Name: Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente King T Natural
Country: Dominican Republic
Shape: Parejo
Size: Churchill (7 inches x 49)
Strength: Medium

I paired this medium-bodied cigar with espresso and sparkling water.

Branding: 90/100
When I walked in the lounge’s humidor, I wasn’t planning to light an Arturo Fuente. I was looking for something big — a toro or a double toro — with a maduro wrapper. But the Chateau Fuente King T’s Churchill-sized tube made me wonder what’s inside. And that was enough for me to pick it up.

Construction: 80/100
Good construction, but it did have some imperfections. (Jokingly, I’d say it looked like a Cuban.) Like many works of fine art, however, it is the imperfection that gives it its final character. If all cigars were perfect, then all cigars would taste the same.

Experience: 90/100
Smooth. Nice and even burn. Excellent draw. Good smoke. Average ash. Nonetheless, a great smoking experience overall.

Duration: I smoked it slowly. It took me 120 minutes to finish it.

Flavor: I got notes of earth, cream, oak, and spices. Some sweet, gamey hints here and there — like grilled meat dipped in honey.

Pairing ideas: Medium-complexity single malts, lagers, or medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir.