AshMap
Overview
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story is a masterclass in compression. It arrives in the palm like a polished acorn, its Cameroon wrapper a study in understated texture—fine tooth, a faint oil sheen, the color of dried earth after rain. The perfecto's tapered foot and head are not mere ornament; they are engineering, a deliberate funnel for the blend's narrative. This is the smallest chapter in the Hemingway series, yet it reads like a novella of flavor, a testament to Carlos Fuente Sr. and Jr.'s belief that greatness need not be measured in inches. Light it, and the closed foot rewards patience: the first draws are a whisper of sweet cedar and vanilla, a prelude that builds with a creamy, toasted almond sweetness. The smoke is cool, almost ethereal, as if the cigar is warming up its voice. By the second third, the story deepens. The Cameroon wrapper—that distinctive, earthy, slightly fruity leaf—steps forward, layering leather and dried apricot over the persistent cream. A white pepper tingle dances on the retrohale, a gentle counterpoint to the sweetness. The blend's Dominican long-fillers, aged at Chateau de la Fuente, reveal their character: not brute strength, but a refined, multi-year maturity that translates into a seamless, medium-bodied complexity. The final third is a crescendo of toasted oak and mild spice, the nuttiness deepening into cocoa and hazelnut as the taper concentrates the smoke. The finish is clean, short, and satisfying—a period at the end of a well-crafted sentence. Throughout, the construction is flawless: an even, slow burn, a draw that is snug by design yet yields a creamy, cool smoke, and a firm, light-grey ash that holds with stubborn pride. The Short Story is a sleeper, routinely underestimated for its size and price, yet it showcases the Fuente family's mastery of Cameroon leaf and the perfecto format better than cigars costing three times as much. It is the entry point to the Hemingway series, but it is also its purest expression—a cigar that proves the best things come in small, perfectly formed packages.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cameroon — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — aged long-leaf tobaccos from the Fuente family's Chateau de la Fuente estate |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia |
| Vitola / Shape | Perfecto |
| Size | 4.0 x 49 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $9–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged at Chateau de la Fuente; specific aging duration not publicly disclosed but known to be multi-year |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweet cedar and a whisper of vanilla from the Cameroon wrapper. Upon lighting, the first third delivers a creamy, mild sweetness with notes of toasted almond and light caramel — the perfecto's closed foot contributes to a gradual, gentle opening of flavors.
Second Third
As the cigar opens up, medium-bodied notes of leather, dried apricot, and a touch of white pepper emerge. The Cameroon wrapper lends a distinctive earthy, slightly fruity character that sets it apart from Ecuadorian or Connecticut alternatives. Creaminess persists as a throughline.
Final Third
The final third picks up mild spice and toasted oak with a lingering sweetness. Nuttiness deepens slightly toward cocoa and hazelnut as the taper of the perfecto concentrates the smoke. The finish is clean and short, making this an ideal cigar for those who want a full sensory experience without the commitment of a longer vitola.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — the Fuente factory's legendary craftsmanship is evident in the even, slow-burning perfecto shape. The draw is slightly snug by design due to the tapered head and foot, but produces a cool, creamy smoke with a firm, light grey ash that holds well past an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A light to medium rum — Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Flor de Caña 12-year; alternatively a mild Irish whiskey like Jameson or a Fino Sherry
Wine
A light-bodied Pinot Noir from Burgundy or Willamette Valley; alternatively a dry Amontillado Sherry to complement the nutty, woody notes
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian single-origin coffee, black or lightly sweetened, or a mild oolong tea with stone fruit character
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel, a 34-year-old architect who has been smoking for about two years, mostly Connecticut-shade robustos and the occasional Padron. He's on a Tuesday lunch break, sitting on a park bench with a black coffee, needing a moment of quiet before an afternoon of client meetings. He's not looking for a nicotine hit or a 90-minute commitment—just a brief, sensory escape that won't derail his day. The Short Story is his perfect companion: it offers a gentle introduction to Cameroon's earthy, fruity character without overwhelming his palate, and its 30–45 minute arc fits neatly into his break. He'll appreciate the complexity that unfolds—the cedar, the apricot, the cocoa—and feel like he's discovered a secret that more seasoned smokers have kept to themselves. This cigar will give him confidence to explore the broader Hemingway line, and a new benchmark for what a small vitola can deliver.
Bottom Line
The Hemingway Short Story is a pocket-sized masterpiece that outpunches its price point and its length. Buy a box, keep one in your jacket, and never underestimate the power of a well-built perfecto.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Hemingway cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) in strength. You'll feel a gentle warmth and a slight nicotine buzz, but it's not a powerhouse. It's more about flavor complexity than physical impact, making it suitable for a morning smoke or a quick lunch break without knocking you out.
What does Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story taste like?
The flavor progression is a journey: first third offers sweet cedar, vanilla, and toasted almond with a creamy base. The second third introduces leather, dried apricot, and white pepper, with the Cameroon wrapper's earthy, fruity character shining through. The final third deepens into toasted oak, mild spice, cocoa, and hazelnut, finishing clean and short.
How long does Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story take to smoke?
Given its perfecto vitola and 4.0 x 49 size, expect a 30–45 minute smoke. The tapered foot and head slow the burn slightly, but it's designed for a quick, satisfying session—ideal for a break or a short evening contemplative moment.
What is the best pairing for Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story?
A light to medium rum like Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is an excellent match. Its vanilla and caramel notes echo the cigar's creamy sweetness, while the rum's subtle oak complements the toasted nuttiness in the final third. Alternatively, a Fino Sherry's dry, almond-like character enhances the Cameroon wrapper's earthy complexity.
Is Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story good for beginners?
Yes, with caveats. Its mild-medium strength is approachable, and the flavor profile is rich but not overpowering. However, the perfecto shape requires a careful light and a slightly snug draw, which might challenge novices. At $9–$14 per cigar, it's a premium investment, so a beginner might prefer a cheaper, more forgiving vitola first, but this is a worthy early step into quality.
Where can I buy Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story?
You can find it at most premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online, such as JR Cigar, Famous Smoke Shop, or Cigars International. It's also available at Fuente's own retail partners. Given its popularity, it's rarely out of stock, but check for box deals to get the best price per stick.
What is the price of Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story?
The price ranges from $9 to $14 per cigar, depending on your retailer and whether you buy singles or boxes. It's positioned as a premium cigar, but given its complexity and construction, it offers excellent value for the price.
Is Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobaccos are already aged for multiple years at Chateau de la Fuente, but the Cameroon wrapper and Dominican fillers will continue to meld and mellow with time. Aging for 1–3 years can soften the white pepper and deepen the cocoa and leather notes, making it even more refined. Just be sure to store it at 65–70% humidity to preserve its character.
What wrapper does Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story use?
It uses a Cameroon wrapper, which is known for its distinctive earthy, slightly fruity character and a subtle toothy texture. This wrapper sets it apart from Ecuadorian or Connecticut alternatives, giving the cigar a unique complexity that is a hallmark of the Hemingway series.
Where is Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story made?
It is hand-rolled at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The factory is renowned for its craftsmanship, and the Short Story's double figurado construction requires skilled rollers, ensuring a flawless burn and draw every time.