Following last week’s monolithic maduro, it seemed only fair to try on a the opposite extreme from the latest release of Arturo Fuente special edition cigars, the Fuente Fuente Opus X Pussy Cat. Ordinarily I avoid reviewing cigars from lines thave have been covered in the past, but this is a special vitola and different than those featured in previous reviews, and, well, the name makes me chuckle.
Opus X cigars are pretty rare to begin with, released in small numbers a couple times a year, and generally sell out quickly. The Pussy Cat is rarer still, not one that is usually part of the annual releases to retailers. It’s also not listed in the size chart on Arturo Fuente’s Cigar Family Website. What little there is to be found about the Pussy Cat online seems to be more rumors and speculation than verified information. One rumor is that the vitola may have been made in error, at least initially, and there is some debate over whether this stick is milder than other Opus X cigars, as the name seems to imply, or if it is actually more potent by virtue of its greater ligero to size ratio. I don’t have the answers to those questions, all I can do is see if this Pussy Cat bites or purrs when lit.
Cigar Stats:
Size: 4 1/4 x 43
Wrapper: Dominican Republic Rosado
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Smoking Time: 1 hour
Beverage: Water
Source: Purchased by reviewer
Price: MSRP $8.75
The Pre-Smoke
Size-wise, the Pussy cat is very similar to both the cedar-wrapped Perfecxion No. 4 and the Perfecxion No. 5, and could easily be mistaken for the No. 5. Looking the lightly mottled, finely veined cigars over, I found a few superficial imperfections. Each cigar had at least one small hole in the wrapper somewhere along its length, and one also had a light discoloration near the foot.
The cigars were consistently firm, and the wrapper of each had a deep, slightly sweet compost aroma. A quick test of the cold draw provided me with a creamy, sweet flavor, and a spicey tingle on the lips.
The Burn
The Opus X Pussy Cat looked nearly as good burning as did sitting in the humidor. The ash is light colored, and strong for it’s diminutive ring gauge, and the with a couple of exceptions, the burn line was pretty even throughout. And more importantly, the draw was always just right.
The only problem I had with this cigar was keeping it lit, especially in the final third. Given their size, that doesn’t leave much cigar left for relighting. And in one case, it happened a puff or two before I would have been finished anyway, so it really wasn’t that big of a deal.
The Flavor
The inital puffs of the Pussy Cat were full of sweet fruit, slightly spicy grass and a little caramel. As the cigar warmed up, savory, buttery and acidic tart elements were added to the mix.
The cigar was spicier in the second third as the slightly sweet caramel, fruit and woody grass flavors were joined by a touch of cinnamon. As the cigar progressed, the spice grew.
Once again in the final third, there was a touch of that buttery savoriness that was so prominent in the earlier stages of this cigar, but it was only a side note to the peppery grass and spice here. There was also a little bitterness to the flavor at the end.
The Price
As I mentioned in last week’s Masterpiece Maduro review, a discussion of the price of rare Arturo Fuente cigars is a difficult one. Comparing the Pussy Cat to similar sized cigars in the Opus line, it carries a slightly lower price in keeping with it’s smaller size. There is no premium built in for the increased rarity of the vitola. However, you also have to take into consideration you’re paying nearly $9 for cigar that isn’t that much larger than a cigarillo. But it’s an Opus, the pride of Arturo Fuente.
The Verdict
To continue the metaphor introduced earlier, the Opus X Pussy Cat starts off purring, but it isn’t long before it bites. It is surprisingly potent given its size, but it’s not all power. There are a lot of interesting things happening in the flavor department, and to be honest, I enjoyed it more than I was expecting. (Truth be told, I’ve been more of an Anejo smoker in the past.) And when I went back to pick up a few more for later enjoyment, imagine my surprise when I found they were sold out. So given the opportunity and a reasonable price, I’d buy more.
With few exceptions, I’m of the opinion that you should give any cigar I review a shot, regardless of my verdict. This isn’t one of those exceptions. If the price does not deter you, and you can find them, I’d recommend buying two. (Many retailers limit you to two anyway.) One to smoke right now, and another to tuck away in your humidor for a year or two. Though my Opus experience isn’t terribly vast, I have found that they age marvelously. And heck, if you don’t like the first, there are no shortage of people who’d be willing to trade you for the second.
Liked It: Yes, more than I expected.
Buy It Again: Sure, but within cat-swinging distance to MSRP.
Recommend It: Yes, if you’re looking to light up a vicious little kitty.
Tower of Burn
Here for your viewing pleasure is my trademark Tower of Burn. (Now in higher resolution!)
Nice, I haven’t had an Opus in 3-4 years for no reason other than I have found many other great cigars to smoke. Now maybe I’ll head out and pick up a couple…if I can find them that is.
The ‘Tower of Burn’ in HD. Life is good.
Great look at this kitty!
One question – does the strength also include the nasty nicotine kick? Oh how I hate the nicotine kick 🙁
Mike
I have an Opus X (dunno which vitola) and a Casa Fuente sent to me by Barbalet – I hope the nicotine dies down with age as the Perfection #2(I think) I smoked just about killed me =)
Well, it is pretty potent for it’s size. You might not wanna tangle with the Pussy Cat, at least not until it’s mellowed a bit with age.
Very nice review Brian. I’m a dog person, but sounds like this pussycat is right up my alley. (My lame attempt at making joke) I doubt I will be able to find any, but will ask anyway. Great review as always. Looking forward to more reviews from you and the guys. Keep on smoking.
Jaime
Nice review Brian! I have two of these resting in my humidor for a bit.
I remember attending my first Big Smoke – perhaps even the first one in NYC back in the mid 90s or so. I was getting my Fuente cigar and they announced the Opus X would be released soon. I never have found one to smoke – and have resigned myself to going through my cigar smoking career without enjoying one.
Thanks for the review. I’m quite jealous 😉
Matt
Good review.Thanks for the info.Have any of you guys tried a Power Ranger?I’d be interested to hear your take.
Don’t believe I’ve ever had one, or seen one for sale in the area. I’ll keep it in mind if I ever do!
I’ve smoked over a box of the Opus X xXx aka Power Ranger. It can be a little strong for many cigar smokers. I think they are a hit and miss. One batch they can be stronger than another batch. I think the #4 and #5 tend to be a much stronger
cigar than the Power Ranger. Any Opus benefits from age. At least my experience
with them.
The PR is a great little cigar. I’ve talked to Carlito on the phone while in Russia and
have met him in person. He is a down to earth guy and its no surprise after you met him that the Fuente cigars are so good.
The Power Ranger tore my big ass apart!!! Read my person mini review on my smoke of the Opus X XX Belicoso…http://ashesnglasses.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/opus-x-xxx/
Any cigar with the word Pussy in it is worth a try!
I have a 5 pack of these. Well, make it 4 now. I will start off with I smoke a ton of Opus X. From the common release 4 times a year to the CFCF box’s I smoke all the time. The Opus X Puss Cat is very unique. I can’t even
compare it with other Opus X and Opus X Forbidden X I’ve had.
Its definitely has a spice to it. A few times of a raspberry taste I detect. I didn’t pick up the same thing as this reviewer as taste is very unique and subjective to the cigar smoker.
In short…if you want an hour smoke and enjoy a little roller coaster ride, this cigar is for you. If you can get them and I can say it wasn’t easy for even me to secure them. I’m glad I did.
I have never gone wrong with an opus- how can u they are the pride of the greatest cigar makers in the land, i havent had the pussy but if you are fortunate enough to come across a love story opus model- buy as many as u can, that was the best fuente smoke ive ever had but i havent had the pleasure of a forbidden platinum or the elusive black diamond opus but the love affair is top notch in my book.
I’ve smoked my 3rd Opus X in the last year. each has been a gift from someone. hard to draw, harsh, hard to stay lit. I for one much prefer a number of other cigars. no comparison to the Diamond Crown – effortless draw, etc. I have to wonder if Opus X mystique has them lowering their quality standards. just my opinion. thanks
Well this is a first! I love these cigars. And that photo at the top of your page? Those are mine at my ski chalet this winter!!! I love Google search!!!
You can see them here..
http://www.hisandherf.com/gallery.html
LOVE THEM!!!!!!!
Lisa
Lisa,
It’s quite the contrary, the image on that link is mine. I own that rug in the background, and personally took that picture. I have the originals, and can prove it. I would appreciate you removing that picture from your site.
My error completely!!! II have so many pics of these little beauties and one of Brian’s made it on to my site.
It has been removed and my love for these cigars made me nutty.
Again, my apologies.
Lisa
Rest assured the other photos are from my iPhone!
Lisa
Mistakes happen, thanks for the quick resolution.