HOLY SMOKES

The story of the OpusX and the legend of Arturo Fuente, icon of the cigar world

- DUNCAN QUINN

This is a story of The American Dream. Of struggle, passion, vision, and more than a little smoke and magic. The story of how a legend was nurtured into being by hard work and pure force of will. And friendship. An uncompromising commitment to perfection in every way. And the story of cigars. Not just any cigars, but those of Don Arturo Fuente and his progeny. As I was transported into this realm on a jetliner from New York

City to the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, at the behest of Ciro Cascella, the executive president of Tabacalera A. Fuente & Cia, I wondered what this particular adventure would behold. Almost 24 hours later, I was again racing back to the city that never sleeps—pondering incredible aromas, beautiful things, an artisanal commitment to perfection, a private club, a plantation house in rolling tropical hills, and most of all the story of Arturo Fuente and a desire to return to this land of tobacco and dreams.

On my coffee table now sits a thick, perfectly bound book. Within it, a story deserving of such gravitas. If you are lucky enough, this book, Arturo Fuente: From Dream to Dynasty, by Aaron Sigmond can grace your coffee table too. Fresh off the press from Assouline, it’s as close to my epic excursion as you can get from the comfort of your favorite wingback.