Anyone else disappointed with the latest Opus X shipments?

[Goethe]

As my posting history reveals, I love Fuentes. I know Opuses are a tad overpriced, but I still enjoy one from time to time.

Anyway, I grabbed a robusto at the local B&M last week, and for whatever reason, decided to fire it up last night. Wow, what a disappointment. A bit tight, and a very bland, uninspiring taste. Opus's patented spice/pepper combination was nowhere to be found.

So I'm just wondering: is anyone else getting this, or did I just get stuck with a dud? At almost $13 a pop I'd hate to go out and buy my regular fiver if this is a bad batch.

Thanks,
Mark

[BamaDoc77]

I dont smoke Opus' with less than 5 years on em, I think its a waste to smoke it young....thats just my

[Goethe]

Originally Posted by BamaDoc77

I dont smoke Opus' with less than 5 years on em, I think its a waste to smoke it young....thats just my

In general, I let mine sit 2-3 years, but this one was a dud even for a "new" one. I try to always smoke one before buying a batch though.

(I wrap the word "new" in quotes because they ship with several years age already)

[icehog3]

I have found that last couple Opus Robustos I have smoked to be bland and uninspiring....both a "new" one and one with age. Just don't seem to have the punch and complexity they once did.

[rrplasencia]

of the last three releases the january 08' one was the best, the fuente fuente size i got was great, and yes you're right that to traced back to the crop from 1-2 years ago.

[ScottishSmoker]

To be honest...I can't think of a good Opus release in at least 4 years...but that is just my opinion...

[CJ71976]

I've been saving up my Opux's in my humidor from the last year, but with them sitting in there. I decided to remind myself why I like them so much. (After hitting all four of the Cigar places in town in a week or so I collect a few more.) So on Memorial Day, after Smoking 4 chickens and a pair of brisket, I laid on to rest. It was a amazing time, the flavor, the smell, and the burn. The sun was just setting, with calm winds, and beautiful temperatures. That was a wonderful end to a wonderful day. So Yea, it was defiantly a Great Opux.

[CigarmanTim]

1st thing is it was just one cigar....try another.
secondly the wrapper is what makes the Opus....and is very suseptable to poor weather...perhaps a bad crop a few years ago

[Gone Dave]

Originally Posted by CJ71976

I've been saving up my Opux's in my humidor from the last year, but with them sitting in there. I decided to remind myself why I like them so much. (After hitting all four of the Cigar places in town in a week or so I collect a few more.) So on Memorial Day, after Smoking 4 chickens and a pair of brisket, I laid on to rest. It was a amazing time, the flavor, the smell, and the burn. The sun was just setting, with calm winds, and beautiful temperatures. That was a wonderful end to a wonderful day. So Yea, it was defiantly a Great Opux.

Damn. I bet it was hard to keep those chickens lit, all of my briskets end up tunneling..
But really, I have never smoked an Opus, I have a sampler I put away for about a year now, and am worried I will be put off... I picked it up Jan/Feb. 07 should I just wait to let them sit, or burn them down and try my luck?

[MNWanger]

I've had some very good Opus that have sat in my humi for 1+ years. I'd say give it a shot and see how they are.

I haven't had an Opus from any of the recent shipments as they are prohibitively expensive here in MN with the state tobacco tax (~$20 for a robusto, if I remember correctly). I may have to fire one up this weekend.

[Goethe]

Originally Posted by CigarmanTim

secondly the wrapper is what makes the Opus....and is very suseptable to poor weather...perhaps a bad crop a few years ago

This is actually an excellent point. The robusto I picked up last week had a dull brownish hue, as opposed to the rich rosado coloring of the sticks I have in storage. I noticed it when I bought it, but didn't think much of it.

[boonedoggle]

smoke Padron and you won't have that problem!

[chippewastud79]

The guys at one of the local B+M's had mentioned that there was some problems with the fields that the Opus X tobacco is grown in recently (mainly flooding). This could be one of the problems with quality. They also made mention to the fact that the quantity has been going down recently too. Don't know if it is true, but it is what I have heard from people who know more than I.

[Gone Dave]

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

The guys at one of the local B+M's had mentioned that there was some problems with the fields that the Opus X tobacco is grown in recently (mainly flooding). This could be one of the problems with quality. They also made mention to the fact that the quantity has been going down recently too. Don't know if it is true, but it is what I have heard from people who know more than I.

Did you hear that? Theres a shortage of OpusX.... you better all go stock up, but there is plenty of PAM's so leave those be.....

[Finfan]

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

The guys at one of the local B+M's had mentioned that there was some problems with the fields that the Opus X tobacco is grown in recently (mainly flooding). This could be one of the problems with quality. They also made mention to the fact that the quantity has been going down recently too. Don't know if it is true, but it is what I have heard from people who know more than I.

At my local B&M the woman there said she got a letter from AF, which mentioned that they had been hit hard by tropical storms so their crops took a beating. she said she normally gets 10 boxes to split between 4 stores, but this time only got four boxes. another store which usually gets them hasnt gotten any...