Daniel Marshall By Carlito Fuente XXXVIII Limited Edition Torpedo
Posted on February 17 2021
Vitola: 6 3/8x52
Smoking Time: 94 Minutes
Cigars Smoked: 3
Body: Medium +
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
MSRP: $180+
Limited to 12 cigars a day, aged a minimum of 1 year post-roll, and all made by a single torcedor, that's how these cigars were produced. 38 years seems like an odd anniversary to celebrate, but that was how old Daniel Marshall was when his daughter Julia was born, giving him another reason to commemorate it. On top of that only 38 stores in the world will be offered the humidor set, and only 25 countries globally are selling them.
Marshall is best known for his luxurious humidors, and further by the names of those who own them. From celebrities to politicians, people seek out Daniel Marshall's products because of his very high standard, and attention to detail.
Daniel Marshall and Carlito Fuente met in 1982, and have been friends since. Talking about their venture, Carlito told Daniel, “I want to do something for you very, very special. I am making a cigar for you, which I do for no one, to commemorate our long time friendship and my highest respect and admiration for you and your story. It’s an honor to be able to participate with you on this special anniversary. I poured my heart into every detail, hoping to make you proud. I will give you my best.”
Cold draw: Baking spices, graham cracker, vanilla, staraneese
Foot Nose: Baking Spices, vanilla
Wrapper Nose: Vanilla, graham cracker
First Third: The first few puffs of this reveal a truly unique stick that presented insane amounts of pepper, I had to double check the blend as it felt like a AJ Fernandez Nicaraguan Puro. After about the first 1/8th of an inch the spice toned down a bit to unveil a wonderfully smooth Dominican Masterpiece. The stick reminds me wholeheartedly of another Fuente creation, which I personally love, the Angels Share. I would have to say the sweetness, in the first third is a bit less than that of the Angels Share, and the spice is slightly more. The first third of this stick presents a medium+ body. The burn is clean, although not perfect. smoke production is light when not being puffed, but plenty when smoking. The soft box press allows for a wonderful draw. The ash on the stick is light and somewhat flaky, and has not dropped yet and i’m nearly done with the first third. Near the end of the first third I am also experiencing some burn issues, the burn line is not what you would expect out of a cigar of this value.
Second Third: Wow, graham cracker, vanilla, and oak. This cigar is kind of reminiscent of an Atabey, believe it or not. The spice is slightly more prevalent here in the second third than it was in the first, and the retrohale brings the stick almost out of medium body.
One thing that I will note is the fragrance of the smoke on this stick. I just noticed here in the second third, but it almost smells floral. I would not mind having more of it in my life! After venturing further into the second third, the cigar has come alive. Full bodied, smooth, silky, goodness. The graham cracker, vanilla, and baking spices are still there in force. Supported by a floral note. The burn line is still a bit wonky, but I personally do not care (it is a factor as it relates to the price).
Last Third: Into the final third of this stick, and I am thoroughly impressed. There are a few points that need to be addressed, that make this cigar a truly unique experience, and a unique review in general. Look to my Final Thoughts for some of the nuances of this cigar. The final third of this stick delivered the best experience overall of the entire smoke. Baking spices are still strong, along with that sweet graham cracker, and the perfect amount of body and spice to end this cigar as a full body smoke.
Final Thoughts: This cigar was never intended for individual sale. They are supposed to only be sold in Hand Made Limited Edition Macassar humidors which are numbered, hand signed by Daniel Marshal, and include 7 of the 38th anniv Fuente sticks, and 1 golden wrapped Fuente stick.
We have priced the set at about $2,000, but we have had a hard time comparing that price point, as we do not find them for sale easily. So here is where it gets slightly interesting. 8 cigars for $2000 makes each cigar worth about $250. The golden wrapped one, understandably so, is worth more.
So the question is… Is this cigar worth $170 to $250 dollars, and the simple answer is no… there are many many cigars on the market that can deliver this flavor and profile, I have already named a few here. Having said that if you are a collector, or have a few extra quarters stuck in the couch cushion, this is a must try cigar.
-Chris