bigwhiteash / mrtr33 Reviews

[bigwhiteash]

This magnificent looking cigar is part of the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, "Toast Across America" commemorative set.



The other half being the Diamond Crown Maximus #2, reviewed previously by mrtr33.
This one is a 7 X 48 Reserva D'Chateau, basically repackaged with cedar sleeve, and additional bands.
Wrapped in an absolutely Beautiful rosado wrapper, very firm to the touch, and smooth, with minimal veins.



After marveling for some time over the construction of this fine looking cigar, it was time to get started. Pouring myself a big glass of sweet tea, cueing up the soundtrack from Lord of the Rings, I grabbed my cutter, and went to work!
This is where I wish I had a good quality cutter, but the el-cheapo did a pretty nice job removing just enough of the perfect tripple cap. Prelight draw is slightly tighter than any of the three other Opus X I have encountered. Not a problem... Yet.
Taking my time, I slowly toasted the foot until I had a good bit of white ash showing. Initial draws give me the same spicy pepper taste I have experienced with the other Opus, although smoke output is somewhat less.



I am in no way going to try to describe the flavors I encountered, except to say, this is one of the first times I have detected anything in the floral sensation, just barely there, behind the very pleasant spicy, robust tobacco flavor.



Right after I took the above picture, to avoid wearing it, I rolled the ash off into the ashtray, it took a slight push to get it to release, leasding me to believe it would have stayed strong for a good length. That's when the trouble started!
About 5 minutes after the initial ash, this thing started to get REALLY hard to draw. There is NO WAY i'm ditching this smoke, so, OFF WITH THE BANDS.. Carefully, Gently, I administer some Massage Therapy. Feeling a plug right below the cap, I concentrate my efforts there.



Five minutes later, BAM.. This thing was opened up, and smoking like an Opus Freight Train! Now THATS what I like! Great peppery flavor on the back of the pallate, lots of thick bluish-white smoke! Too bad it didn't stay that way.

Not sure if, in my joy of having this cigar open up like that, Maybe I started smoking it too fast, or what, but ten minutes later, my head is absolutely SWIMMING! I guess this is where my n00b starts to show.
Not wanting to spend the next two hours in the fetal position, I decided, for my own benefit, to let this one go.



Overall, I enjoyed smoking this lovely cigar, and I may even be to blame for the plug, I can't help but wonder if a quality cutter would have eliminated my problem. I have thoroughly enjoyed the other Opus I have been fortunate enough to aquire, A Power Ranger, and a pair of #4's, and will continue to seek them out.

I want to thank Mark, (mrtr33) for helping me with these reviews, and for sharing LITERALLY, a TOAST ACROSS AMERICA.

[mrtr33]

Nice review. Alas, the Opus X cigar has eluded me. One of these days, I hope to acquire one to smoke. I'm still trying to catch up trying the other smokes you've sent my way!

Thank you, bigwhiteash, for the opportunity.

[ashauler]

Nice review Dennis . LMAO......the Opus do pack a punch, imho. I wouldn't think your cut/cutter caused the plug, especially if sufficient cap was removed and the end didn't look "smashed".......and this kind of thing, in my limited experience, is easily massaged out.

Nice ashtray too.

[bigwhiteash]

The other three that I've had really gave me no nic hit to speak of. This one, I think when I finally got it massaged out, I smoked it a bit fast

I did kinda let it go out, since I was really trying to slow myself down, but by that time, I had really had enough.

Interestingly, I disected the remaining 2" of cigar, and found a couple small stems that were folded over and rolled near the cap.

I do have a monster Opus X 'A' vitola on the way, but I may be saving that for a very special occasion

[BigMacFU]

Always eat a lot before an Opus.

[bigwhiteash]

Always eat a lot before an Opus.

Quoted as sound advive

I actually ate quite a large meal beforehand, I think the combination of dealing with the "eye-popping draw" for a while, and the resulting high smoke output after the massage therapy, got my head twirling a bit