Info:
I would imagine most readers have at least heard of the Fuente Opus X, and most likely have had the pleasure of trying some. The Lost City is a little harder to come by. The normal production is 5,000 boxes released once a year. It also comes with a higher price tag, which further limits its availability for some smokers.
If you’re not familiar with the story behind the Lost City, the short version is this: Andy Garcia made a movie by the same title over a decade ago. For one of the scenes in the movie, he wanted to film a tobacco field. It was time for the harvest, so the Fuente family planted a crop during the summer months just so they could use it for the movie.
The Fuentes decided to use the tobacco for a cigar that they agreed to name after the movie. Good thing is, it turned out to be pretty damn good!
This is the short version of the story. Be sure to go to the Fuente website for the full story.
The tobacco used for this cigar is from a summer crop. The tobacco is aged for 5 years. It comes in five vitolas: lancero, piramide, robusto, double robusto and toro.
This sample was sent to me by Siz. He swears he bought it with his own money. (Edit from Siz, we were sent this sample from the great folks over at CigarsCity.com)
Looks:
The Lost City is a nice combination of beauty and the beast. Let’s start with the beast; the stick itself is a little rough looking. It has a nice milk chocolate shade wrapper that is quite veiny. The seams are visible. The barrel and foot look well stuffed. There is also some glue near the bands and a couple of other spots on the wrapper.
The beauty of this cigar is definitely the bands. There are two, the main band and a thinner one below it. The main band has similar artwork to the regular Opus X but more black and red. It is very ornate and has “Forbidden” written on the right side of it. The second band has the Lost City title with the same colors. It would take too many words to describe both completely, so just look at the pictures and marvel at the intricacy!
Function:
The Lost City feels as solid as it looks. There is no give on this thing at all. While it is not that smooth due to the veins, there are no lumps and definitely no soft spots. I’m hoping the draw is not too tight!
The aromas on this cigar are fantastic. The foot has a nice molasses and earth combination. The barrel smells of salty meat and cocoa.
I am eager to clip the cap and see what’s doin! The draw is a little tight after the first clip, so I clip a little more, which seems to help. I pick up molasses and earth like I got on the barrel.
Smoking:
Thankfully, the Lost City lights up pretty easily, even on this damp, rainy day. Plus, the draw is much better than on the pre light. While a little resistant, I can get nice full puffs with minor effort. This continues to improve to the point of being just right.
The burn stays mostly even until I get near the end. It does get a little wavy at that point but never out of control. Also of note is taking the main band off tears the wrapper just a bit. This causes a little unraveling at that spot. Damn glue!
The ash is mostly light gray. It looks a little flaky but hangs on for about an inch at a time. Keeping it that long is a little risky though as it falls off with the slightest tap.
Flavor:
Based on the reputation of the Opus X, I am expecting a rich, flavorful cigar. The Fuente Opus X Lost City is supposed to be a little less overwhelming than the regular Opus but should still be in the same neighborhood.
Starting off, the first notes are a faint black pepper, earth, and a tinge of cayenne. This does not last long as the spice becomes more floral halfway through this section. I also start getting some graham cracker and wood notes as well. The retrohale is particularly floral. There are also some baking spices but I am not able to pinpoint exactly what they are.
The next third takes the floral and baking spices to the next level. The pepper is now fully white and fragrant. I’m still getting some graham and wood notes too. The earth is pretty faint now. Also, a bit of nut and a LOT of floral!
The final third releases the battalion of floral notes! The finish and the retrohale are very fragrant and very tasty. This continues until the very end. One thing I never pick up on that I get from a regular Opus is bitterness. I’m sure that’s because there isn’t any tar build up, a slight on most Opus X I’ve had.
The Fuente Opus X Lost City Double Robusto is medium full in both strength and flavor.
The flavor is really close to full but doesn’t quite hit that mark. The floral spice is definitely the dominant flavor but doesn’t completely overshadow the other notes. The total smoke time was right at 1 hour 45 minutes.
Would I Buy It Again?
Just based on the way the cigar tasted and performed, I would say yes. However, it is a bit too expensive for me.
Is It An Everyday Smoke?
Only if you are rich or don’t mind sleeping on the couch (for my married friends!)
Would I Buy a Box?
Hell no! I can’t afford it!
Conclusion
If you’ve got the cash, I say you should definitely give the Lost City a try. If not, there are plenty of other great cigars out there for a third of the price. But just judging this cigar on how it performed, it was certainly enjoyable. I would have to say I like it more than the regular Opus X line, but would still grab an Anejo over either one.
