These cigars were released in late December in commemoration of Arturo Fuente’s 100th Anniversary. I believe only the top 25 Fuente Accounts received any of the exclusive cigars between the Forbidden X “13″, the Don Carlos Lancero and Magnum Rosado R44. There are many new cigars planning to come out for the Anniversary throughout the year including a possible regular production cigar blended by Carlos Fuente Sr called the Casa Cuba which you see pictures of here. I did a first impression review of this cigar (Nacimiento 1912) on the release date back in December here.
2011 Forbidden X Nacimiento 1912
Arturo Fuente Opus X Forbidden X “13″ Nacimiento 1912 Review
Wrapper: Dominican Rosado
Binder/Filler: Dominican
Size: 5 1/8 x 43
Vitola: Corona
MSRP: $13.25
Drink: Water
Smoke Time: 1hr 30 min
Location: Tasty Tobacco Shop
Construction/Appearance:
The wrapper has a very rich color essentially dark red and very appealing to the eye. I think allowing these cigars to adapt to the desired Rh will have a positive impact as they were very wet when I first smoked them. The Forbidden X “13″ Nacimiento 1912 has a nice feel when squeezed and even though there are a few veins scattered on the cigar, it doesn’t take away anything from the appearance. The double banded Forbidden X simply Fuente in the sense that is how they do this with select releases. I don’t believe it’s completely overdone since one band is smaller than the other even with the colorful look of them. The Nacimiento 1912 is of light to medium weight but you can tell it is a well constructed cigar as I inspect it carefully.
Burn/Draw:
I applied the Xikar across the head and made a wonderful cut and the prelight draw was nice and smooth. Since the cigar wasn’t as wet, the lighting the cigar was very easy. While the flavors were delicious the first time I smoked this cigar, I feel the biggest benefit allowing them to rest would be in this category. I experienced various burn and draw issues as it needed multiple relights throughout the cigar. This was completely different from my experience today because the burn was very good and the draw was easy and smooth. In fact, any time the cigar had a wavey burn, it immediately corrected itself minutes later. The Forbidden X “13″ Nacimiento 1912 opens up wonderfully in the 2nd third giving off plenty of smoke and the ash held strong for a good one inch or so. I had a wonderful time smoking this cigar today with the improvements in the draw.
Flavor/Aroma:
The Forbidden X “13″ Nacimiento 1912 has a wonderful aroma of cedar, cinnamon and rich tobacco coming off of the wrapper. There is nothing better other than smoking it when you’re holding a cigar in your hand that has such a wonderful aroma. The initial draw has some spice with sweetness left on the tongue. The 1st third had a molasses flavor with a raisin sweetness which didn’t change throughout the first part. The retrohale reminded me of spice with a little drop of caramel. This certainly wasn’t overwhelming and actually pleasant.
The second third had some more raisin flavors mixed with a bit of nuts but midway through I picked up notes of wood continued with nuts. This part certainly was a variety of flavors as the underlying notes has a raisin taste. A wonderful mix indeed. The last third ramps up the flavors in the beginning and hits it’s stride mixing in coco, nuts with subtle raisin flavors. As I approach the last 1.5 inches, spice plays a dominant role which I think is due to the heat of the cigar. This is especially true of smaller ring gauge cigars such as the Forbidden X “13″ Nacimiento 1912. My experience finishes with the cigar leaving notes of wood and some dryness on the palette.
Final Thoughts:
The Arturo Fuente Opus X Forbidden X “13″ Nacimiento 1912 is a solid cigar and I can tell you there is a tremendous difference smoking this vitola 45 days later. It displays a nice variety of flavors ranging from raisins, nuts to spice all at different times throughout the smoke. These will smoke very well even 6 more months down the road and with more rest. The price point is fair considering the “market value” for a Forbidden X and I believe these live up to expectations. If you can find some of this release later in the year, don’t hesitate to pick them up as they are a charm to smoke.
Rating: 91
Please check these other links!
2010 Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature Rosado Review
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos 76th Anniversary Review
2006 Opus X BBMF Natural Review
Arturo Fuente Collection (Opus X, Forbidden X, Don Carlos)
More pictures from the review!
