Wednesday, January 31, 2007

(CAMEROON SHARK!) A repost from the OLD Site (for Comparison)



Cigar name: Cameroon Wrapped Añejo Shark No.77
A.K.A.: "Sand Shark"
Vitola: 5 5/8" x 54
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: ?? unknown
Filler: Anejo blend
Released: 2006 @ CFC, 11/2006 via Holts
Quantity: ~2,000 via Holt's "Carlito's Way" sampler


Notes: This cigar is identical to the regular release Añejo Shark No.77, except that it has a Cameroon wrapper in lieu of the normal Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper found on the Añejo line. Comparison photo

These cigars are made on occasion for Cigar Aficionado owner Marvin Shanken, because of his penchant for Cameroon wrapped cigars. The Shark was actually made and named because of Marvin Shanken (Cigar Aficionado owner). Carlito named it for him because he loved it so much when he gave it to him on a visit to his office. Thus he called it the Shanken Shark.

The "No.77" designation comes not from the ring gauge of this cigar, as it does for the other cigars in the Añejo line, but rather from a more amusing reason altogether. Carlito took his kids to Sea World in Orlando, FL, and there noticed that some of the sharks in the tank had two pectoral fins, which looked sort of like two 7's.


This cigar was also released in November, 2006 as part of the Carlito's Way sampler from Holts.. That sampler includes the following:

1 Arturo Fuente Anejo Special Release Cameroon Shark (5.88 x 64)
1 Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art Maduro (4.88 x 60)
1 Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Wizard (6 x 56)
1 Fuente Fuente Opus X Belicoso XXX (4.63 x 49)
1 Fuente Fuente Opus X Perfecxion X (6.25 x 48)

(info from: http://www.vitolas.net/displayimage.php?album=1&pos=52 )

A couple of things. First a kind BOTL sent me a bomb with several tasty sticks recently. Including:

http://www.bloglines.com/blog/ColbyPants?id=12
http://www.bloglines.com/blog/ColbyPants?id=16
http://www.bloglines.com/blog/ColbyPants?id=14
The Camerron Shark, and another Opus X. . . . Hmmm suspicious. Anyway I just want to mention how grateful I am yet again. That said on to the "Sand Shark".

Having had a couple of Maduro #77's before I can say that this is a fascinating variation on on that theme. You get that fascinating half box press figurado that is unlike anything you will find elsewhere, with the interesting lighter twist. When I unwrapped the stogie, the wrapper while veinless and beautiful, looked a bit less sturdy than its counterpart, which raised a concern (that thankfully came to fruition). Upon lighting there was no problem whatsoever with the wrapper.

This cigar was smooth and mellow like a regular Anejo, with complexity to spare, spices and a but of coffee, leather and a obvious tobacco taste being the strongest notes to pick out. Also, I seem to be able to pick out a note, almost a feel, in all anejos that must be the result of the cognac aging (which I presume occurs on the cameroon wrapper as well), a pleasant little twist on the tongue. That said most of those notes can be found in the regular anejo, but there is also the delicious tangy note that comes from Fuentes Cameroon Wrapper. It balances out the spicyness well. While it may not pass the maduro version for the #1 place for anejos in my heart, it is a delicious variation. If you can get one try it!

TomC

Fuente Opus X Perfexcion No. 2

6 1/8 X 52 ROSADO

I have another fabulous smoke to share with you today, that is so often associated with quality that it barely even needs introduction. The Fuente Fuente Opus X. So lets get into the nitty-gritty of The Cigar, The Myth, The LEGEND!

Appearance: In a word, Beautiful. This smoothly wrapped, lightly reddish adorned pyramid just begs you to take a bite out of it, it is so tasty looking. It is firm and solidly packed, with no major veins, or blemishes or soft spots to speak of. Fabulously constructed.

Pre-Light Draw: This cigar clipped easily and yielded a nice medium draw, with initial pre-light sweetness. along with notes of woodiness and some tang. It really does entice you to just get to lighting it already.

Draw/Burn: As one would expect from the impeccable construction, the draw and burn of this cigar was a dream as well. The burn was razor straight and slow and cool, leading to full appreciation of the nuances that this cigar can present. Also the nice slow even burn produced quite a bit of white, billowy smoke, that you can easily get lost observing slowly meander to the ceiling. The ash was almost white, serving a nice contrast to the rosado wrapper and held for quite a long time, adding to the smoothness and round feeling of the smoke on your palate.


Flavors: This cigar provides a fabulous flavor contrast. On one hand there are some great sweet (I had often heard many a cigar lover say they tasted raisin in these cigars before, and inwardly scoff. But in this particular shape, it was there! I can finally see what they meant) and tangy notes. But those lighter notes are built upon yummy black pepper, sage, and clove smells and tastes. This cigar shows amazing depth and flavors, and if you feel like contemplating it, you can pull many a flavor nuance from it. If you would rather not, be satisfied you will be getting one of the worlds best medium-full flavor experiences.


I could wax poetic more on this stogie but I do not think it is necessary. This is a great cigar. You will enjoy it. It is not the cheapest of cigars but I can heartily say it is worth the price.

TomC