Palate help - Fuente Fuente Opus X Shark 2009 v Flor de Las Antillas

[sean]

I might catch hell for this, but here goes nada...

So I duped my wife into letting me pick up some '09 Opus Sharks from a local retailer for my buddy's 30th birthday. When we smoked them the only thing we could think about was the similarities to the ROTT Flor de las Antillas. Am I crazy? Am I missing something? Both had a nutty/creamy flavor with spice on top (The FdlA having a little more). We loved both. I just was kinda shocked... Let me know what y'all think. Any input would be appreciated, as I am wanting to improve my palate but need some guidance.

 

[sean]

Sh*t. From the lack of response, I am going to assume I'm nuts...

 

[DStan]

Maybe I am crazy too I would take the Flor de las Antillas over a shark or opus X, it would def be a box purchase for me!

 

[danthebugman]

I've only smoked a few of each of Opus (though not Sharks) and the FdlA. My preference would be for the FdlA. There's some similarities, but I wouldn't have necessarily thought of the one if smoking the other :dunno:.

Dan

 

[StocktonJohn]

The FdlA is a fantastic cigar. I'm nearly through my pre- release bundle and I'm going to buy a box of the new ones to age.

The Anejos have never been a favorite of mine, and the ones I've had weren't much like the FdlA either... I've never had a shark, maybe it's different.

 

[Fat_Risling]

I have never had the fdla but the op is talking about the opus x shark not the anejo shark slightly linger but essentially same size obviously opus blend not Maduro or anejo blend. I love the opus tho I don't necessarily like the shark better than other sizes think it is very good. You all have me wondering if I should learn more about and or look into getting this fdla...

 

[Herfin' Harg]

Fine, fine. I'll just be the one to say it:

You've all lost your damn minds!

Unless we got an "off" (read: they're not at all good) batch of FdAs down here, I can't imagine anyone making that comparison.

I've tried 3 varied sizes of the Antillas at my local, and haven't smoked more than 1/2 of any one of 'em. My experiences have each been schmeh to about the halfway point, then acrid and terrible! I think it's probably the most disappointing MF product I've had, tbh.

So like I said, barring something extraordinary, I can't imagine comparing it to what have been my unfailingly positive experiences with opus (though, admittedly, I've not tried the shark vitola).

I'm reminded of a good friend and colleague who once said to me of an unrelated cigar, "To each his own, my ass - this thing tastes like a shit-scented candle."

 

[bboz]

When I get any opus, I always let them sit for a year at least. I have never smoked on rott, as tempting as it may be.

I liked the antillas but not in love with it. For me, i would take the opus over the antillas

 

[Alwayslit]

When I get any opus, I always let them sit for a
year at least. I have never smoked on rott, as tempting as it may be.


I liked the antillas but not in love with it. For me, i would take the opus over the antillas

^^^this^^^

 

[StocktonJohn]

I have never had the fdla but the op is talking about the opus x shark not the anejo shark slightly linger but essentially same size obviously opus blend not Maduro or anejo blend. I love the opus tho I don't necessarily like the shark better than other sizes think it is very good. You all have me wondering if I should learn more about and or look into getting this fdla...

Yeah I missed that one... FdlA is very good, but it's not Opus level.

One thing I noticed about the FdlA that might explain some bad experiences is that they need to be pretty dry. I always dry box them and they are great.

 

[MU Mike]

I am speechless.

 

[sean]

Yeah I missed that one... FdlA is very good, but it's not Opus level.

Yeah, two different levels... agreed.

One thing I noticed about the FdlA that might explain some bad experiences is that they need to be pretty dry. I always dry box them and they are great.

You are right. I have mine at 65... I think anything wetter would muddle them up.

 

[Otaku]

What exactly is a Fdla?

 

[thatrev]

What exactly is a Fdla?

Flor de Las Antillas made by My Father

 

[javajunkie]

What exactly is a Fdla?

it is NOT an opus, but should be on your short list to try!

 

[Fitze55]

I might fire up a shark tonight and see whats going on....

 

[Otaku]

it is NOT an opus, but should be on your short list to try!

I will have to seek some out. This is the first I am hearing of these.

 

[MarkJr]

I agree with Hergin' Harg, on a few levels (I see pappy there), I have not enjoyed the Flor de Antilles at all. Now as far as opus' I love all of the regular releases, but the Shark vitola is one of the few I just think could be better. That beingsaid as much as I was disappointed with the opus shark it is on another planet than the Flor de Antilles

 

[BSBONO]

Wow the Flor is getting up and down reviews. Haven't seen a hyped cigar in a while have so many conflicting opinions. Personally I think the Flor is one of the top 2 or 3 releases so far this year. box price point to me is amazing for what this cigar delivers.

 

[JayD]

I have never seen or smoked an opus shark but I can tell you I smoked a Flor and I thought it was a great smoke for the price and I will def smoke more in the future. Maybe I'll try to get a shark too and smoke them side by side.