The Opus X Forbidden X TAA Keeper of the Flame was released this year in the 2018 Tobacconist’s Association of America (TAA) cigar releases for the TAA retailers. The Opus X Forbidden X TAA was, by far, the most anticipated release of the year and probably one of the most anticipated release since the Tatuaje 2014/2017. The Opus X Forbidden X TAA was made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the TAA. They just start arriving at TAA retailers and I was lucky enough to purchase some at The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS. The Opus X Forbidden X TAA was released in 6 sizes for 2018:
Opus X Forbidden X TAA Keeper of the Flame – 6 1/4 x 49
Opus X Forbidden X TAA 2018 Gods Whisper 1924 – 7 x 48
Opus X Forbidden X TAA 2018 Heart of the Bull 1957 – 5 1/4 x 50
Opus X Forbidden X TAA 2018 Nacimiento 1912 – 5 1/8 x 43
Opus X Forbidden X TAA 2018 Torch Bearer 2012 – 7 5/8 x 49
- Wrapper: Dominican Maduro
- Binder: Dominican
- Filler: Dominican
- MSRP: $22.00
Pre-Light
The Opus X Forbidden X TAA Keeper of the Flame has a dark brown wrapper that is quite rustic looking. The wrapper almost has a matte like appearance with very minimal veining. The draw is perfect with that milkshake resistance with notes of rich earth and leather.
First Half
The Opus X Forbidden X TAA Keeper of the Flame starts off with a great flavor profile and tons of smoke. It has notes of leather, oak, caramel and cinnamon with a hint of salt. I get more of the caramel and some white pepper on the retrohale. The cigar is smoking quite well and has a medium body.
Second Half
The last half of the Opus X Forbidden X TAA Keeper of the Flame is more savory than sweet. I get more of the oak and leather and now I get a little bit of espresso. The body of the cigar is still medium bodied and smoking great. The cinnamon has died down quite a bit and the caramel note remains steady.
Overall
I’ve been a big fan of the Opus X line since I first started smoking cigars in the late 90s. They never disappoint and they are worth the price to me. The Opus X Forbidden X TAA Keeper of the Flame is quite different from your standard Opus X cigar as it is more robust with a maduro wrapper. The Opus X Forbidden X TAA Keeper of the Flame had an amazing flavor profile that was rich and well balanced. I just never wanted to put the cigar down and was sad to see it go when I was finished. The TAA releases have alway been very good cigars, but this could be the best ever released. The Opus X Forbidden X TAA Keeper of the Flame is one of the best cigars I’ve ever had. It’s a stellar release.
Final Score: 95
Thanks for the review and I will look for these at the local B&M.
Thanks for the review on this, Ben. Seriously, thank you! You seem to be one of the few, who will review limited sticks like these (like the Lirio Rojo, another favorite of mine). Have you tried any other vitolas, and do you have any advice regarding the character of the other vitolas? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve only had two other sizes and the most very similar, but the KOTF seemed to have a richer flavor. The other two I tried are the God’s Whisper and Heart of the Bull. The KOTF is a perfect size.
Excellent. Thanks for the response; ‘much appreciated!