AshMap
Overview
The Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 stands as one of the most revered expressions in modern premium cigars—a cigar that commands respect not through marketing artifice, but through uncompromising craftsmanship and a historic legacy. When the OpusX line debuted in 1995, it achieved something that had eluded the Dominican cigar industry for generations: a domestically grown wrapper of such quality and character that it rivaled—and in many quarters, surpassed—the storied leaves of Nicaragua and Honduras. The Perfecxion No. 2, a torpedo vitola hand-rolled at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in Santiago, represents the apotheosis of that vision. Its Colorado Rosado wrapper, cultivated at the legendary Chateau de la Fuente estate, displays the warm reddish-brown hue and silky texture that signals both pedigree and restraint.
What distinguishes the Perfecxion No. 2 is not merely its provenance but the architectural elegance of its torpedo format. The tapered head concentrates the blend's layered complexity—a progression that begins with bright notes of dried cherry and cocoa nib, evolves through a sophisticated middle passage of dark chocolate and honeyed almond, and concludes with deep espresso and bittersweet cocoa that lingers well beyond the final draw. The cigar's full body never becomes unwieldy; instead, it unfolds with the deliberation of a well-structured symphony, each act revealing new dimensions without redundancy. The construction is flawless—a razor-sharp burn line and dense ash that holds past an inch testify to the meticulous handwork that defines Fuente's output.
Owning the Perfecxion No. 2 is a study in patience and intention. Limited annual production and scarcity at retail ensure that when one appears in a humidor, it commands attention. Secondary market pricing often climbs well above the $30–$45 retail range, a testament to demand that far outpaces supply. This is not a cigar for casual consumption; it demands ninety minutes of undivided attention, a proper glass (aged rum or Speyside Scotch), and a frame of mind devoted to contemplation rather than distraction. For the serious aficionado, the Perfecxion No. 2 is not a luxury—it is an obligation.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Dominican Chateau de la Fuente — Rosado Sungrown — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — multi-year aged long-fillers from Chateau de la Fuente estate |
| Country of Origin | Dominican Republic — Chateau de la Fuente, Santiago region |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.125 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $30–$45 per cigar (secondary market often significantly higher) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of several years at the Fuente estate; finished cigars often benefit from additional cellaring o |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dried cherry, cocoa nib, and a whisper of white pepper at the tip. Once lit, the first third delivers a concentrated burst of cedar, roasted espresso, and dark plum, underpinned by a rich, creamy baseline. Retrohale reveals white pepper and orange zest — complex from the first draw.
Second Third
The torpedo's taper begins asserting itself, concentrating the smoke and amplifying the body. Dark chocolate transitions to milk chocolate with a leather backbone, and a honeyed sweetness emerges alongside toasted almond and earthy loam. The pepper on the retrohale softens into a warming spice reminiscent of cinnamon and clove.
Final Third
The final third builds into full-bodied territory with deep espresso, bittersweet cocoa, and dried fig. A subtle but persistent woodsy earthiness carries through to the nub, and the pepper resurges gently without overwhelming. The finish is long, complex, and unmistakably OpusX — lingering cedar and dark fruit on the palate for minutes after each draw.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exceptional — the handwork at Chateau de la Fuente produces an even, razor-sharp burn line with a dense, firm ash that holds well past an inch. The draw through the torpedo's tapered head is ideal: a touch of resistance that concentrates flavor beautifully without any restriction.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A aged Dominican or Barbadian rum (e.g., Ron Barceló Imperial, Mount Gay 1703) mirrors the cigar's natural sweetness; alternatively, a 12–18 year Scotch single malt from Speyside (e.g., Glenfarclas 15) complements without overpowering
Wine
A structured, fruit-forward Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (e.g., Jordan Vineyard, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis) stands up to the body while echoing the dark fruit notes
Non-Alcoholic
A double ristretto espresso or cold brew concentrate — the concentrated coffee oils mirror the cigar's own espresso and cocoa core perfectly
Who Should Smoke This?
The OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 is expressly for the experienced aficionado with a refined palate and genuine appreciation for Dominican terroir. This is not an introductory cigar; it demands a smoker who understands how to navigate full-bodied complexity and can dedicate ninety uninterrupted minutes to the experience. Reserve it for milestone celebrations, solitary evenings of reflection, or dedicated tasting sessions where the cigar itself is the occasion. Those who have mastered medium-plus cigars and seek a Dominican expression of undisputed prestige will find it irreplaceable. Not for the hurried or the novice.
Bottom Line
The Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 is the finest expression of Dominican cigar excellence—a masterwork of construction, flavor complexity, and restraint that justifies its scarcity and prestige. If you find it at retail, acquire it without hesitation; secondary market prices exist precisely because serious smokers refuse to let it go.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Arturo Fuente cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 a strong cigar?
Yes. The Perfecxion No. 2 is rated full-bodied (4/5 strength), with concentrated flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, and spiced earth that build steadily from first light through the final third. This is not a cigar for those new to fuller profiles; it requires experience with robust tobacco.
What does the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 taste like?
The cigar opens with dried cherry, cocoa nib, and white pepper, transitions through dark chocolate, leather, and honeyed almond, and concludes with espresso, bittersweet cocoa, and dried fig. Throughout, cedar and warming spice (cinnamon, clove) provide a sophisticated backbone. The flavor arc is complex and evolving—never monotonous.
How long does the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 take to smoke?
The Perfecxion No. 2 is a 90-minute smoke. Its 6.125 x 52 torpedo format, combined with dense construction, delivers a deliberately paced experience. This is not a cigar to rush; the time commitment is part of its ceremonial character.
What is the best pairing for the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2?
Aged Dominican or Barbadian rum (Ron Barceló Imperial, Mount Gay 1703) mirrors the cigar's natural sweetness beautifully. A 12–18 year Speyside single malt Scotch (Glenfarclas 15) complements without overpowering. For wine, a structured Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon echoes the dark fruit. Non-drinkers should consider double ristretto espresso or cold brew concentrate.
Is the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 good for beginners?
No. The Perfecxion No. 2 is exclusively for experienced smokers. Its full body, complex flavor progression, and 90-minute duration demand familiarity with robust cigars and the discipline to smoke intentionally. Beginners should develop their palate on medium-bodied cigars before approaching OpusX.
Where can I buy the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2?
Limited annual production is released primarily through authorized Arturo Fuente retail partners. Availability is inconsistent; when found at retail, stock moves rapidly. Secondary market sources exist, though pricing often exceeds retail significantly.
What is the price of the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2?
Retail pricing ranges from $30–$45 per cigar. Secondary market pricing is often significantly higher due to scarcity and demand. If found at retail price, purchase immediately.
Is the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 worth aging?
Yes. While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of several years at the estate before rolling, the finished cigar benefits substantially from additional cellaring. Aging allows the blend's complexity to integrate further and the spice to settle into warmth. A 2–3 year rest is worthwhile for those with patience.
What wrapper does the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 use?
The wrapper is Dominican Chateau de la Fuente Rosado Sungrown in the Colorado shade—a warm reddish-brown leaf with a silky texture and fine tooth, lightly oiled. This was historically significant as the first Dominican-grown wrapper to achieve OpusX status in 1995.
Where is the Arturo Fuente OpusX Perfecxion No. 2 made?
The Perfecxion No. 2 is hand-rolled at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in Santiago, Dominican Republic, using tobaccos exclusively from the Chateau de la Fuente estate in the Santiago region. Both wrapper and filler are Dominican-grown and aged at the estate.