The Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino is a distinguished line of premium cigars crafted in the Dominican Republic at the renowned Tabacalera A. Fuente factory for the J.C. Newman Cigar Company. This series is celebrated for its medium to full-bodied profile, offering a harmonious blend of rich flavors and expert construction
Wrapper and Blend: At the heart of the Centro Fino’s appeal is its Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed Sun Grown wrapper, meticulously cultivated in the Quevedo region of Ecuador. This wrapper is derived from the “Centro Fino” (fine center) portion of the tobacco plant, known for yielding the most flavorful leaves. Beneath this wrapper lies a binder and a hearty blend of five-year-aged Dominican ligero long-fillers, contributing to the cigar’s robust and complex character.
Flavor Profile: The Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino delivers a rich tapestry of flavors. Smokers can expect notes of cocoa, coffee, and subtle hints of spice. Specific vitolas offer nuanced experiences; for instance, the No. 60 (6″ x 50) has been noted for its medium- to full-bodied flavors, including wood and smooth maple, with an earthy finish. Meanwhile, the Robusto No. 7 (4.5″ x 50) presents a stony-tasting smoke with minerals and slate, complemented by touches of earth, white pepper, and licorice.
Vitolas Available: The Centro Fino line offers several sizes to cater to diverse preferences:
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Pyramid No. 9: 6 1/4″ x 52
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No. 60 (Toro): 6″ x 50
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Robusto No. 7: 4 1/2″ x 50
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Captiva: 6 1/8″ x 42 (Tubo)
Each vitola is designed to highlight the blend’s characteristics, providing a consistent and satisfying smoking experience across the lineup.
Reception and Reviews: The Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino has garnered positive feedback from both critics and enthusiasts. Cigar Aficionado awarded the No. 60 a score of 88, describing it as veiny but smooth in texture, with medium- to full-bodied flavors of wood and smooth maple, concluding with an earthy finish. Similarly, the Robusto No. 7 received an 87, noted for its open draw and a flavor profile featuring minerals, slate, earth, white pepper, and licorice.
Enthusiasts have also expressed appreciation for the Centro Fino’s quality and value. For instance, a reviewer on Leaf Enthusiast remarked on its classic Dominican flavor profile, highlighting notes of cedar, bell pepper, and a mild sweet citrus, culminating in a peppery finish.
In summary, the Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino cigars offer a rich and nuanced smoking experience, marked by their carefully selected Ecuadorian wrapper and aged Dominican fillers. Their consistent construction and complex flavor profile make them a commendable choice for aficionados seeking a medium to full-bodied cigar with depth and character.