2005 Opus X Perfecxion No. 2 (aka Super Belicoso)
6 3/8 x 52
Wrapper: Dominican
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Storage: 63 – 65 RH at 63 – 68 F.
Construction: Very oily mottled colorado and light brown wrapper with one medium
vein. Very solid roll with no soft spots. Clipped clean.
Prelight: Intense cedar, wood, and spicy tobacco aroma. Very firm draw, cedar
and sweet woody taste with a bit of hot pepper spice.
Burn: Lit evenly, razor sharp burn until the last ¼, then 1 minor touch up
Off-white ash tinged with charcoal gray.
Drink: Sweet tea.
Smoking Notes: This beli is from April 2005. While still a bit young, I decided
to smoke one to see how they’re progressing. After warm-up, the initial
impression was cedar, a bit of cream and sweet woody notes around a core of
strong tobacco. About 1/4 in, the infamous hot pepper Opus spice began to make
it presence. While not overly hot like a fresh Opus, there was a definite
jalapeno snap to it. Around the halfway point, the cigar settled down a bit and
the core flavors of really good Dominican tobacco began to emerge - sweet wood,
cedar, rich smooth toasty tobacco. By 2/3 the hot-pepper spiciness kicked up
again along with some black pepper notes.
Overall Impression: The Super Beli is arguably one of the "mildest" Opus. And
while some love the hot jalapeno spiciness of fresh Opus, I am solidly in the
"aged" camp. The piquant hot cinnamon and sweet nutmeg spice of an aged Opus
hinted at the periphery in this cigar but have yet to fully emerge. These need
to sleep a bit longer I'll probably try one in August or so, but I'm thinking
next year.
