Issue: Cigar Aficionado, Jan 01, 2015

Score: 94

When Carlos Fuente Jr. was told he merely assembled cigars, rather than making them, he was insulted. When he was told it was impossible to grow fine wrappers in the Dominican Republic, he was transformed into a man on a mission. For nearly 20 years he has shown off the beauty, power and pizazz of Cuban-seed, shade-grown wrapper leaves harvested from his majestic Chateau de la Fuente wrapper farm in the Bonao Valley of the Dominican Republic. Those leaves are the hallmark of the Fuente Fuente OpusX line, one of the most successful cigar launches in modern memory.Fuente Fuente OpusX hit the market in November 1995 with seven sizes and a consumer frenzy that forced some retailers to limit purchases in many cases to two cigars per customer. Often, the cigars never even made it to the humidor in a cigar shop. The brand has been expanded over the years (and demand has calmed to a more manageable level, although the cigars can still be hard to find) and the PerfecXion X is one of the relatively newer sizes. With the trademark Fuente Fuente OpusX spice and leathery kick, the smoke also has notes of espresso and oaky wood. It's for fans of full-bodied smokes, and for those who know the Dominican Republic for growing some of the world's most intriguing wrapper.

Issue: Cigar Aficionado, Dec 01, 2014

Score: 92

First puffs are rich and strong with espresso notes and black pepper. There's also a pleasant tarry quality on the midpalate balanced by almond paste intonations and some oakiness.

Issue: Cigar Insider, Nov 27, 2012

Score: 91

Solidly rolled with a draw that delivers sweet dried fruit, cinnamon and brown sugar notes. More savory notes come through, as does a bit of spice.

Issue: Cigar Aficionado, Jun 01, 2007

Score: 90

Dark and oily, this cigar is well made with a rounded cap. The smoke is woody and leathery with a significant kick of cardamom and Mideastern spices. A peppery finish makes this a well-balanced, medium- to full-bodied cigar.

Issue: Cigar Insider, Sep 20, 2005

Score: 91

A lush, brown cigar with a lovely cap. It has a huge aroma that fills a room, and has a cedar and leather flavor that’s powerful yet elegant. Balanced and rich.

Issue: Cigar Aficionado, Apr 01, 2005

Score: 90

Attractive, oily and brown, with a well-done cap. The cigar has a good draw, an uneven burn, and leather and earth notes with hints of black cherries. A medium- to full-bodied cigar that will improve with age.

Issue: Cigar Aficionado, Oct 01, 2002

Score: 89

This reddish cigar has a spicy, oily flavor and loads of spice. It's earthy and full bodied. A true powerhouse.

Issue: Cigar Insider, Jul 01, 1999

Score: 90

A gorgeous cigar with a silky, reddish wrapper. It's leathery and peppery, with burnt caramel flavors. A strong cigar with a few rough notes on the finish. Powerful.