The Arturo Fuente Opus X is by now such a well-known cigar that experienced smokers eagerly anticipate new Opus X releases that are variations on the original smoke; one of these happens to be the Opus X Angel’s Share, introduced in 2012 prior to a number of other sticks commemorating the 100th anniversary of Arturo Fuente’s entry into the cigar business in 1912.
The term “Angel’s Share” originally referred to wine. When wine is stored in oak barrels, a certain portion of it evaporates; this is said to be the “Angel’s Share” because it’s believed that angels watch over the spirit and sample it before they give it their blessing.
As many cigar industry observers know, Arturo Fuente experienced a tragic warehouse fire in 2011, and thus, calling this cigar the “Angel’s Share” refers to the tobacco that was lost in the fire, similar to the wine in oak barrels that’s evaporated.
Like the Opus X Forbidden X, the “puro” Dominican Opus X Angel’s Share cigars use leaves from the middle height of the tobacco plant, resulting in a noticeably sweeter taste, and the strength and body are medium-to-full. The draw of the Angel’s Share is luscious and superb, the construction is excellent, and smokers have described its profile as exceedingly complex. Flavors that are detectable on the palate include cream, nuts, leather, cedar, earth, espresso and white pepper, with smidgens of orange, raisins, nutmeg and floral notes also making appearances. Cigar Aficionado accorded the Opus X Angel’s Share a 92 rating in 2015.
See for yourself if the angels have indeed blessed these cigars and divinely inspired them by ordering a box today. Whether it’s the angel’s share or yours that survived the 2012 warehouse fire is up to you to determine.