Origin : Dominican Republic Format : Belicoso Size : 6 x 55 Ring : 55 Wrapper : Ecuadorian Sun Grown Rosado Binder : Dominican Republic Filler : Dominican Republic Hand-Made Price : ~$7 each
This is my 1st tasting of an Arturo Fuente King B. I have heard many mixed reviews about this cigar, ranging from very good to very bad, so I didn’t really know what to expect from it. There is a fair amount of hype surrounding this cigar and it can be difficult to find. At retail, the price seemed reasonable at $6.75, so I figured I would give it a try.
Appearance : [rating:4/5]
This cigar was presented well with a classy cedar sleeve and ribboned foot. It had a rather strong prelight smell and an attractive medium brown colored wrapper. The wrapper was smooth and free of any defects, but not very oily. The cigar felt very heavy in my hand.
Construction : [rating:2.5/5]
I can sum up the construction of this King B in one word… mediocre. The cigar had a stiff head and a rather tight draw. The draw was just loose enough that it was smokeable. It didn’t produce a lot of smoke until the last 1/3 and had an uneven burn that lasted the whole time. Between constant touch-ups with the lighter and fighting a tight draw, this cigar was too much work to be enjoyable.
Flavor : [rating:3/5]
This cigar was medium-bodied and the 1st half of the smoke had an earthy/spicy flavor that was a little bitter, but not harsh. A grassyness developed through the midsection of the smoke, which intensified its bitterness. This was the most unpleasant tasting section of the cigar. The last 1/3 saw the bitterness and spicyness dissipate leaving a strong earthy flavor behind. I would not describe this cigar as complex, rather inconsistent is more accurate. It didn’t taste bad overall, but I certainly expected more.
Value : [rating:3/5]
I think this cigar is at a reasonable price point if bought at MSRP. There are some retailers which will inflate the prices of these because they are a little harder than average to find. Considering its construction problems and inconsistency, it is barely worth a try at MSRP, let alone anything over that.
Overall Rating : [rating:3/5]
This cigar was simply a bust. It seems that Fuente really fumbled the ball on this one. From what I gather the construction problems I’ve experienced are not an isolated incident. Considering the size and resources available to Fuente, I expected more from this cigar. If you’re a fan of Fuente cigars, this cigar is worth a try and if your experience is like mine I can pretty much guarantee you’ll only be trying one.
[sz]arturo fuente king b[/sz]
Helpful?
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John Werner
–
After a couple I think there may be some inconsistency regarding the rolling to where the burn isn’t straight, however it was pretty decent tasting both times. It did not have as much character (i.e. milder) than the regular Padron and Padron ’64’s I’m so fond of. The box, the gold printed A-F King B on the cello, and the cedar sleeve w/ usual A-F band (kind of like seeing the Cadillac emblem if you know what I mean) does tend to make expectations high. I have enjoyed the A-F Sungrowns I’ve tried in the past, likely more than the “King B”. I don’t know if they are radically different blends, but I’m going to say this is a fair stick yet no bargain, but try the Double Chateau Sungrown or The Cuban Belicoso instead as, IMHO, these bring the King here down to a mere Prince.
HBRob
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I completely agree with your review. I have a box, purchased in October 2008 from which I have taken four to smoke from my humidor over the last three years. They have been so nasty, that I have moved them to my “give away” section in my humidor. I don’t want to smoke any more. Very harsh and not a good flavor profile at all. Sorry AF, this was a bust.
unklbrad
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I smoked my first AF Sun Grown Cuban Belicoso the other night. It might be the best cigar I’ve ever smoked, including a Cuban Romeo y Julieta.
SuperKrishna
–
The one I smoked last night was about 2 years old (give or take) and it was fantastic for the first 2/3rds. The last third became unusually harsh. The burn was a problem the entire cigar. Had to touch up three times. But, I really enjoied it.
Cigar Lover
–
Really enjoyed this smoke.
Saint Jimbob
–
Well, a King B is gonna cost me about $10, locally, so I’m still on the fence about it. Maybe if I get a nice slice of overtime, and feel like splurging. It sounds good..
Kalutika
–
Interesting. The varied reviews I have seen here and a few other places usually have construction as their turning point. Seems like it may be a bit hit or miss. I have had each end of the scale from fuente and you really do get what you pay for in my experience.
MountChuck
–
I couldn’t disagree with you more on these. I’m by no means a Fuente fanboy, but these are some of the best cigars they make, especially for under $7 a stick (box price). I’ve only had one out of a couple dozen that had any kind of construction problem. Sorry you had a bad experience, but I’d suggest to anyone to try these.
Jason T
–
I’m sorry to here about your experience. I’ve only had 2 of these, but they both have good construction and flavor. They did have a bit of age on them though.
Jason
Origin : Dominican Republic
Format : Belicoso
Size : 6 x 55
Ring : 55
Wrapper : Ecuadorian Sun Grown Rosado
Binder : Dominican Republic
Filler : Dominican Republic
Hand-Made
Price : ~$7 each
This is my 1st tasting of an Arturo Fuente King B. I have heard many mixed reviews about this cigar, ranging from very good to very bad, so I didn’t really know what to expect from it. There is a fair amount of hype surrounding this cigar and it can be difficult to find. At retail, the price seemed reasonable at $6.75, so I figured I would give it a try.
Appearance : [rating:4/5]
This cigar was presented well with a classy cedar sleeve and ribboned foot. It had a rather strong prelight smell and an attractive medium brown colored wrapper. The wrapper was smooth and free of any defects, but not very oily. The cigar felt very heavy in my hand.
Construction : [rating:2.5/5]
I can sum up the construction of this King B in one word… mediocre. The cigar had a stiff head and a rather tight draw. The draw was just loose enough that it was smokeable. It didn’t produce a lot of smoke until the last 1/3 and had an uneven burn that lasted the whole time. Between constant touch-ups with the lighter and fighting a tight draw, this cigar was too much work to be enjoyable.
Flavor : [rating:3/5]
This cigar was medium-bodied and the 1st half of the smoke had an earthy/spicy flavor that was a little bitter, but not harsh. A grassyness developed through the midsection of the smoke, which intensified its bitterness. This was the most unpleasant tasting section of the cigar. The last 1/3 saw the bitterness and spicyness dissipate leaving a strong earthy flavor behind. I would not describe this cigar as complex, rather inconsistent is more accurate. It didn’t taste bad overall, but I certainly expected more.
Value : [rating:3/5]
I think this cigar is at a reasonable price point if bought at MSRP. There are some retailers which will inflate the prices of these because they are a little harder than average to find. Considering its construction problems and inconsistency, it is barely worth a try at MSRP, let alone anything over that.
Overall Rating : [rating:3/5]
This cigar was simply a bust. It seems that Fuente really fumbled the ball on this one. From what I gather the construction problems I’ve experienced are not an isolated incident. Considering the size and resources available to Fuente, I expected more from this cigar. If you’re a fan of Fuente cigars, this cigar is worth a try and if your experience is like mine I can pretty much guarantee you’ll only be trying one.
[sz]arturo fuente king b[/sz]
John Werner
After a couple I think there may be some inconsistency regarding the rolling to where the burn isn’t straight, however it was pretty decent tasting both times. It did not have as much character (i.e. milder) than the regular Padron and Padron ’64’s I’m so fond of. The box, the gold printed A-F King B on the cello, and the cedar sleeve w/ usual A-F band (kind of like seeing the Cadillac emblem if you know what I mean) does tend to make expectations high. I have enjoyed the A-F Sungrowns I’ve tried in the past, likely more than the “King B”. I don’t know if they are radically different blends, but I’m going to say this is a fair stick yet no bargain, but try the Double Chateau Sungrown or The Cuban Belicoso instead as, IMHO, these bring the King here down to a mere Prince.
HBRob
I completely agree with your review. I have a box, purchased in October 2008 from which I have taken four to smoke from my humidor over the last three years. They have been so nasty, that I have moved them to my “give away” section in my humidor. I don’t want to smoke any more. Very harsh and not a good flavor profile at all. Sorry AF, this was a bust.
unklbrad
I smoked my first AF Sun Grown Cuban Belicoso the other night. It might be the best cigar I’ve ever smoked, including a Cuban Romeo y Julieta.
SuperKrishna
The one I smoked last night was about 2 years old (give or take) and it was fantastic for the first 2/3rds. The last third became unusually harsh. The burn was a problem the entire cigar. Had to touch up three times. But, I really enjoied it.
Cigar Lover
Really enjoyed this smoke.
Saint Jimbob
Well, a King B is gonna cost me about $10, locally, so I’m still on the fence about it. Maybe if I get a nice slice of overtime, and feel like splurging. It sounds good..
Kalutika
Interesting. The varied reviews I have seen here and a few other places usually have construction as their turning point. Seems like it may be a bit hit or miss. I have had each end of the scale from fuente and you really do get what you pay for in my experience.
MountChuck
I couldn’t disagree with you more on these. I’m by no means a Fuente fanboy, but these are some of the best cigars they make, especially for under $7 a stick (box price). I’ve only had one out of a couple dozen that had any kind of construction problem. Sorry you had a bad experience, but I’d suggest to anyone to try these.
Jason T
I’m sorry to here about your experience. I’ve only had 2 of these, but they both have good construction and flavor. They did have a bit of age on them though.