Arturo Fuente Between the Lines

Sometimes you keep something in the humidor as a treasure.  And, with the passage of time the memory of the first smoke grows fonder.  You know what I mean.  You had a great meal at a spectacular restaurant and years later the fond memory makes it hard to live up to its billing.  This was one of those rare cases where it was even better than I remember.

About six years ago, I had lunch with Cynthia Fuente Saurez.  Let’s be honest – it was nothing clandestine, rather she hosted a lunch table at the Big Smoke Weekend in Las Vegas.  She was indeed a gracious hostess and gave each of us a couple of her personal favorite cigars the Hemingway Between the Lines.  What a magnificent smoke.

When you first look a the cigar, it’s hard not to be impressed.  The stick has two wrappers, a light Connecticut shade and a dark maduro, both grown in the Dominican.  The wrappers are cut of equal size and wrapped together creating the great striped, or barber pole, effect.  The figurado shape also comes to a nipple at the foot, and tapers foot to head.

The wrappers aren’t just for show, but rather contribute to a complex flavor profile that has cream and a hint of spice.  As I was smoking I felt like I was enjoying the best cafe au lait that I’d ever had.  There was a consistency throughout the stick, nice taste without bitterness at any point.  and, for the second cigar in a row, I found myself almost burning my fingers as I wanted more and more.  As, were it that there was another of these  humidor just waiting for the right occasion.

The construction of this stick is perfect.  It clipped easily, lit without problem and drew well.  The burn was flawless, holding a crisp edge and a nice long mixed gray ash.

Fifteen dollar cigars are pricey.  And, while I can’t imagine this as an everyday smoke, it is so good as to deliver value for a special occasion.  No humidor should be without at least two so that after you have enjoyed one, there is always one left to look forward to.