Opus X 22 CFCF Fun Box 2005 Reviews...

Wed, 24th Jan 2007 I decided to embark on a crazy journey through Chateau de la Fuente at 5:52pm. This journey has been thought about for some time before I even aquired the Opus X 22 CFCF Fun Box back in Dec 2006. I had planned to take this box down slowly and do a personal review of each stick. Its been some time since something on this scale has been done and you didn't have to twist my arm. I simply volunteered my time and beloved sticks for this grand journey I am about to take. A indepth look at these Opus X sticks from the eyes of your's truly.

Well, its time to light this bad boy up. What is on the chopping block you may ask yourself and its a simple answer. The Chili Pepper is the first victim of the 22 stick box that will be sacrificed for your viewing pleasure. I took some nice photos of it while it was still whole. I decided for this project of mine, a normal Xikar cutter wasn't going to be good enough to clip these sticks. I decided to use the Casa Fuente cutter that I purchased back in Sept 2006. Unfortunately, many great Opus X Forbidden X sticks was sacrificed without a review and this time, its going to be different.

So at 6:10pm, the beast is fired up. The initial taste off the wrapper had a little strenght to it which shows this isn't a typical Opus X. I tried to inhale the first puff and that was a huge ass mistake. Just way to much concentrated smoke off the initial first couple of puffs. Smelling the smoke at 6:13pm, I can tell this stick will be an interesting review. Granted I had smoked a Opus X Forbidden X Chili Pepper back in Sept 2006 when I visited Seadub, Rod, and the other SoCal Crew thatshowed up that night. With it being 6:14pm, as expected the smoke started to mellow out as the stick has slowly burned. But there is still a subtle hint that this cigar has a kick. Well, more than a subtle hint as it makes the nasal passage feel like I was snorting some rot gut Mad Dog 20/20 up my nose and then was torched by a gentle flame.

The first touch up was applied at 6:17pm as the burnt part creeps past the dome of the cigar. I expected this was going to be the first troubled area of this smoke and now its burning like it should. Each puff there is plenty of smoke to examine. Yep, as I expected the strength is still kicking strong at 6:21pm, but very impressed at the burn. As for the taste...This time it seems to be a completely different experience than my first Chili Pepper. Other than the strength, it tastes better. This one has seemed very mild to last year's one. Exhaling the smoke out the nose at 6:24pm it still seems to be very young. Completely burns the nasal passage and left me with the smell like I was standing out in a cattle field. Not a good impression if you ask me, but nevertheless, its a surprising smoke. Ahh ha...the first real taste of being a Opus slowly creeped out at 6:26pm and what a relief that had made me feel. Three sticks came to my mind just now. The Power Ranger, Perfecxion X, and the Petite Lancero is what I get from the stick at 6:27pm. I can easily detect the Power Ranger's strength and the subtle goodness of a aged Petite Lancero. But the taste seems of the Perfecxion X. I find this combination to be very rewarding as the first CHili Pepper didn't have these characteristics like this one. At 6:32pm I had the first tingle of my tongue like it wanted to go numb from the potency of this smoke. The smoke has been pretty gentle in the mouth the entire time. Rarely has the smoke been hot as I am taking my time with this interesting style of cigar.

Was sad at 6:40pm in that I had to do the first ash of it and only the 2nd touch up on this bad boy. The smell of the smoke seems to one of a light smoke but in reality, it isn't that weak. I had to take off the 2005 band part and the infamous Arturo Fuente Super Glue had to make an appearance. It tore the wrapper a tad, but hasn't hurt the cigar one bit which isn't a surpise with the quality of smokes they put out on their premium lines. The whole Opus X quality has retreated once again at 6:46pm. Really it probably started way back around 6:40pm but its ok. Now at 6:48pm I got the first taste of the tar building up within this smoke. Its not a heavy presence nor did it stick around for very long and that made me happy.

Being 6:51pm and well into this stick, just breathing in the smoke from a puff starts to make me cough as its simply just has one hell of a kick. Not that I mind since I do like cigars that have a kick. I can definitely tell a Opus X is being torched in my place. I'm getting a little head rush at 6:53pm and boy do I feel soooooooooo good right now. I just hit the relaxed mode I have sorely been needing since the last few days of November 2005. Alas, the band had to come off at this point and to my surprise, it came off flawlessly and that is a miracle indeed. Yes, I am happy that it came off with ease and not tear the cigar or band. I must have to say the burn has really surprised me this time considering the first Chili Pepper I smoked had a horrible burn. While typing that last sentence I had a brief lapse of bliss as a very mild and gentle raspberry taste came out at 6:57pm. All I can say at this point is simply, YUMMY!!!


I decided to do this review without any drink or snacks as I wanted to taste this cigar for what it truly represents. Naturally I am very thirsty but I do not want this review to be soiled by any outside influence. Now at 7:07pm I had to ash the smoke which I expect to see a change in the cigar and smoke. This has always been my experience while smoking any Opus X. And to my delight, the smoke has taken on a Opus smell once again and taste. The tar and strength taste is back at 7:11pm. Its not really distracting the experience of such a cigar as this. In fact, this is always the case for me on any Opus at this point of a cigar to take this taste. Naturally, the smoke has turned a little hot in the mouth so I'm just letting it cool down a little before I embark on the next puff. During this whole time I have taken what I think to be some nice photos and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did taking them. After a 2 to 3 min cool down period I took another puff at 7:14pm and the tar taste has vanished once again. Also the hotness disappeared a long with it and this makes me a happy cigar smoker once again. The smoke at this point has basically taken on a pure strength note and strong enough that my eyes burn a little. Plus a nice cigar buzz to go with it.

Now at 7:21pm the cigar has left a nice little after taste of Opus in my mouth and taste buds. Even the lips started to tingle at this point. Alas another time to ash the cigar at 7:23pm and its getting hard to hold the cigar while puffing on it. There just isn't much room to hold the nub. But I am continuing to smoke it down to as far as I can and the nub isn't even wider than my thumb at this point. Now I had made some Earl Grey tea when I started this and its now cold. I know it won't hurt the cigar review now at this point in time as the cigar is just pure strength. Like I thought the tea didn't hurt the taste of the smoke at all.

So onto my impression of this cigar. Considering I smoked a relatively young one back in Sept 2006 and again visited this same cigar in Jan 2007 with basically 2 years on it. Let me say this as these 2 different Chili Pepper's was a completely different experience. The first one being completely just raw strength and now balance to it. This time around the strength is still there, but has aged really nicely and balanced in my eyes. There were many different transitions with this cigar as well. The burn was awesome with only 2 touch ups. The first one was a lot of work as this version was not. I had to relight the nub at 7:32pm and when you see the pictures, it should say something for this smoke. If I would have given a rating for the first experience it probably what have been a 70 out of 100 points. This time its a different story being that I would give this one a 90 to 95 out of a 100 point scale. I would highly recommend to let this one take a long nap over a 2 to 5 year period before I smoke this one again as I feel it would be one great smoke. Pictures to follow once I am done with the nub as I have plenty to upload and edit in the review.

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http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18...CN04710001.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18...CN04720001.jpg a Patch on the Chili P
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http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18...CN04890001.jpg Is the Official Nub.

This is the first installment of many reviews of this box that is to come every month for a rare smoke out of this box.

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Well done. That was an amazing review.:smiley20:

Man... I want a fun box :smiley13:

Nice review!

Wow! that is one hell of a review! Makes me want to get a fun box of my own.

I have yet to see one priced normally. I would definitely be in for one.

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Originally Posted by guado

I have yet to see one priced normally. I would definitely be in for one.

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Opus 22

There ya go...priced at MSRP and in stock.:smiley36:

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Originally Posted by drew_goring

Opus 22

There ya go...priced at MSRP and in stock.:smiley36:

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oh(charity box)...well that would explain the price. n/m.

I don't have much experience with cigars but the review makes me want to go buy a box of these.

Holy Guacamole, did Moki just come to this board? Great review, Moki's a big time Opus lover too and has had an amazing collection of Opus's over time. I wish I had the means to acquire a box like that. Enjoy the rest as well as you did the first and don't forget to fill us in and make us jealous.:smiley37:

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Originally Posted by BigMacFU

Holy Guacamole, did Moki just come to this board? Great review, Moki's a big time Opus lover too and has had an amazing collection of Opus's over time. I wish I had the means to acquire a box like that. Enjoy the rest as well as you did the first and don't forget to fill us in and make us jealous.:smiley37:

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I am planning a huge review of all the sticks. They will all look like these even for the common sticks found in this box.

For those that don't know here is whats in it:

The Latin-Jazz CD
DvD about Opus X and the Chateau

FFOX SerieX X Square x2
FFOX BBMF x1
FFOX LBMF x1
FFOX Shark x2
FFOX Double Robusto x3
FFOX Chili Pepper x3
FFOX Forbidden X Lancero x2

FFOX Double Corona x2
FFOX Reserva d'Chateau x2
FFOX Perfecxion X x2
FFOX Perfecxion #2 x2

Its going to be a blast to review these and post about them. :smiley37:

I took a poll on CP as to what should be the next victim and here it is. On Wed, 31st Jan 2007 at 4:11pm I decided to take some pictures of Opus X Shark and post them so I can relax a little more when I smoke it next month sometime. So without further ado, here is the Shark in all its glory after being landed by your's truly.

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I have a suspected target date set for this review so please stay tuned. :smiley37:

So on Thursday, 8th Feb 2007 I fired this smoke up. Definitely has a unique and young taste to it. I can't even tell that its a Opus X at this point. Not unusual for a Opus to be this way from my experience. Visual inspection of the cigar shows that it is flawless in my books. I then proceeded to cut the cigar and it went off without a hitch. A fine cut indeed thanks to the rarely used Casa Fuente Xikar I have.

I roared this smoke to life and it had some burn issues like every different type of Shark I've smoked before so I am not even surprised by this. At 7:12 pm the first initial puffs smells very unique and odd at the same time. Again, nothing unusual for a Opus to be at a stage like this. But the unidentifiable smell is driving me completely nutts and I haven't got to far in this cigar. There is a slight after taste that its an Opus, but it doesn't stick around long whatsoever. The smoke is very light at this point and still really cool in the mouth. I can easily exhale this smoke out my nose without a burning sensation. It reveals a very young taste and the unusual smell I can't identify yet. I was waiting patiently to make the first correction of the burn and it came at 7:16pm. It wasn't nothing major. I hoped it would correct itself like other Opus do, but alas, this wasn't the case.

Now at 7:18pm, the smoke decided to take a little change. I still don't know what to think of this cigar nor if this change was going to be good or bad. Its definitely something I have never encountered before in any Opus X or other high end Fuente cigars. Just for a brief moment at 7:20pm the aftertaste reminded me of a slight taste of walnuts. This was a strange appearance to me so I concluded that the cigar took on a nutty profile for a brief moment as it didn't last long. There is plenty of smoke off each puff and the draw is fantastic. But the odd taste is still troublesome to me. It still reminds me of a very young cigar in taste and smell.

I decide to drop the first ash at 7:24pm in hopes that the cigar would come to life and reveal itself as an Opus X. This was also the second touch up I had to do with this cigar. At this point, a person couldn't identify that an Opus was being smoked. Needless to say, I'm a little disappointed with this cigar. Yet, I still remain optimistic that it will reveal itself to be an Opus X in all its glory. Some smoke wisps off the cigar and I can smell a slight Opus hint to it but that is pretty much as far as it goes. I just wished at this point it would snap out of this funk I see this cigar stuck in. I want that Opus X taste that leaves me wanting for more. The burn has been better than I expected as past experiences with any Fuente Shark hasn't been the best.

So at 7:29pm, I get a slight Opus smell and taste which retreated as fast as it came to me. I wonder how long this will last. It definitely wasn't a life changing experience. But it lasted for around 2 minutes which isn't long at all. I've come to the conclusion this is one of the strangest smokes I've had in my 10 years of smoking. At this point, the cigar seems to be more mild than anything else. It doesn't even tip towards the medium scale as this cigar doesn't know what it wants to do or be at this point. I guess I expected more from this cigar and feel pretty cheated by it. I already know I will have to smoke another Opus X to make up for this experience which has let me down completely. All hopes for it to snap out has started to go out the window. Yet, I still remain to be optimistic about this smoke and pray it comes through. Even at 7:33pm, the smoke stays pretty cool in the mouth and light. Even when I exhale it out my nose. I'm really shocked that a cigar like this caliber at 2 years old could be this confused and young tasting.

The burn started to become pretty even at 7:35 pm when I had to ash it. That within itself is a miracle to me. Something about this cigar troubles me at this point. Unlike other Opus X, you can relate it to other smokes but this one I can't at all. It reminds me of nothing I have smoked before. I mean the young taste I've gotten off Avo's is something it reminds me of but this cigar doesn't even have a grassy note to it. Very unusual to me that I can't relate it to something I've smoked before. There has been a slight taste here and there all throughout the smoke that takes on a very subtle Opus taste but it retreats so fast its pretty disappointing to me.

Even at 7:40pm, the smell has been pretty consistent and hasn't really changed much at all. This was when a major touch up was required at 7:43pm. That in itself wasn't a shocker. It has been pretty good with the burn up to that point. I'm thinking at this point the cigar doesn't even know if its coming or going and I'm about 1/2 done with this smoke.

Time to ash this bad boy at 7:46pm which I had to take off the 2005 band. The infamous Fuente super glue made an appearance. After that was off, at 7:49pm I got a brief Opus X signature profile I have been looking for the whole time. It was pretty rewarding for the few puffs it lasted. I was so excited I forgot to think what other Opus it reminded me of. Needless to say, it was gone as fast as it came once again leaving me pretty disappointed. Not long after 7:50pm, the cigar required some attention to the burn. All i am thinking at this point is damn it I feel cheated so bad right now. Thoughts of tossing the cigar has entered my mind at this point and everyone should know me well by now if I give a Fuente a bad review, its not a good sign. But alas, tastes and reviews are very subjective. So in reality, my review is just my opinion and impression of this cigar. I hope that others have a better experience than I did.

Still at this point of time, the smell hasn't really changed at all. The cigar does seem to pick up some strength at this point but nothing that I would consider good. At 7:54 pm the cigar required a major touch up. I decided it was time to take the Opus X band off at 7:55pm and it came off flawlessly. It didn't hurt the band or the cigar wrapper. I was happy for that part of this disappointing experience I've embarked on. I decided another touch up was required at 7:56pm.

I managed to get a little smoke behind my glasses and wow. The smoke really has a nice potentency to it as it burnt the eyes and made the eyes water pretty good. I was writing my impressions at this point with my eyes closed. The smoke even cleared out my nasal passage. This was at 7:58pm. So at 8:00pm I got a alcohol taste and smell to it. It reminded me of some medicinal alcohol I smelled while working at the UofU Medical Center way back in the early 1990's. This wasn't a good sign either and after the initial blast, there was some after taste for a few puffs before it went away. At this point I was happy that it was gone because it wasn't pleasant whatsoever. So at 8:03pm another correction was required and needed a ashing. For a brief moment at 8:05pm I got a peppery burnt coffee taste and smell off this cigar. This proves to me that this cigar was a huge let down throughout the misfortune of smoking the Shark. I decided to take a sip of my Earl Grey tea that had gone completely cold at this point and was the first time I drank anything while smoking this cigar in hopes it would clear out that nasty after taste that was lingering in my mouth. Alas, it did the trick but it didn't help the cigar out whatsoever as the experience was a complete bust to me.

So my overall impression of this smoke as I decided on the last 1/3 of the cigar to stop writing my impressions of this cigar. The cigar was pretty bland and nasty from my experience. I don't even know if I could smoke another Opus X Shark after this experience. Its definitely has been the worst experience for me with any Fuente cigars and I mean the entire line of everything they do. I'm thinking back and think I would prefer to smoke the nasty ass ESG than the Shark again. And everyone remembers my kind review of the ESG that I did. laugh.gif The construction of this cigar was fantastic and the burn was pretty impressive I must say. But for the flavor profile, I would seriously knock this cigar down a peg or two or three or four. sad.gif So in retrospect, I'd give the Shark a rating on a 0 to 100 scale, a solid 60. maybe 65 on a good day. All I can hope is that anyone else that smokes it has a better experience than me.
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The review of the Opus X Shark is done and above this post. I am just finishing uploading the pictures so that I can re-edit the post to include those that I took. :smiley37:

i really like reading your reviews of these sticks, not that i'll ever have the cash to buy them, its still great to read about :smiley20: keep it up

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Originally Posted by boomshay

i really like reading your reviews of these sticks, not that i'll ever have the cash to buy them, its still great to read about :smiley20: keep it up

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I'm glad you enjoy the reviews. I'm pretty set on the LBMF for March 2007 review. Its one of the few rare Opus X I haven't had before. Granted I have 2 of them. One is from the 2005 CFCF box and the other happens to have the Forbidden X band on it. I scored that while I was in Vegas and decided then I wasn't smoking that one till I had another. :smiley37:

Well, just an update. I think I've got March 2nd set for a hot date with a LBMF. I haven't picked the time its going to be toasted, but its going to happen this Friday. :smiley37:

Looking forward to another great review. I will be interested to see how this compares to the BBMF.

I decided to take some early snap shots of the LBMF before the big day. So I put the one from the CFCF 2005 Box next to a LBMF from Casa Fuente for a side to side comparison.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18...CN05350001.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18...CN05360001.jpg

Enjoy these little glimpses before the one looses its brother. :smiley4:

looks like a great cigar, can't wait for the review.

Drum roll please....On the 2nd of March 2007, a rare stick is hitting the chopping block. The Opus X LBMF aka Little Bad Mother Fucker was the next victim in the long and distinguished list of Opus that is getting reviewed. I cut the LBMF at 6:36pm. I had to include the Outlaw gang on this interesting review as I figured this would be the best Opus that will come out of the box. After a brief moment of looking the cigar, I came to the conclusion that it was a perfect construction. After I clipped it with my normal Xikar, I took an initial puff off the cigar to judge the draw. It had a very easy draw and that really pleased me. I decided to fire this bad boy up and the little tip of the Maduro wrapper that's on it was just heavenly bliss. Once the maduro tip was toasted and the thought that hit me first was that this is one interesting and unique smoke. In all my Opus X cigars I've torched, none even compared to this little gem.

The initial smoke revealed that this was going to be an in your face cigar. The smoke was so strong that it could bring tears to your eyes and you didn't have to be smoking it either to get it. One thing that was remarkable is that a little Opus quality peaked through really early. Nothing like a Lancero or Robusto, just subtle and teasing you to continue this journey. At this point, I had already judge this smoke to be the most potent I've seen off any Opus X and then at 6:42pm is when the real treat began. I held the smoke in the mouth to see what I could pick up as it was just to strong to exhale out the noise. To my surprise, Bourbon/wood characteristics was picked up on. Something I haven't experienced before. I could even smell these qualities off the cigar and that put a big smile on my face. This was what I have been searching for and it all came together in one blissful night of smoking.

Then at 6:45pm, is when the woody notes really made a presence in this cigar. I came to the conclusion that this was one hell of a nice transition the cigar had taken. One thing it did remind me of and thanks to OpusXKC aka Tony pointed out that it reminded him of a Petite Lancero. After thinking about it and I had to agree with him on this observation. Yes, I did let OpusXKC, Smokyballs, and OutlawD try this cigar as none of them have had it before. I had to share the love on this cigar. That was just a bonus for me as this cigar is just so damn good at this point. What was really interesting was at 6:47pm, a alcohol note came through as I took a puff. It wasn't overwhelming but just a slight hint.

Then at 6:51pm, another transition took place. A sweet characteristic had come through this power house of a cigar. At this point, the first thought that came to mind what this cigar is like liquid crack making me want my fix now. Just an amazing profile for an Opus X IMHO. Each puff the cigar got a little stronger and so did everything else that was taking place in this cigar. It raised the bar in a complete and unexpected quality that I haven't seen matched in any Opus X to date. Granted, I love the Lancero, but when I want something strong and balanced, this is the cigar I would turn too. The smell of the smoke is just so unique that I can't even place it.

Now a transition that takes place at 6:59pm, the smoke takes on a really mellow note to it. This is when the power of the smoke really becomes evident as it takes it up a notch on every buff. Not overwhelming either. Just simply balanced and complex. If you think the Power Ranger has a serious kick or another other Opus, then this stick will take you for a ride of your life and prove to you that this cigar is unmatched in the Opus X line up. Then at 7:02pm, a sweet spot was hit. This stayed for a little while until the next transition at 7:13pm which I finally decided to ash the cigar. The ash was a tad over 50% of the cigar. This cigar is just a delightful smoke and wrapped Heaven around it. Again, many others had took some sample smells of the smoke as I blow it to them. It literally will make you cry as it has a kick that is unmatched in my travels up to this point in time. Finally at 7:20pm, I felt the first signs of a world class buzz taking place. Not many cigars can do this to me and I was up for the challenge. Finally at 7:25pm, is the first signs of the tannin tar taste that peeps through. It wasn't overwhelming nor a distraction. The cigar rumbled on till 7:50pm pretty much the same as it was once the tannin taste hit. It did constantly pick up in strength and here is the nub. Pictures to follow shortly after I upload them and edit the post. SO on a scale of 1 to 100, I'd give this smoke a rock solid 100 as it hit the spot. Now this is just my subjective review and it may not be for everyone. But I will gladly give any LBMF a home. :smiley37:

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http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18...CN05470001.jpg The Nub.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18...CN05480001.jpg OpusXKC on CP taken a puff off the nub.

Awesome review. I wonder if after a few more years aging it would mellow out a bit. I may have to pick one up next time I am at Casa.

Did you take any pics?

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Originally Posted by drew_goring

Awesome review. I wonder if after a few more years aging it would mellow out a bit. I may have to pick one up next time I am at Casa.

Did you take any pics?

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Pictures is now in ther review. Enjoy as I really had fun with the LBMF. :smiley37:

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Originally Posted by Mr Peat

Pictures is now in ther review. Enjoy as I really had fun with the LBMF. :smiley37:

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Looks like a great time was had by all. I don't suppose you invited your guys' buddy defetis, eh?:smiley36:

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Originally Posted by drew_goring

Looks like a great time was had by all. I don't suppose you invited your guys' buddy defetis, eh?:smiley36:

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Hell no....:smiley36:

But yes, it was a great time. :smiley20:

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Originally Posted by Mr Peat

Hell no....:smiley36:

But yes, it was a great time. :smiley20:

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That's cool. I'm hoping to get down sometime to visit the notorious Outlaw...preferable on a day Jorge Padron is making an appearance.:smiley1:

I finally snapped and couldn't take the pressure any more. I broke down and decided to review the Opus X Forbidden X Lancero from the CFCF 2005 box. Review will be posted after I am done with pictures naturally.:smiley37:

On the 16th March 2007 the Opus X Forbidden X Lancero went down from this wonderful box of smokes. After a visual insepction, I can point out no flaws in the cigar. It smells of a slight summer breeze over a wild raspberry patch we had next door to our old place in Nebraska. That did bring back some nice memories when I had no cares in the world. The smell was hypnotic and very delicious. It was a hard decision to smoke it or whether I should eat it. I pulled out my Casa Fuente Xikar to cut this bad boy at 4:02am.

The initial draw after the cut reveals its going to be an excellent day to take down this Lancero. After gazing at this cigar, I decided it was time to light this bad boy up at 4:04am. The initial puffs had a little kick to it as I haven't had an Opus in nearly 2 weeks. I can tell its an Opus without a question. I exhaled some smoke out of the nose and it has sort of a harsh burn to it at 4:07am and wasn't to pleasant in the nasal passage. But it hasn't opened up yet to reveal what is awaiting for me. Granted, I've smoked many Opus X Lancero's so this cigar is no strange beast waiting to pounce on me. For some reason this one seems like it has a little kick to it in the strength department which isn't my normal experience with the Opus X Lancero's.

Going to ash for the first time at 4:11am and I hope this one opens up for me. For a side note this Lancero doesn't seem like the same blend found in the Prometheus Gift sets that are the 2005 band on them. Now at 4:14am I had to ash again. My nose is telling me this Lancero is another beast altogether. I'm definitely shocked by how many initial impression of this cigar before I lit it and now definitely do not agree as to what this cigar was going to be like. My initial impression have been tossed out the window and doubting this one will be a good stick.

The smoke at 4:19am as it burns my nostrils I pick up on a note that it has a woody smell to it. At the same time, the smell is something familiar that I just can't put a finger on. I can't say if its a related to a cigar experience I've had before or something I've done in my younger days, but its something I've known before at some point in time. Now at 4:23am is another visit to the ashtray. So far its been a flawless burn and no touch ups whatsoever.

Ahhh...Alas the raspberry characteristics take a presence at 4:24am which brings a smile to my face. The smell of the smoke is more pronounced at this point and its very unique. I think I can finally put the mystery to rest in what stick this reminds me of and it happens to be the Chili Pepper I had in Sept 2006 in California after buying it at Casa Fuente. This help explains what I see as a different Lancero experience I've had many times before. This one happens to have a strength profile that isn't like any Lancero or other Opus I've had before. Its not over powering or ruining the cigar at all. In fact, its a nice change of pace.

A sweeter smell comes out at 4:29am which isn't how it tastes. I can taste its an Opus and sure as hell smell it. But something else is going on underneath which I still can't figure out. I'm getting tons of smoke off each puff and the draw is fantastic. I can't find much to complain about with this cigar and that is a good sign. I do feel that this one is going to get a tannic taste to it and I said this prediction at 4:33am which is another time to ash.

Oh wow...that puff after just ashed had a nice tarty raspberry taste and smell to it. This seems like a major transition at 4:33am and at 4:34am. I haven't really noticed one before, but this is what the cigar was waiting for at 1/2 way to being done. This is what the Lancero is all about at this transition. I can still taste that it has a kick to it with this new transition. Now the real and true Lancero I've smoked many times before has finally made an appearance and seems to have stayed this time and its now 4:41am.

Perfect time to ash as well. Right now the smoke has a sweet smell to it and taste to what I am accustomed too. Time to ash once again at 4:47am and I'm just thinking oh snap...where have you been all my life. I can tell a huge change in the smoke and taste now. It still has a underlying strength to it with one hell of a balance now. The first half and the last half is like the difference between night and day.

Ok...Onto my impressions on the last half. I just can't say enough that the last half of this cigar is just so damn good. The smell is just hypnotic and mesmerising for me as this is what every Opus X should be like and noted this at 4:52am. Ash time again. Right now it reminds me of the Robusto and Petit Lancero combined which both are fantastic smokes to me. At least my apartment smells like an Opus X stash has been lost to fire again. The 2005 band had to come off at 5:05am and it was flawless. Time for another ashing in which a nice woody not has come out. I finally took off the Opus X band at 5:15 am and ashed. This is when the burn issues arrived. I stopped reviewing at this point as the burn issues was a little distracting but the cigar stayed true to itself to the very end when I burned my fingers smoking it down to the nub.

Ok...For a wrap up this cigar. The first 1/2 had a serious kick to it and not really balanced until it hit the 1/2 way mark and thats when the Lancero really opened up. It took on characteristics that is just amazing for a cigar. There wasn't many transitions on this one but the few that was there, they was major ones any one would have took note on. Over all I would have given this Lancero a solid 90 out of a 100. As previous Lancero experiences have been like the last half of this one but it was the whole cigar. So the strength unbalance kinda distracted the experience some what but still a fine damn smoke. I wouldn't turn one down if I was offered another one. :smiley41:

PS "I will add the pictures another day as I am to tired writing this one out. :smiley37: "

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I decided it was the Opus X Double Robusto was the next victim from this box. I smoked this bad boy on the 3rd April 2007. I cut this cigar at 6:52pm and then fired it up at 6:54pm. I did an initial inspection of it and found no visual flaws to the wrapper at all.

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The initial draw after the cut was just right. It wasn't loose or tight, but the happy medium for a cigar and I felt this was going to be a good sign for the Double Robusto. Also the initial impressions of the smoke was of potency and strength. I can tell its an Opus with some beast lurking underneath this cigar. The smell reminds me of the Chili Pepper and the Lancero when this cigar first started out. I just exhaled some smoke out of the nasal passage at 6:57pm and its telling me I'm in for a ride as this cigar may need more than 2+ years of age on it still. I am guessing at this point it will need a min of 5 years on it before it would be truly ready.

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Seems like a sweet raspberry undertone in the smoke and this really made a nice appearance at 6:59pm. Yet the smoke still says its to young to me for some reason. The first 1/4" burn is experiencing some problems, but it doesn't require a touch up so far as I feel it will snap out of it and will open up real soon. That has been my experience so far on all the Opus I have ever smoked. Still a light tones of wild raspberries that I can smell and this is a wonderful reward for me.

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Now at 7:04pm something seems to be happening. I haven't really figured out if its th e initial phase of a transition that's about to take place or something else. Time to ash at 7:05pm and see what happens as the smoke rolling off of the cigar as I hand write this review is telling me something may appear real soon. The smoke seems to have lightened up in strength after the ash and its now at 7:07pm. Ok...maybe not. LOL!!!

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On the plus side, the burn does seem to be better now. I've got the impression this cigar may have some tannic taste to it already since I fired it up and its now 7:10pm. Its not a distracting as I feel this cigar has a kick to it and from my my experiences of these reviews.

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There is plenty of smoke off each draw as that isn't a surprise to me, but something still tells me something undefined at this point is going on. Naturally I have my Russian music playing in the background as I smoke this cigar and write my review on paper. I find this helps me relax while reviewing the crazy Opus X cigars from this box. Finally, there is a transition at 7:13pm. I can taste the raspberry with a woody/alcohol taste. That is what was going on this whole time and it finally developed so that I could put my finger on it. The alcohol taste was not subtle at this point. It was like getting hit with a Mack Truck.

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Time to ash at 7:16pm and the alcohol taste is finally gone at this point. The smoke still says it has a wonderful kick to it with a slight burn in the nasal passage as I just exhaled some smoke out of my nose. I wonder if this is the alcohol side effect and not that its young at all. Definitely a unique smoke and now I can actually put a name to the alcohol. It reminds me of a 70% rubbing alcohol and this was discovered at 7:19pm. Its not ruining the cigar experience at this point, but it could be much better.

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Just did a touch up at 7:21pm and it was pretty minor. The ash is really dark and compact as a side note. Ahhh...the raspberry smell came off the cigar but the damn alcohol smell seems to be over-riding every thing else. It comes out after about 20 seconds of blowing the smoke out of the mouth.

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Time to ash again at 7:26pm after I took a picture of it and a touch up. Another raspberry smell at 7:28pm and the smoke has one hell of a kick coming out. I think the first signs of getting a buzz at 7:30pm has made an appearance and an unusual peppery taste that comes out at this point as well.

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Ok...this is odd at 7:33pm but I had a pineapple smell for a second. Its gone now, but the undertones of a peppery-woody-alcohol taste has come out after. Now I am confused about this cigar as I haven't really experienced this before. Its time to ash at 7:35pm and will see what happens after that. Other than a touch up. Well...slap me upside the head but the alcohol-peppery-woody taste is back at 7:37pm and its really made an appearance instead of some subtle undertone.

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Interesting at 7:39pm as a smell of burnt rubber came out in the smoke. Well its the second time, but I dismissed the first impression. I felt my mustache and made sure it wasn't on fire after the rubber smell. I took the 2005 band off at 7:41pm and didn't hurt the band at all. Still getting a peppery taste off this cigar and the smoke reminds me of something from a long time ago in my childhood but I simply can't place it at all.

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By the way, the smoke has been really cool during this whole process and the cigar hasn't got hot at all. Still at 7:45pm the smoke seems mild at first and then it tells another story. It was time to ash at this point and I still don't know what to think about this Opus. But I wanted unique and different, then this would be it. I still have a slight buzz going on here and I am wondering if its from the alcohol taste I have picked up or just a nicotine buzz.

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Now at 7:53pm a slight Opus X taste comes out. Time for the big band to come off at 7:55pm and was perfect this time. The band removals on these Opus X CFCF box has been a hit and miss. Some come off cleanly and others just tear. I ashed again at 7:58pm and no cigar has stumped me like this one has. I still can't decide about this cigar and the thoughts of "I hope its a dud" comes to mind. Now I am getting hungry for food.

Even at 8:05pm, I haven't seen any real changes over what I have written so far about this cigar experience. Even now I have entertained the idea of tossing whats left of the Double Robusto and its about 2" left. Still the same after taste with the peppery notes to it. The raspberry subtle note comes out at 8:12pm. But it comes as fast as it goes. Not consistant whatsoever. First major touch up takes place at 8:15pm.

Ash time at 8:18pm since the correction is complete. As this cigar isn't cutting it, I'm tossing the last 1" of it and eating dinner.

For the over all impression. I still to date can't give this cigar any rating on a 1 to 100 scale. I'm still hoping that the first Double Robusto was a dud and yes, I've had some Opus that was off. The alcohol taste started to get much stronger at the end and that part was a turn off. I will post pictures of this cigar another day. I still have one of these left and will revisit it at another time and I hope the experience is much better than it was the first time around. I revisited another one from this box and the experience was better than the first time around. I forget which one it was too. So in short...this was one confusing Opus X. :smiley37:

I revisited the Double Robusto last night and it was actually pretty good. I'm thinking hte first one was just a tad off as the second one was so much better. I'd probably have given the 2nd one a 92 out of a 100 point scale. :smiley37:

I smoked the Opus X BBMF yesterday morning. I will be posting the review hopefully tonight and get caught up on the pictures in the several reviews that need them. I got selected for Jury Duty so I get to see if I get selected today. More than likely not, but I still have to jump through the hoops. The Jury Duty tour is 3 months long so I can be called to serve for some time to come. :smiley40:

1st May 2007 I decided to smoke the Big Bad Mother F***er aka BBMF.

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After a visual inspection at 4:44am of this cigar, I found no visual flaws whatsoever. Even the "flower" was in perfect shape. Its a shame that I had to cut that off as its not common to find one with a flower like this. All I smell is a nice sweet raspberry smell radiating off the cigar. Hopefully I will be in for a real treat if the smell is any indication of what is to come. I decided to pull out my Casa Fuente Xikar for this cigar as I don't want any dull blades cutting this cigar.

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I managed to cut this cigar at 4:49am and it was flawless. The predraw seems a little tight but that will change as soon as I put a flame to it. I decided to do something different with this review and its to watch the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds" versus the usual Russian music.

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Lighting this cigar at 4:53am. I can easily taste the maduro foot on this one and at the same time, the Opus X characteristics have already shown themselves. The raspberry smell and taste comes out and really starts to open up at 4:55am. About 1/2 way through that small maduro tip. The draw is really nice after the tip is gone. The smoke has undertones of some hidden strength and what appears to be a very mild alcohol smell.

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Exhaling the smoke out of the nose at 5:59am and my impression is that this cigar seems very young even with nearly 2 1/2 years on it. The smoke also adds a little burning sensation to the nasal passage. A woody taste with a mix of something I can't identify has come out at 5:01am. I'm thinking this maybe an interesting smoke and I have smoked my fair share of the BBMF before.

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The burn passed the initial dome section and has been the best I've ever seen on any Arturo Fuente perfecto shaped cigar. With it not needing a touch up at this point is amazing and this is at 5:05am. For some unusual reason I just picked up on a lavender smell for just a brief second and disappeared as fast as it came which I am thankful for. Not a characteristic I want in a cigar.

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Subtle notes that this is an Opus has reappeared. The unique woody/raspberry combination I get off a Opus isn't overwhelming. I find this cigar is a big teaser for what is to come and noted at 5:08am. Again, the last puff had the raspberry/wood taste to it with a little mingle of alcohol. The after taste is also unique which is the notes I've already mentioned.

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Just for a brief second, i thought I had a nutty coffee taste appear at 5:10am. Even now, the lips have started to tingle a little. I can definitely say there isn't another Opus like this one so far. Due to its size, I feel the true taste is being muted. But I'm digging it so far. Now at 5:15am, I got the wild raspberry taste which seemed creamy as if they was warmed up on a hot skillet with some alcohol. Maybe some Brandy. This characteristic seems to work for now.

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The draw has been very nice and plenty of smoke off each puff. Taking a brief moment to mention the ash as its kind of flaky yet its still solid. Time to ash at 5:18am and will see how this cigar will open up after. A subtle hint of an underlining strength has come through once again at 5:19am. I'm wondering if this is due to the subtle alcohol taste and smell I'm picking up on. I have to watch inhaling the smoke as its pretty potent. So far the cigar has been pretty consistent up to this point.

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Time to ash at 5:27am. Still has the underlining strength profile I've noted previously, yet the cigar isn't like an Opus any more. Sometimes the BBMF has reminded me of the Chili Pepper. Time for a minor touch up at 5:31am. The raspberry notes has come back again at 5:32am.

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Just did a brief inspection of the area I cut and the tar build up is starting to fill the center. Again the woody notes at 5:35am and the alcohol taste and smell. My poor nasal passages feel like they are on fire while the eyes water a little bit. Time to ash once again at 5:39am and a little touch up.

I have to say that this smoke has always been interesting to review. Interesting transition at 5:47am. Something has made an appearance and I haven't decided if its good or bad yet. Possible due to the tar build up. A nutty/woody taste once again at 5:52am and also the burnt taste once again. Time for the 2005 band to come off and ash while a minor touch up is needed. The band came off relatively easy this time around.

Time to ash once again at 6:03am. Not much for changes at this point worth taking notes on. I just made the cigar hot at 6:07am to see if something else would come out after so its time to let it cool down for a minute or two. At 6:10am, I'm getting a slight after taste of raspberry. Again at 6:16am, the Opus X band had to come off and this time it was very easy. No damages to the band whatsoever as the infamous Arturo Fuente super glue wasn't present on this band. I did have to do a minor touch up at this point in time and ash the cigar. For a brief moment I had an after thought of I just ate a Pepper corn Steak at 6:26am.

Still not much changes since the last impression but it has a nice woody after taste at 6:31am. I'm getting pretty hungry at this point and this now leads into another ashing. So far the smoke has stayed pretty cool in the mouth as long as I don't get the cigar hot. Once again at 6:40am it was ash time. This was the last 3/4" of the cigar and it didn't change from this point out.

My overall impression of this cigar is that it was tasty and different from the Prometheus BBMF. This cigar wasn't impressive to me when I first smoked it a few years ago but has gradually grown on me in that I enjoy it now. I think I'd have given this one a 90 out of a 100 points.

Pictures have been added to the Lancero and Double Robusto Reviews. Unfortunately my batteries died and I have to get some more so the BBMF pictures will have to wait. :smiley37:

Edited to add...ALL pictures up to date for the reviews. Next one will be the X Square in a few days and looking forward to wrapping this up.

I smoked like 25 to 30 cigars between Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so I'm doing a little recovery for the last Review. I smoked it on Friday, but I feel it was a dud so I will be revisiting the X Square real soon and hopefully its much better this time around. :smiley37:

Mr. Peat, you are out of control...

Great reviews, keep em coming.

:smiley20:

I do enjoy the reviews and photos. Thank you very much, and please keep it up!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FunkyCold5

I do enjoy the reviews and photos. Thank you very much, and please keep it up!

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I have the last one to type up and this box is a wrap. Hopefully will get it done this week. :smiley37:

oops wrong place