Cigars from the Dominican Republic have made eight of the top 25 places in the Cigar Aficionado magazine?s February Top 25 cigar list. The rankings included No. 1 that this year went to Santiago-produced Fuente Opus X Double Corona.
To compile the selection, the editors of the magazine spent days reviewing hundreds of cigars produced in 2005. Judging is based on consistency, price, tastings, availability and production.
The DR attained eight of the Top 25. Cuba was next with seven cigars, followed by Honduras.
In addition to Fuente Opus X, other cigars listed were Aurora Preferidos Connecticut No. 1 (#6), La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel (#7), Fuente?s Ashton Heritage Puro Sol Corona Gorda (#8), Bolivar Churchill (#11), the Arturo Fuente Best-Seller (#12), Zino Platinum Sceptor Series Chubby Tubos (#21) and Macanudo Hyde Park Cafe (#23).
Fuente cigars are hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic and are sold mainly through the Fuente-Newman offices in Tampa, Florida. Hitting a 95 rating share, the Opus X is crafted by a small roomful of workers making only 75 hand-rolled cigars a day. According to the Cigar Aficionado review, “the cigar is the pinnacle of full flavor” and sells for $14.50 nationwide. The production for 2005 was 65,000 and for this cigar demand far exceeds supply.