AF Anejo #77 Review

8/11/2014

Cigar: Arturo Fuente Anejo #77 (The Shark)
Size: Belicoso, 5.8”x54
MSRP: $10.50 (up to $52.00)
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Origin: Dominican Republic

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Prelight: This cigar is an extremely unique stick. The rumor is that only one woman knows how to roll this shape – box-pressed foot with torpedo head – and thus it is produced in limited numbers. The wrapper is quite rugged, with wrinkled veins and a few imperfections. The smell is very chocolaty. The cold draw also has a lot of chocolate with some subtle wood. There is also a taste that reminds me of soup…odd, but true.

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1/3: The cigar starts out subtle, with mild cream, nuts and wood. The cream amps up and is delicious. The smoke is thick and oily feeling and soon I begin to pick up a sharp, oaky, spirit-like taste. This must be from the cognac barrels the wrapper is aged from.

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2/3: The second third has more cedar and nutty flavors, while the cream lessens. The cognac is picking up in intensity too, with slight chocolate covered nuts in the background. The ash and burn is the epitome of a premium cigar. The transition to the final third is met with flavors of cognac, cedar and cream.

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3/3: The final third is mostly cedar, as all other flavors have moved aside. The finish is still oily and smooth, the burn flawless and the smoke cool.

Overall: Excellent cigar, and a must have for anyone who likes Dominicans. Great, smooth, refined flavors. Excellent and unique construction. Unfortunately, this cigar is elusive. Last night, when I smoked this cigar, it was available in singles at Cigar.com for $34.95. This morning it is sold out. I guess that’s part of the allure: the Shark hunt. Which is fitting, this close to Shark Week, and shark programs on TV everywhere. Will you be able to find The Shark? If so, give it a shot. But, don’t be afraid to try one of its lesser priced kin as a replacement. (Many find the #46 to be more enjoyable, cheaper, and more readily available.)

my favorite cigar.

Thats a old staement as Favorite...So many AF lines and sucj a bold taste....Big fan...

Bought myself a box of the 48s in early January from my B&M. Got a great deal on them.

They actually still have at least 1 box left, if not 2, if anyone is interested.

I like both sizes, aged wrappers from barrels of wine