A. Fuente Hemingway Short Story

Posted by Chris

August 9, 2010

I really hoped to get a video review up today, but ongoing home improvement projects have delayed publishing a video for atleast one more week. But even the most daunting home improvement projects can’t keep me from enjoying a cigar or two, so I was able to put together a written review for your reading pleasure.

Today I’m smoking the A. Fuente Hemingway Short Story which was sent to me by Cigars Direct. This is a cigar that I’ve smoked plenty of over the years, but for this review I sat down with two samples.

Name: Hemingway Short Story
Company: A. Fuente
Made in: Santiago, Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Price: $5.20
Comes in: Box of 25
Vitola: Perfecto (4″ x 49)

Pre-Light

This stubby perfecto tapers from a 49 ring gauge at the foot, just past the nipple, to a 42 at the head. Construction on these cigars, just as it is with the majority of Fuente products, was top notch. The filler tobacco felt as thought it was evenly packed and the wrapper leaf was nicely applied with only the slightest indication of where the turns were made. The wrapper was a medium and uneven shade of brown, that I can compare to carmel. The wrapper also head a rough texture, which I feel is common with most Cameroon cigars. The aroma of the cigar was light and most reminiscent of a barnyard, without the heavy manure aroma. Pre-light draw was tight, which I expected when looking at the drastic narrowing of the cigar at the foot.

First Half

Since the lighting surface was so small I opted for cedar matches. The first few draws were tight but they produced plenty of smoke. Initially the cigar had a strong woody flavor with notes of nuts. Once I burned through the nipple the draw opened right up and made smoking the Short Story more enjoyable. The burn line was even and the ash held nicely. After the draw opened up I began picking up on some cinnamon spice, which is something I really like in a good Cameroon wrapped cigar.

Second Half

The second half of the Short Story was just as enjoyable, if not more, than the first. The cigar continued to burn evenly and produce plenty of smoke. The wood and cinnamon flavors really remained consistent through out the cigar. The only change I noticed was the addition of light coffee and cream towards the back half of the cigar.

Final Thoughts

I think its hard to go wrong with a Hemingway Short Story when you’re looking for a reasonably priced quick smoke. The flavors are nicely balanced and not overpowering. When it comes to body I’d place it in the low end of medium. But what brings me back to the Short Story is consistency. The Short Story never disappoints and becomes a great companion when time only allows for a 30-40 minute smoke.

Until next time… Nothing beats a Nice Tight Ash.

Cigar Reviews