Arturo Fuente Cigars Don Carlos

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark

Cigar Aficionado · Jan 1, 2018

Occasionally, a cigar comes along that is unique in every way—interesting blend, innovative shape, intriguing story—and, at the same time, can still maintain the classic standards of excellence. This is the case with the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark, Cigar Aficionado's 2017 Cigar of the Year.The blend is based on the original Don Carlos cigar (which was released in 1976), but altered a bit for this particular release. If you want to know exactly what makes the Eye of the Shark different from the regular Don Carlos line, you're going to have to use your imagination. The Fuentes are quite guarded as to the particulars of the blend. It's enough to know that the wrapper is from Cameroon and the interior tobaccos are well aged and grown in the Dominican Republic, which is the basic recipe for most Don Carlos cigars.One puff of the Eye of the Shark, however, and you'll know you're smoking an elevated blend—something comfortingly familiar to many Fuente fans, but with a slight twist. People who are familiar with brand owner (and now, company patriarch) Carlos Fuente Jr. know that he blends instinctively rather than by strict formula, especially when creating unorthodox cigars like this one.The shape adds to the intrigue. Eye of the Shark is neither box-pressed nor conventional. Rather, the bottom half is pressed and the upper half tapers into a regular, rounded belicoso—a demi-press. Fuente has used the shape before, so as quirky as it may seem, it's recurred in other lines, but only in limited quantities. As for why it's called the Eye of the Shark, it's most likely due to the overall form. If you look at the cigar horizontally, it resembles the body of great white shark.Once the four corners of the box-pressed foot are fully lit, the Shark begins to express itself immediately. In addition to the range of baking spices and citrus notes found in most Don Carlos cigars, each puff communicates additional layers of complexity, kind of like a bonus track to a favorite album or an unexpected epilogue at the end of a classic novel. More intonations of nuts and leather unfold before a warm, lingering finish of cedar and cider. Simply put: we did not want this cigar to end.In 2016, Fuente's father, Carlos Fuente Sr., passed away. He was the Don Carlos, and active with the company until the very end. You'll find the words "The Man's 80th" printed lovingly on the side and on the lid of each bright red box. Eye of the Shark was released in 2016 as a tribute to Sr. and his contributions over the years to the cigar world. The Eye of the Shark is Cigar Aficionado's No. 1 cigar of 2017. Sadly, Sr. is not here to see or receive the accolade, but his spirit is definitely alive in the smoke.

Figurado · 5.75″ × 52 · Medium-Full · Dominican Republic

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of The Shark

Holt's Staff Reviews · Apr 15, 2021

I am smoking the illustrious Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark. In 2017, the critics at Cigar Aficionado named Eye of the Shark their ‘#1 Cigar of the Year’ a little more than a year after the passing of legendary cigarmaker Carlos Fuente Sr., the man who built Arturo Fuente into the iconic global brand we know and love today. Don Carlos cigars are named for Carlos Fuente Sr., who blended the cigar for his palate.

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Lancero

Halfwheel · Jun 27, 2017 · 2001

I smoked the cigar down to a third of an inch. That’s a rare occurrence for me, probably the first time this has happened all year. It’s a testament to just how good this Don Carlos was. I’m not sure whether Fuente has any plans to actually sell this cigar in any capacity this year, but if you do happen to pick one of the new black-banded Don Carlos Lanceros, I’d highly recommend it. This was as good of a Don Carlos Lancero as I’ve smoked—and there’s been a few of them over the years.

Lancero · 7.50″ × 41 · Dominican Republic

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 3

Blind Man's Puff · May 3, 2021 · 1997

Blind Cigar Review: Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 3 - Blind Man's Puff - Corona, Dominican Republic, Cameroon, Tabacalera A Fuente y Cia

Corona · 5.50″ × 44 · Medium-Strong · Dominican Republic

Double Trouble ~ Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Bull & Southern Draw Decennium

Kohnhed · Nov 18, 2024

I threw two reviews together. The plan was to make them short. Maybe next time… Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Bull | Cigar Reviews by the Katman Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Dominican Fill…

Short Robusto · 6.00″ × 46 · Medium/Full

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso

The Cigar Authority · Apr 19, 2018

The Don Carlos is named in honor of its legendary creator and Fuente family patriarch Carlos Fuente, Sr. Today we light up the Belicoso and ask the question is it that much different than the Eye of the Shark?

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve Robusto

Cigar Coop · Jan 14, 2016

In 2015, Carlos Fuente Sr, the patriarch of Arturo Fuente Cigars celebrated his 80th birthday. That same year was the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Don Carlos brand (it made its debut in 1976). Given these milestone, it was no surprise that Fuente would release a pair of limited edition cigars under the […]

5.00″ × 50 · Medium to Full · Dominican Republic

A. Fuente Don Carlos

Cigar Snob · Jan 8, 2024

The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos has always scored well with our panel and has appeared on our year-end list more than a couple of times. It is considered by many to be the benchmark for Cameroon-wrapped cigars and with good reason. It delivers an impeccably balanced combination of cedar, nuts, and cream with a touch of spice.

Presidente · 6.50″ × 50 · the Dominican Republic

Don Carlos Eye of the Shark

Cigar Dojo · Feb 5, 2016

The Don Carlos Eye of the Shark has had the entire craft cigar scene in a frenzy since its release. This is something Fuente is no stranger to. And most often, their premium smokes are worth every bit of the hype. This time, I must disagree. EOTS shines with expert craftsmanship and presentation, though the flavors never really meet their full potential. It feels off-balance and lacking in the complexity/fullness departments. Each puff's finish trails off just before you think it's about to amount to something, leaving you (or at least me) scratching your head.

Dominican Republic

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve The Man’s 80th Cigar

Leaf Enthusiast · Jun 14, 2017

My look at the fairly rare Don Carlos Personal reserve cigar.

God of Fire by Don Carlos 2008 Robusto Tubos

Developing Palates · Jun 23, 2017 · 2011

There were three different cigars inside this wrapper. I only wish the technical side of the cigar was up to the same level as the flavors.

Robusto · 5.25″ × 50 · Dominican Republic