Usually during the holidays, Arturo Fuente will release select cigars such as Anejo and Opus X and the Hemingway Maduro. The regular production Hemingway has a Cameroon wrapper but is replaced with a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper for the limited production run. What makes the Masterpiece stand out is that it is even more rare than the Work of Art Maduro (WOAM) or Classic Maduro, etc. The size in itself makes it unique and we’ll find out whether that’s a positive attribute for the cigar.
Perfecto Shaped
Work of Art 4 7/8 x 46/60
Best Seller 4 1/2 x 43/55
Short Story 4 x 48
Classic 7 x 48
Signature 6 x 47
Masterpiece 9 x 52
4/17/2012
Arturo Fuente Hemingway Masterpiece Maduro Review
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder/Filler: Dominican Republic
Size: 9 x 52
Vitola: Perfecto
MSRP: $14.50
Drink: Water
Days in Humidor: 400
Smoke Time: 2 hr 35 min
Location: Backyard
Construction/Appearance:
The Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper is toothy and the veins running from the head to the foot are very prominent. The color of the wrapper around the veins is noticeably lighter and there are a few soft spots on the cigar itself. There are also residual glue markings which is similar to what I’ve seen on several other premium Arturo Fuente Cigars. The cap on the head was certainly done very well as I can’t really notice the different layers that well. I’m sure the dark milk chocolate appearance of the wrapper is helping with that. The band on the cigar is the usual Fuente label and they came off very easily for the reviews. The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Masterpiece Maduro doesn’t feel too heavy, especially for the size.
Burn/Draw:
The Xikar made a perfect cut across the head with a cold draw that felt just tight enough. Sometimes it is hard to judge the draw on a perfecto because they tend to open up once the burn gets past the nipple. The burn started out slightly wavy which is typical for me when smoking perfectos. However, it did even up in the first third and stayed near razor sharp throughout the review. The initial draw was good and this also stayed consistent never getting airy or tight. An average amount of smoke was given off by the Masterpiece though it was a nice steady stream. The salt and pepper ash held for about 1 1/4 inches before falling into the ashtray. It didn’t look fragile or flaky at all, showing signs of a well constructed cigar.
Flavor/Aroma:
The wrapper has a sweet tobacco and cedar aroma while the foot reminded me of milk chocolate and nuts. The initial draw was fairly smooth with a mocha,wood and mild pepper finish. The aroma of the smoke is of espresso, chocolate and fairly intoxicating to the senses. In the first third, cocoa notes are most noticeable. However, I’m getting subtle notes of hazelnut coffee as well. The flavor profile is good but not yet memorable.
In the second third, it starts off with caramel notes and the overall flavor profile becomes more smooth. I’m picking up some earthiness, milk chocolate with a bit of cinnamon. The flavors are light and sporadic and I haven’t noticed much pepper since the first inch of the cigar. The transition into the third is a mix of milk chocolate and earth. The draws start with the chocolaty flavor before finishing with cedar and earthiness. This cigar feels like a tad bit under a solid medium but perhaps the flavors and year + of rest is masking the true strength.
Final Thoughts:
- Even though the price tag fits the length of the smoke fairly well, there just wasn’t enough complexity for me to continuously keep my attention
- I think the flavors were “good” throughout the cigar, however, “good” doesn’t justify spending over 2 hrs smoking the Masterpiece. I understand that the flavors are similar to the other sizes but there isn’t enough variation for me
- The Masterpiece has excellent construction, looks rich and beautiful and had a wonderful burn/draw. The cigar certainly exceeded all expectations in those categories
- Allowing the Hemingway maduros to rest for a year or so may help smooth out the flavors but I think the cigar may lose some of the better flavors with long time ageing. While I believe there is an improvement, I don’t think it’s drastic enough for it not to be smoked soon after purchase.
- I don’t see myself purchasing anymore than the five that I have remaining not because the flavor profile isn’t enjoyable but because I much rather purchase the smaller vitolas from the Hemingway line. I think the flavors go better with a cigar that lasts around 1hr-1hr and 30 min.
- I suggest smoking through the Hemingway line and finding the right size for you. Realize the natural has a Cameroon wrapper while the maduro is a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper so the blend is different.
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