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History of the Brand: The Arturo Fuente brand is a legacy in the cigar world, dating back to 1912 in Ybor City, Florida, and later establishing itself in the Dominican Republic. The Fuente family’s dedication to quality and tradition has made their cigars some of the most sought-after in the industry. The Arturo Fuente 858 Natural is a testament to their commitment to excellence.
Vitola Specifications: For this review, I selected the Arturo Fuente 858 Natural in the Toro vitola, measuring 6 x 47. The Natural wrapper promises a medium-bodied experience, with a balanced blend of flavors and aromas.
Appearance: The Arturo Fuente 858 Natural Toro boasts a beautiful, smooth, and slightly oily Cameroon wrapper. The construction is impeccable, showcasing the Fuente family’s expertise. The band is classic and elegant, featuring the Arturo Fuente logo.
Tasting Notes (1st Third): Upon lighting, the 858 Natural delivers a burst of cedar and a gentle spice, a signature of Cameroon wrappers. The initial puffs offer a unique combination of sweetness and a subtle earthiness. The draw is effortless, allowing for a smooth and pleasant smoking experience. The smoke seems to dry out your mouth and strength is medium to light. At first there is a lot of cedar, leather and dark chocolate without any sweetness and a touch of pepper. After the first bit it transitions to hay and leather with a touch of cedar and sweetness. There is a little bit of white pepper on the retrohale but still smooth and rather dry. There is a savory BBQ flavor that starts to creep in with the leather and dark cacao notes. Pepper is still on the retrohale, although not nearly as strong as the beginning. The burn is canoeing a bit towards the end of the first third but nothing unreasonable. It is quite breezy outside which is not helping things at all. The aroma is sweet hay with some woody notes. There is a lot of cedar or oak that is coming through and I think giving the perception of the drier aftertaste and mouth feel from the smoke. Nice thing is there is no evidence of tar buildup.
Tasting Notes (2nd Third): As I progress into the second third, the cigar maintains its medium-bodied profile. The cedar notes persist, accompanied by a delightful mix of leather and a touch of black pepper. The flavors blend seamlessly, creating a well-rounded and complex profile that keeps the palate engaged. The flavors start to transition into a meaty BBQ note with a hint of salt, oak and chocolate. There is a bit of light sweetness that creeps in with an aftertaste that is uniquely Fuente. A sweeter and savory note is starting to come through later in the third. Although that BBQ note is at the forefront of the profile. The burn has sorted itself out. Towards the end of the third, the flavors transition to a sweet savory note with a touch of leather and oak. The aroma coming of this stick is sweet charred oak and BBQ, quite unique and a nice change from a lot of other pepper sticks popular nowadays.
Tasting Notes (Final Third): In the final third, the 858 Natural Cigar continues to impress with its consistent, medium-bodied character. The cedar and leather notes intensify, accompanied by a hint of dark chocolate. The balance remains superb, culminating in a satisfying and flavorful finish. Transitioning into a sweet floral note. The woody note lingers with the sweetness. I am also getting some herby earthiness paired with some stone fruit. The Cigar then transitions back to a sweet BBQ note with a touch of honey lingering towards the back of the palate. A tiny bit of pepper returns at the end but the retrohale is still smooth like butter. At the very end the cigar starts to get too hot. I had to set it down to smoke through the last inch and half. After cooling a bit, a nice honey, oak, and the BBQ note rounds out this wonderfully unique cigar.
Food and Drink Pairings:
- Food Pairing: Pair this cigar with a grilled portobello mushroom burger. The earthy flavors of the mushroom complement the cigar’s cedar and leather notes beautifully.
- Drink Pairing: Enjoy the Arturo Fuente 858 Natural with a glass of aged rum. The sweetness and richness of the rum enhance the cigar’s caramel and spice undertones.
Overall Score: 94/100 The Arturo Fuente 858 Natural Cigar is a true classic, showcasing the Fuente family’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. In the past, I have not been a huge fan of Arturo Fuente, especially the regular production line. This cigar and the spanish lonsdale has changed my mind on that previous assumption. With its delightful blend of cedar, leather, and subtle spice, this medium-bodied cigar is a timeless delight for aficionados. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just starting your cigar journey, the Arturo Fuente 858 Natural Toro is a must-try for those seeking a well-balanced, flavorful smoke.
Check availability here and get $20 off for every order of $145 or more!