Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Bull Cigar

Alright, I finally got my hands on the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Bull, a 3.5” x 55 short robusto that’s been hyped up since its debut at the 2023 PCA Trade Show. Let me tell you, this little firecracker lives up to the buzz, but it’s got its own personality compared to the classic Don Carlos line. Here’s my take after smoking a couple.

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Bull Cigar Review

First off, the presentation is pure Fuente class. The cigar comes in a slick 20-count box with an engraved tray—Don Carlos up top, Eye of the Bull below—giving it that special-edition vibe, like the Don Carlos The Man or Personal Reserve. The cigar itself is a looker: a dark, oily Cameroon wrapper with a rosy tint, some fine veins, and that signature bull’s-eye cap—a small circle of darker maduro tobacco that’s just a cool touch. It’s firm, well-packed, and screams quality, as you’d expect from Tabacalera Fuente.

Before lighting up, I gave it a sniff. The foot had a sweet, damp wood aroma with a hint of earth and cedar—inviting, like a walk through a forest after rain. The cold draw was firm but smooth, offering a subtle sweetness with dry tobacco and a touch of wood. No sweetened cap here, despite what some folks think; it’s just the natural tobacco talking.
Once lit, the Eye of the Bull comes out swinging. The first third kicks off with a medium-bodied profile—cedar, natural tobacco, and a light floral note that surprised me. There’s a white pepper zip on the retrohale, mixed with sweet vanilla cream and a touch of spice that wakes up your palate. It’s bold for a Don Carlos, with the Cameroon wrapper shining through more than in other vitolas. The burn is razor-sharp, and the smoke output is thick and creamy.

By the second third, it dials up to medium-full. Coffee and cocoa step in, blending with the cedar, while the sweetness on the retrohale fades a bit, letting a nutty vibe take over. The spice ramps up, but it’s never harsh—just enough to keep things lively. The burn got a tad wavy here, but nothing needing a touch-up, and the draw stayed perfect. I was impressed by how much flavor this short stick was pumping out.
The final third is where it really flexes. The natural tobacco takes the lead, with pepper and cedar as backup, plus lingering coffee and a hint of baker’s spice. It finishes strong but smooth, leaving a firm, cool nub after about 54 minutes—way longer than you’d expect for a 3.5-inch cigar. That slow burn is a testament to the tight construction and quality leaf.

Overall, this is a banger for Fuente fans, but it’s not your typical Don Carlos. It’s bolder, punchier, and the short, stout vitola seems to amplify the Cameroon wrapper’s spice and sweetness. At $20 MSRP (though good luck finding it under $16), it’s a premium smoke, and its PCA exclusivity makes it a hunt. Pair it with a bourbon or espresso to let those cocoa and spice notes pop.

Score: 90/100

It’s a fantastic addition to the Don Carlos line, blending tradition with a fresh twist. Just wish it wasn’t so hard to find