for sale. Full boxes, sadly, are usually another matter.

Critical Stats

• Vitola: Torpedo
• Size: 6×55
• Wrapper: Connecticut broadleaf maduro, aged for five years in cognac casks
• Binder: Dominican
• Filler: Dominican
• Strength: Full
• Smoking Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

First Third

From the first light, this cigar displays both depth and complexity. In the first few puffs, I get a rich interplay of chocolate, strong coffee, cedar, mild pepper and a hint of leather. Once the cigar is well and truly going, the cedar note remains quite prominent and an earthy sweetness starts to bring an additional layer of flavor into what’s already a very enjoyable smoke.

Gradually, the initial note of chocolate fades, though the coffee remains. A slight minerality starts to work its way in, but the bigger development here is that the leather note begins to take on a bolder tone. The mineral note doesn’t last long, and before long I’m getting new notes of subtle, sweet nuttiness.

In the first third, this cigar is smoking almost perfectly. The wrapper has developed a bit of an uneven burn, but nothing bad enough to worry about. The draw on this cigar is excellent, and smoke output is relatively prolific. I’m reminded of why the Fuente Anejo Reserve No. 55 is my favorite vitola in this series, as I find the construction is usually exceptional.

Second Third

As I enter the second third, the slight pepper note that’s been lingering around since the opening puffs of the cigar is all but gone. The coffee, cedar and leather remain quite strong, and there’s a touch of what I can best describe as moist earth. At this point, the coffee note takes on slightly more of an espresso character.

The big story in the second third is a pronounced uptick in sweetness. For the most part, it’s still earthy. At times, however, I catch just the edge of a caramel note that draws everything together. I’m pairing this cigar with a Dragon’s Milk Solera stout, which may be accenting that caramel note in its own right. Whatever it is, it’s quite pleasant and you’ll hear no complaints from me. The leather has remained strong, and there’s still just a tiny hint of chocolate hiding somewhere in the background.

In this third, I do finally decide to correct the uneven burn that emerged in the first third. I probably could’ve delayed this longer, but it was starting to become a bit of a nuisance. In true Fuente form, though, a very slight touch-up is all that’s needed. The wrapper quickly corrects, and I’m able to carry on with my smoke. It’s worth noting that this was the only touch-up the cigar needed while I was smoking it.

Final Third

We’re now into true full-bodied territory, as the cigar has picked up markedly in strength. The sweetness is fading quickly and being replaced by an encore of the cigar’s boldest notes up to this point. Leather, earth and a final big burst of coffee with a cedar undertone define the last part of this cigar. It also sees a return of the minerality and pepper notes that had previously withdrawn. As I finish the cigar, I’m reminded that this is a truly intense blend.

The Anejo No. 55 smokes well right up until the end. I don’t quite decide to burn my fingers on this one, due to the cigar beginning to heat up a bit more than I like. Right up until my final puff, though, the draw and burn remain excellent. Credit for construction to Fuente, as usual.

Arturo Fuente Anejo Reserve No. 55 Review and Closing Thoughts

Flavor

This cigar always impresses me, and the sample smoked for this review was no exception. The smoke is complex and evolves nicely from start to finish. Coffee, leather, cedar and earthy sweetness are the biggest contributors to the overall flavor. Notes of pepper, minerality, moist earth and chocolate also flit in and out, contributing to a truly rich smoking experience.

Construction

With a consistent draw and only one touch-up required about midway through the second third, this cigar is clearly well-made. The ash is firm and holds on for quite a while before dropping. If you’ve smoked some of the nicer Fuentes over the years, you’ll know how consistent they are when it comes to construction and quality.

Value

When you can find them these days, the Arturo Fuente Anejo Reserve No. 55 sells for about $16-18. You can find them a bit more easily online if you’re willing to pay a premium, though that usually pushes the cigars well above the $20 mark. These cigars aren’t cheap, but you absolutely get your money’s worth when it comes time to smoke them.

Final Verdict

8.5/10

When I decided to do an Arturo Fuente Anejo Reserve No. 55 Review, I knew I’d end up giving it a high rating. This cigar has always impressed me, and it would have amazed me if the sample I chose to smoke for this review disappointed. These aren’t always easy to find, but don’t pass up the chance if you happen across one. As long as you like a full-bodied, complex maduro, this cigar will be right up your alley.