Cigar Asylum Cigar Forum - Opus Love Affair

This special Opus size was released by Fuente around Christmas time in 2009, a renamed 'Love Story' which had been a 2008 release of the same size to commemorate Carlos Fuente's 55th wedding anniversary. It is a fun little shape (WOA like) and I am looking forward to lighting it up after a long week. Haven't had an Opus in a while so this should be a treat!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXoR8tG-E7...00/OpusLA1.jpg

First Third
-Starts with a blast of Opus-y wood, leather, and after you get past the little nub, SPICE!
-In the background I can taste a hint of strong espresso
-Perfect draw, burn is great, and the nub ash stayed on and looks cool

Second Third
-This thing is a smokestack.. billows of smoke
-Spice has cut back (more cedary now) but still in the back of my throat, flavor are consistent with some added mocha sweetness
-Draw is still smooth as ever, burn is doing well considering I'm on the 16th floor balcony

Third Third
-A complex blend of background spice, mocha sweetness, wood, and mild espresso- exceptional smoke
-Started more full bodied, but mellowed a bit to a medium+
-Finish is fairly long and dry, very 'tight' if that makes sense
-Nubbed till my fingers burned!

Conclusion and Score
For my first recent Opus, this more than satisfied my taste for Fuente's best line. The size of this little stick was quite fun, and displayed perfect construction throughout. The body was on par with other smaller Opus sticks (less than a Power Ranger though), while the flavors were nothing short of deliciously complex. With the signature Opus spice, wood, and leather, along with some sweetness and espresso, this cigar has me kicking myself that I didn't buy more when they came out. Easily worth 94 points. Not sure how these were when they came out, but as most Opus lovers know, they get much better with age. After only two years though, the Love Affair has become a very memorable cigar.

aj

PS More pics on my blog!