AshMap
Overview
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story is a masterclass in concision and balance—a cigar that proves remarkable complexity need not require a two-hour commitment. Part of the storied Hemingway line, named for the author who famously favored a succinct, purposeful smoke, this iteration trades the classic shade-grown Connecticut wrapper for a Cameroon Sungrown leaf cloaked in a supple Colorado matte finish. The result is a cigar that retains the Hemingway’s hallmark elegance while introducing a deeper, more spirited character. Rolled at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in Santiago, Dominican Republic, the Short Story is a perfecto vitola measuring just 4.0 inches with a 49-ring gauge—a shape that demands exceptional skill from the torcedor and delivers a progressively evolving flavor journey from foot to cap.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cameroon Sungrown — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican |
| Filler | Dominican long-filler, aged tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia |
| Vitola / Shape | Perfecto |
| Size | 4.0 x 49 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $12–$17 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged at Fuente's facilities; specific vintage aging not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweet cedar and toasted almond. Once lit, the Cameroon wrapper delivers an immediate wave of creamy milk chocolate and golden raisin sweetness, backed by a delicate floral note that distinguishes Cameroon leaf from virtually any other wrapper on the market.
Second Third
The body builds slightly as the perfecto tapers into its widest point — rich baking spice and white pepper emerge on the retrohale, while the core remains grounded in hazelnut cream and aged cedar. A subtle earthiness threads through without ever disrupting the cigar's fundamental elegance.
Final Third
The final third concentrates the flavors beautifully as the taper closes — dark caramel, dry cocoa, and a whisper of toasted wood dominate. The finish is clean, medium-long, with a sweet, slightly nutty aftertaste. No harshness, no bitterness — the Fuente construction holds impeccably to the end.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary by any standard — the perfecto shape draws effortlessly with moderate resistance, the burn is arrow-straight requiring virtually no touch-ups, and the ash holds firm and pale grey for a full inch or more. This is benchmark Dominican handcraft.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically Zacapa 23 or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva; alternatively a light Highland Scotch such as Glenmorangie Original 10 Year
Wine
A soft, fruit-forward Pinot Noir — Willamette Valley or Burgundy Villages level; the cigar's delicacy will be destroyed by tannic reds
Non-Alcoholic
A well-made flat white or a medium-roast Ethiopian pour-over — fruit-forward coffees mirror and amplify the Cameroon wrapper's natural sweetness
Who Should Smoke This?
The Hemingway Sungrown Short Story is crafted for the discerning smoker who values quality over quantity—someone who understands that a shorter smoke can deliver as much nuance as a toro or Churchill. It suits the experienced aficionado seeking a refined, 45–55-minute interlude, whether during a quiet afternoon, after a light lunch, or as a prelude to an evening engagement. For the relative newcomer, this cigar is both an education and a benchmark: its mild-medium strength and clean, accessible flavors make it approachable, yet its complexity reveals deeper layers with each return. It is not a cigar for the rushed or distracted; it rewards those who give it their full attention.
Bottom Line
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story is a triumph of proportion—balancing the Hemingway lineage’s signature polish with the added warmth and spice of a Cameroon sungrown wrapper. It is a benchmark Dominican perfecto that belongs in every serious humidor, and one that may well spoil a novice for lesser cigars forever.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Hemingway cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story a strong cigar?
No, it is classified as mild-medium with a strength rating of 2 out of 5. The body builds slightly in the second third but remains approachable and never overpowering, making it suitable for both new and experienced smokers.
What does Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story taste like?
The flavor profile evolves across three distinct thirds. The first third offers sweet cedar, toasted almond, creamy milk chocolate, golden raisin sweetness, and a delicate floral note. The second third introduces rich baking spice, white pepper on retrohale, hazelnut cream, aged cedar, and subtle earthiness. The final third concentrates into dark caramel, dry cocoa, and a whisper of toasted wood with a clean, sweet, nutty finish.
How long does Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story take to smoke?
This cigar provides a 45- to 55-minute smoking experience. The perfecto shape encourages a slower, more contemplative pace, making it ideal for a dedicated break rather than a rushed session.
What is the best pairing for Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story?
Spirit pairings include aged rums such as Zacapa 23 or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, or a light Highland Scotch like Glenmorangie Original 10 Year. For wine, a soft, fruit-forward Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley or Burgundy Villages complements the cigar’s delicacy. Non-alcoholically, a well-made flat white or a medium-roast Ethiopian pour-over enhances the Cameroon wrapper’s natural sweetness.
Is Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story good for beginners?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for the newer aficionado. Its mild-medium strength, clean flavors, and impeccable construction make it approachable, yet its complexity provides a benchmark that may set a high standard for all subsequent cigars.
Where can I buy Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story?
The Hemingway Sungrown Short Story is available at authorized Fuente retailers, premium cigar shops, and select online merchants. Due to its small-batch production and limited but consistent distribution, availability may vary; checking with trusted local tobacconists or established online cigar boutiques is recommended.
What is the price of Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story?
The price range is $12 to $17 per cigar, reflecting its premium tier and hand-rolled perfecto construction.
Is Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged at Fuente’s facilities, the cigar is approachable upon purchase. Aging for 1–3 years in a proper humidor may further mellow the subtle spice and deepen the caramel and cocoa notes, though it is not necessary to enjoy its current balance.
What wrapper does Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story use?
It uses a Cameroon Sungrown wrapper with a Colorado shade and color—a medium-brown leaf with a silky matte finish and fine tooth. This wrapper is distinct from the classic Hemingway line’s shade-grown leaf, adding more body and spice.
Where is Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sungrown Short Story made?
It is made in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia, the Fuente family’s flagship factory.