AF 13 review

[moki]

I smoked my first "AF 13" today; this review will be brief, because I couldn't pay too much attention to the cigar while I smoked it, because I was playing Texas Hold 'Em poker at the time.

The AF 13 is an "unreleased" cigar from Arturo Fuente, the folks who brought you the Opus X, Hemingway, and other premium cigars. I say "unreleased" because you can't buy them... yet. Boxes were made available to the first 100 people who ordered them from Arturo Fuente, and they have special white bands and come in a box signed (via proxy) by Carlito.

These same cigars *will* apparently be available later this year (some say November) as an anniversary cigar of some sort.

It's an interesting cigar, one that you probably would have a hard time believing is from Arturo Fuente. Everyone who looked at it said "What, is that a Padrón?" And it does indeed look semi-similar to a Padron Anniversary Maduro: slightly box pressed, and with a wrapper that could be mistaken for a Nicaraguan at first glance.

Overall, it is an interesting cigar. If I were a conspiracy theorist, I'd definitely say that this was AF's attempt at an answer to the Padrón Anniversary line. On its own merits, and it is an interesting cigar. Medium bodied, with a slight hint of nuts, and an oddly "minty" aftertaste, it's and enjoyable cigar.

I admit, I expected to be blown away by AF's newest creation; I wasn't. It's good, but I don't think this will be a watershed release like the Opus X was. I plan on doing a more in-depth follow-up to this review, when I can smoke one and pay attention to the flavors a bit more (was too busy losing money ).

 

[Tony Bones]

Thanks for the review Andrew.

I have mixed feelings about the whole Fuente operation. It seems that they are saturating the market w/ limited editions, special releases, etc. You don't need an MBA to figure out that when you do this, you ruin your brand. Part of the appeal of the upper end Fuente stuff is its elusiveness...at least to me.

 

[Allofus123]

Wow, I respectfully disagree.

I felt this was one of the best cigars to be introduced in a long time. I can't make the Padron comparison leap with you either and I'm a closet Padron 3000 smoker. Sorry! Give it another try when you can sit down and relax. Not looking to change your opinion, just give the cigar the benifit of your attention.

There's a lesson here...... what one person likes in a cigar is not nessesarily what the next person is looking for. There's a reason they make choc and vanilla ice cream....

Andrew writes great reviews which are entertaining and I love reading them. Keep in mind that a review is the opinion of the reviewer. Don't throw out trying any cigar over someone elses opinion.

BTW, Andrew..... let me know if we need to work out a trade.

 

[moki]

Wow, I respectfully disagree.

I felt this was one of the best cigars to be introduced in a long time. I can't make the Padron comparison leap with you either and I'm a closet Padron 3000 smoker. Sorry! Give it another try when you can sit down and relax. Not looking to change your opinion, just give the cigar the benifit of your attention.

Yep, I do need to give it more attention -- and you're totally right, a review is just one person's opinion!

As I said, it was a good cigar, it just didn't live up to my own hopes/expectations. However given that the release is apparently not until November, perhaps they are meant to be aged a bit. I'll definitely give it another shot when I can pay attention and add my comments.

What did you like about the cigar, Allofus123?

 

[moki]

Thanks for the review Andrew.

I have mixed feelings about the whole Fuente operation. It seems that they are saturating the market w/ limited editions, special releases, etc. You don't need an MBA to figure out that when you do this, you ruin your brand. Part of the appeal of the upper end Fuente stuff is its elusiveness...at least to me.

Well, you're right in one sense, which is that Fuente is probably the most marketing-savvy company around.

However you need to understand the reason for the AF13 release; AF has a web site for their fans, and this was a "thank you" to those people, this limited pre-release (and it also happens to be a great marketing gimmick). They are quite involved in charity events, annual get-togethers to bring people from their community together to show them the factory, etc.

So it isn't just jaded cynicism that drives what they do, but I grant you that they are savvy marketers. I also happen to *love* their Opus X cigars. I'm less enthusiastic about their other lines, but they do have some other nice smokes as well. Try a Don Carlos some time, it isn't that expensive of a smoke, and it's quite nice.

 

[Allofus123]

The last one I smoked was over a month ago and I'll have to recall this from memory.

I smoked it on the back porch while rocking in a big ol rocking chair. Bottled water was my beverage of choice. Late afternoon, the sun was still up but had set by the time I was done. Cool breeze that became down right cold after the sun set.

My recollection of the smoke was volumes of smoke, one of the best drawing cigars I had had in a long time. Clean burn, not razor sharp but no touch up needed. Extremely firm white ash while on the cigar. First third didn't set my world on fire but it was very enjoyable none the less. Had I put the cigar out at that point I would have said this is another decent cigar. What sold me on it was from that point on. The cigar seemed to burst with flavors as if I was smoking a different cigar. I'll spare you from the coffee, choc, and nuts references but the change was as if someone flipped a switch. My mouth tingled from the sensation of the smoke which I recall having a thick texture to it. It so intoxicated me that I started rushing the smoke. I tried to slow down but would go back for another drag almost as soon as I exhaled the previous. I smoked it to about an inch maybe an inch and a quarter and couldn't nub it because I had gotten it to hot. I remember being disappointed at myself for hot boxing it.

I have to somewhat retract my statement of the resemblence to a Padron. I pulled out one of my 3000 maduros and held it side by side a few minutes ago. Close up the 13 was a bit darker but holding them apart in two hands you would think they were the same. I do not recall any similarity in taste to a Padron but without smoking them side by side I couldn't speculate any more than what I have.

Only time will tell if the regular release will resemble the prerelease. I wouldn't set your clocks for November...... Fuente is not known for being punctual on any of their cigars. Some say its marketing while the Fuente's say they will not rush a cigar to market.

 

[moki]

My mouth tingled from the sensation of the smoke which I recall having a thick texture to it

Yeah I can echo that, I definitely got that nice tingling taste in my mouth. It was an interesting cigar to be sure. Thanks for your thoughts, I look forward to revisiting it.

 

[moki]

After having smoked a number of these cigar (including one I had today), I'm happy to say that I think my original assessment was off.

I enjoy these cigars very much.

 

[jlada]

After having smoked a number of these cigar (including one I had today), I'm happy to say that I think my original assessment was off.

I enjoy these cigars very much.

The "AF 13" from CF or the DAGA SG?

 

[Napa_Smokes]

Well then wheres the updated review!!!! :sign:

 

[moki]

After having smoked a number of these cigar (including one I had today), I'm happy to say that I think my original assessment was off.

I enjoy these cigars very much.

The "AF 13" from CF or the DAGA SG?

Same cigar:

http://www.vitolas.net/displayimage.php?pos=-1121

All rolled at the same time, etc.

Well then wheres the updated review!!!! :sign:

Where is YOUR review? I have it on good authority that you & Phil smoked one of these cigars last weekend.

 

[jlada]

After having smoked a number of these cigar (including one I had today), I'm happy to say that I think my original assessment was off.

I enjoy these cigars very much.

The "AF 13" from CF or the DAGA SG?

Same cigar:

http://www.vitolas.net/displayimage.php?pos=-1121

All rolled at the same time, etc.

Man... if only someone had a website to reference all the rare..... . I know (because of your website)! Hence the at the end.

 

[Napa_Smokes]

It was very good..YUMMM I wish I had another.. Probably one of the best Fuente's I have had the chance to smoke..Then again that might have been the company and atmosphere. Very Rich lots of smoke, other than that I can't recall specifics.

:blush:

edited to add:

No one told me there would be a quiz!!!!

 

[insight]

It didn't suck! The cigar was accentuated by the ambiance of Moki showing us farm porn and Evan drinking his patron silver with the extinguished PL Magnifico in the glass.

 

[PunchLibertad4Me]

OK, I'll bite, where pray tell might a botl come across one or two of these sticks? I would love to try it.

 

[enerjay]

Some guys just seem to struggle with finding a good smoke, wish you guys all the luck. :sign:

 

[Napa_Smokes]

OK, I'll bite, where pray tell might a botl come across one or two of these sticks? I would love to try it.

If you check the BST forum one of our very nice vendors here on CP is offering up a set of the DAGA's for $100 which has one of these cigars in them. Very fair price for this stick. Otherwise Casa Fuente has the AF13's for $125 each on occassion.

 

[moki]

It was very good..YUMMM I wish I had another.. Probably one of the best Fuente's I have had the chance to smoke..Then again that might have been the company and atmosphere. Very Rich lots of smoke, other than that I can't recall specifics.

:blush:

edited to add:

No one told me there would be a quiz!!!!

I'll send you another if you promise to post a full review... deal or no deal?

 

[gunsandcigars88]

It was very good..YUMMM I wish I had another.. Probably one of the best Fuente's I have had the chance to smoke..Then again that might have been the company and atmosphere. Very Rich lots of smoke, other than that I can't recall specifics.

:blush:

edited to add:

No one told me there would be a quiz!!!!

I'll send you another if you promise to post a full review... deal or no deal?

I will be truly shocked if he says no deal. :laugh:
B

 

[BlindedByScience]

It was very good..YUMMM I wish I had another.. Probably one of the best Fuente's I have had the chance to smoke..Then again that might have been the company and atmosphere. Very Rich lots of smoke, other than that I can't recall specifics.

:blush:

edited to add:

No one told me there would be a quiz!!!!

I'll send you another if you promise to post a full review... deal or no deal?

< set blatant_mooch_attempt = true >

....if he won't I will. Gladly.

B.B.S.