Cigar Reviewed: CAO Zócalo

Date Smoked: December 31, 2024

Price: $25.00

Pairing: Whiskey Sour (Crown Royal)

Appearance

The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve is a visually stunning cigar, with a rich, oily wrapper that is dark brown with a slight reddish hue. The wrapper is impeccably smooth, with minimal veins and tight seams, reflecting the top-tier craftsmanship Fuente is known for. The double band, featuring the signature Fuente family crest, adds a touch of elegance.

Pre-light Experience

• Aroma: The unlit cigar exudes a complex bouquet of cedar, dark chocolate, and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of dried fruits.

• Cold Draw: After cutting, the cold draw revealed notes of raisin, cocoa, and a hint of black pepper, with just the right amount of resistance.

Smoking Experience

First Third:

The first third opens with a beautifully balanced mix of flavors. A dominant note of cedar is complemented by sweet caramel and a touch of nuttiness. Subtle spices linger on the retrohale, adding depth. The burn line was razor-sharp, and the ash held firm, showcasing excellent construction. Second Third:

As the cigar progressed, the flavor profile evolved. The sweetness mellowed, giving way to richer, earthier notes of espresso and dark chocolate. A hint of black pepper returned on the finish, creating a harmonious contrast. The draw remained flawless, and the smoke output was generous and aromatic. Final Third:

In the final third, the strength ramped up slightly, with the cedar and espresso notes becoming more pronounced. A pleasant creaminess rounded out the profile, making for a smooth finish. There was no harshness, even as the nub approached. Construction

The craftsmanship of the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve was flawless. The burn was even throughout, requiring no touch-ups. The draw was perfect, and the ash stayed intact for impressive lengths. This cigar is a testament to Fuente’s dedication to quality.

Overall Experience

The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve was the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration smoke. Its medium-full strength was perfectly balanced, delivering complexity without overpowering. I particularly appreciated how it never got too strong or spicy, even in the final third, maintaining a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Pairing it with a whiskey sour elevated the experience—the slight sweetness of the cocktail beautifully complemented the cigar’s profile, enhancing the cedar and caramel notes while mellowing the subtle pepper on the retrohale.

The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve is a masterful blend that offers a luxurious and complex smoking experience. From the impeccable construction to the evolving flavor profile, it delivers everything a premium cigar enthusiast could hope for. This is a cigar to savor during special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself.

• Strength: Medium-Full

• Body: Full

• Flavor Complexity: High

• Would I Smoke Again? Absolutely.