DESCRIPTION: In November 2004, Prometheus International, Inc. released a very special, limited edition box of Fuente Fuente OpusX cigars in order to raise funds for the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. Only 500 boxes were produced for the world in 2004, and they sold out quickly.
Since then, the release of “Opus22”, as it has come to be called, has become an annual tradition, featuring a unique cigar set in 2004, 2005, 2006 and most recently, 2007.
Each year, a total of only 500 boxes of the Opus22 is produced. These boxes contain 22 cigars (hence the name Opus22), which are packed in individual wooden coffins, and come at a suggested retail price of $750 dollars per box.
Below: Fuente Fuente Opus X: “Rising X”
For my 100th Stogie Fresh 5 episode, I am sacrificing one cigar from the 2006 release of "Opus22". The 2006 Opus22 contained 16 cigars in 8 different rare and special sizes, and 6 cigars from the classic sizes. Each cigar comes packaged in a wooden coffin, which is printed with the year of release and the name of the cigar. These cigars also have a second band, which signifies the year of release, and also enhances the collectability of these rare cigars. The cigar I am smoking today is a is 6 ½" x 64 RG Rising X, one of the rare and unique sizes.
FEATURED LIBATION: Remy Martin XO Excellence Cognac
I picked this libation for my 100th episode because cognac is, arguably, the quintessential libation to match with a cigar. For one thing, there are several similarities between cognac and cigars. They’re both made from agricultural products, they derive their flavor from blends, and they’re both aged in wood: oak barrels for the cognac and also for the OpusX, and normally cedar for most cigars.
This Fine Champagne Cognac has been blended with a symphony of more than 300 « eaux-de-vie » which are from 10 to 37 years old. This cognac is made from 85% Grande Champagne, 15% Petite Champagne region fruit.
A 750 ml bottle will set you back about $140-$160, but they also sell this cognac in half bottles and even mini bottles.
SPECIAL SEGMENTS: Eddie DeJong will provide a special message for the 100th episode, as will Rob the “Cigar Science Guy.” Doc will reminisce about the inception of Stogie Fresh and the first 100 episodes of Stogie Fresh 5.
Jesse Nachtigal of CigarJack.net will continue his series of reviews and ratings of cigar manufacturer web sites. This week Jesse gives his criteria for what he is looking for in a good web site.
FEATURED WEB SITES:
MUSIC:
“Walk Away” by Eddie DeJong.
