Arturo Fuente Opus X Angel’s Share Reserva d'Chateau: A Reflection of Legacy and Craftsmanship

Konstantin Denishev
Oct 24, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Mar 13

The Arturo Fuente Opus X Angel’s Share Reserva d'Chateau is a standout in the Opus X range, representing more than just a premium cigar. Created after the devastating 2012 fire that consumed the Fuente family's storied tobacco stocks, the name "Angel’s Share" alludes to the idea that the angels enjoyed the aroma of the burning tobacco and blessed the Fuente family with their continued success. This cigar is a tribute to that tragedy and the resilience that followed.

Flavour Profile

The Angel’s Share Reserva d'Chateau offers a medium to full-bodied smoking experience that is both rich and nuanced. Upon lighting, the cigar introduces you to a delightful blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and subtle floral notes, giving it a sophisticated and aromatic start. As the cigar progresses into the middle third, the flavours evolve with the introduction of deeper cedar, leather, and nutmeg, providing a luxurious creaminess balanced with mild spiciness.

The final third develops more complexity with hints of earthiness, dark cocoa, and a touch of black pepper on the retrohale, finishing with a creamy yet slightly spicy profile that lingers on the palate. The smooth transition between flavours is a testament to the fine tobacco used and the craftsmanship that has gone into creating this cigar.

Vitola Details

Here are the specific details for the Reserva d'Chateau:

Factory Name: Reserva d'Chateau
Dimensions: Ring gauge 48 x Length 178 mm (7 inches)
Wrapper: Dominican Sun Grown Rosado, from the middle priming of the tobacco plant
Filler and Binder: Dominican, from the Fuente family’s renowned estate in the Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium to full-bodied
Construction: Handmade in the Dominican Republic

The Reserva d'Chateau vitola, being a Churchill-sized cigar, offers an extended smoking time of 90 to 120 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed evening or a special occasion. The use of the middle priming of the tobacco plant instead of the top leaves creates a cigar that is slightly lighter in strength than the traditional Opus X but retains a high level of complexity and depth

Arturo Fuente.

The Story Behind Angel’s Share

The origin of the Angel’s Share name is rooted in the aftermath of the fire that devastated the Fuente family’s tobacco warehouses in 2012. The tobacco that had been aging for decades was tragically lost. The term "Angel’s Share" is traditionally used in the wine and spirits industry to describe the small amount of liquid that evaporates from barrels during the aging process. Here, it symbolises the tobacco lost in the fire, as if it had been sampled by the angels themselves.

This loss, while tragic, inspired Carlos Fuente Jr. to create something meaningful from the event. The Angel’s Share line honours that loss and pays tribute to the family’s resilience and continued commitment to producing exceptional cigars. The blend used in the Angel’s Share focuses on the middle priming of the plant, which Fuente Jr. believes contains the heart and soul of the tobacco, delivering flavour without being overly intense

Arturo Fuente.

Construction and Craftsmanship

The construction of the Reserva d'Chateau is impeccable, as expected from the Fuente family. The cigar features a beautifully smooth wrapper, with minimal veins and a perfect sheen. The Dominican Sun Grown Rosado wrapper adds a visual elegance and enhances the cigar’s aromatic profile. The draw is flawless, producing a steady, creamy smoke, while the burn remains even throughout the smoking experience.

The attention to detail in the construction is clear from the moment the cigar is lit, with the ash holding firm and the wrapper staying intact without cracking. Each puff provides a rich, full-bodied experience, while the smoke stays cool and enjoyable over the length of the cigar

Arturo Fuente.

Ideal Pairings

The Angel’s Share pairs wonderfully with a range of beverages that complement its rich flavour profile:

Single Malt Scotch: A lightly peated whisky will complement the cigar’s creaminess and nutty undertones, while enhancing the earthy, spicy flavours in the final third.
Cognac: The vanilla and cinnamon notes of the cigar pair perfectly with the fruity sweetness and oak undertones of a well-aged Cognac, creating a harmonious balance.
Espresso: The richness of a dark espresso or americano will highlight the cigar’s creamy and nutty flavours, especially in the middle and final thirds, making for a balanced and satisfying pairing.

Experience and Final Thoughts

The Arturo Fuente Opus X Angel’s Share Reserva d'Chateau offers a unique and meaningful smoking experience. The balance between sweetness and spice, combined with the rich history behind its creation, makes this cigar a standout in the Opus X range. The Angel’s Share is slightly less intense than the traditional Opus X but delivers just as much complexity, making it perfect for both seasoned smokers and those new to the brand.

With its elegant construction, refined flavour profile, and rich history, the Angel’s Share Reserva d'Chateau is ideal for celebratory occasions, reflective moments, or simply for those who appreciate the art of fine cigars.

Rating for Opus X Angel’s Share Reserva d'Chateau

Appearance: 9/10 – Flawless construction with a sleek, visually appealing wrapper.
Aroma: 8/10 – Light vanilla and cinnamon scents, with subtle earthiness.
Flavour: 19/20 – Smooth, balanced, and evolving complexity of vanilla, cream, and spice.
Draw: 9/10 – Effortless draw producing rich, creamy smoke.
Burn: 9/10 – Even burn with a strong ash.
Construction: 10/10 – Impeccable craftsmanship throughout.
Strength: 8/10 – Medium to full-bodied, ideal for those seeking flavour with refinement.
Finish: 9/10 – Creamy, slightly spicy, with a satisfying final note.
Overall Experience: 9/10 – A unique and memorable cigar with a story behind its creation.

Total Score: 90/100

For those seeking a memorable, flavourful smoke with a meaningful history, the Opus X Angel’s Share Reserva d'Chateau is a top choice. Whether for a special occasion or simply for an indulgent smoke, this cigar delivers on all fronts.

Watch My Full Video Review!

For a deeper dive into the Arturo Fuente Opus X Angel’s Share Reserva d'Chateau, be sure to check out my full video review! In the video, I break down the cigar’s flavour profile, construction, and smoking experience in more detail. I also share personal insights on the perfect pairings and how this cigar compares to other offerings from the Opus X line. Watch the video to see the cigar in action and hear my thoughts on why it’s a must-try for any cigar enthusiast.

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