A Journey Through Time: Arturo Fuente Cigars

Founded in 1912, Arturo Fuente represents a cigar brand synonymous with exceptional quality and a rich family tradition. Boasting a history spanning more than a century, this iconic cigar brand has remained a top choice for aficionados around the world. In this post, we delve into fascinating aspects of Arturo Fuente, from its humble beginnings to its current position as a global leader in premium cigars.

Origin and Founding

Arturo Fuente, born in Güines, Cuba, took a chance and migrated to Key West, Florida, in search of opportunities in the early 1900s. His passion for cigars led him to establish a modest cigar manufacturing business, A. Fuente & Company, in 1912. As a small operation, Arturo personally rolled cigars and sold them to locals from his own home.

Challenges and Perseverance

Throughout the years, Arturo Fuente encountered numerous obstacles. In 1924, a devastating fire destroyed his original factory. For over two decades, Arturo was forced to cease production and find work elsewhere. Yet, his relentless determination led him to restart A. Fuente & Company in 1946, this time in Tampa, Florida.

Unfortunately, challenges persisted. In 1960, following Cuban embargo, Arturo Fuente faced a shortage of raw materials. Arturo, together with his son Carlos Fuente Sr., adapted by seeking alternative tobacco sources from other countries. In 1970, they decided to move operations to Santiago, Dominican Republic, where they built a new factory, Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia.

Growth and Expansion

Relocation to the Dominican Republic marked a turning point for Arturo Fuente. With a new beginning, Carlos Fuente Sr. and his father began growing their own tobacco and experimenting with blends, paving the way for an impressive portfolio of cigars.

Carlos Sr.'s son, Carlos Fuente Jr., joined the company in 1980, and under his leadership, Arturo Fuente expanded further. In 1986, Fuente introduced a groundbreaking line, the Hemingway Series, which featured a unique figurado shape and intricate blend of Dominican tobaccos. This series elevated Arturo Fuente's status in the cigar industry.

In 1995, another milestone was achieved with the launch of Fuente Fuente OpusX, a premium cigar line made with Dominican wrapper leaf. At that time, many believed it was impossible to grow quality wrapper leaves in the Dominican Republic, but the Fuente family proved skeptics wrong. OpusX's remarkable success contributed to Arturo Fuente's worldwide recognition.

Social Impact and Philanthropy

Arturo Fuente, as a family-owned business, places great importance on social responsibility. In 2001, the Fuente family established the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on improving lives of impoverished communities in the Dominican Republic. Through the foundation, they have built schools, clinics, and provided essential resources to thousands of people.

Fuente family also demonstrates environmental consciousness. They have planted over 800,000 trees in the Dominican Republic as part of their reforestation program and adopted eco-friendly practices in their factories.

Arturo Fuente Today

Today, Arturo Fuente offers an extensive range of cigars, from affordable options to luxurious, limited-edition releases. Some of their well-known lines include:

Gran Reserva - A classic series featuring a blend of Dominican filler and binder tobaccos wrapped in either Cameroon, Connecticut, or Ecuadorian Sun Grown leaf. The Gran Reserva line includes Rothschilds, available in natural & maduro, Churchill available in double claro, maduro, and natural, Flor Fina 8-5-8 and more.

Don Carlos - A tribute to Carlos Fuente Sr., these cigars consist of a blend of aged Dominican tobaccos and a Cameroon wrapper, delivering a rich and smooth flavor profile. Don Carlos is no stranger to very high ratings from the top publications.

Hemingway Series - As mentioned earlier, this line showcases figurado-shaped cigars with a unique blend of Dominican tobaccos, providing a well-balanced and flavorful smoking experience. Hemingway is one of Arturo Fuente's best sellers. Available in a regular production natural wrapper and a limited production maduro version.

Fuente Fuente OpusX (FFOX) - A prestigious cigar line made with Dominican wrapper leaf, OpusX has become a symbol of luxury and innovation in the cigar world. OpusX is a testament to what the Fuente Family can create. Still to this day, these cigars are some of the hardest to find and most sought after.

Añejo - Known for its dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, this line features cigars aged in French oak cognac barrels, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.

Casa Cuba - A nod to Arturo Fuente's Cuban heritage, Casa Cuba cigars blend Ecuadorian Havana wrapper with Dominican filler and binder tobaccos, offering a classic taste reminiscent of pre-embargo Cuban cigars. These cigars are only available to Brick & Mortar lounges, not to be sold online.

Rare and Limited Editions - Arturo Fuente also produces limited-edition cigars, such as Destino al Siglo, Don Carlos Personal Reserve, and Fuente Fuente OpusX 20th Anniversary, which are highly sought after by collectors and aficionados alike. In partnership with Prometheus, the yearly release of OpusX blends like Lost City, Scorpio, Tauros the Bull, and BBMF are released in limited edition humidors, and a portion of sales are donated to Fuentes charity.

Legacy and Recognition

Arturo Fuente's dedication to quality, consistency, and innovation has earned them numerous accolades and a loyal fan base. As a testament to their excellence, their cigars have consistently ranked high in popular publications like Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Journal, and Cigar Insider.

Over a century after its founding, Arturo Fuente continues to be a family-owned and operated business. Fourth-generation members, such as Liana Fuente and Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr., actively contribute to the brand's success and uphold the family's legacy.

In Conclusion

Arturo Fuente is undeniably a cigar brand that has stood the test of time, overcoming adversity and embracing change. Its rich history, unwavering commitment to quality, and social impact set Arturo Fuente apart as a leader in the premium cigar industry. For those who appreciate fine cigars, Arturo Fuente's diverse offerings cater to a wide range of tastes, making it an essential choice for any aficionado's humidor.

- Luxury Cigar Club

Photos Used Are Property of Arturo Fuente & Prometheus International