These OpusX blends are nearly impossible to keep track of, but you can remember that Arturo Fuente Aged Selection FFOX Heaven and Earth Rare Black cigars are one of those that truly deliver on the hype. The fact is, OpusX cigars get smoked up no matter what. For this reason, even the ones that don’t quite live up to the reputation, sell out just as fast as any other. It can be hard to figure out which OpusX cigars are really going to stick the landing and deliver a great smoking experience.

The Rare Black is one of those.

It’s a Lonsdale, measuring almost 7.00 x 44. Smoking time is a bit over an hour, although you’ll want to take your time puffing it. It’s a full-strength blend that definitely hits with a potent nicotine kick. The shape is also quite unusual. Rare Black cigars feature a torpedo head with an open cap. You’ll probably still want to clip it, but the cigar definitely invites you to get your lips to work and get puffing.

The tobacco used is exactly what you’d expect from one of the world’s most famous Dominican puros. The difference is that, because the Rare Black cigar is part of the Heaven and Earth series, you can expect a select leaf that represents some of the best in the Fuente vaults. Tobacco is aging there in bulk, but the very finest leaf is saved for special edition blends like the OpusX Rare Black. It joins the Scorpio, Tauros the Bull, BBMF, and Purple Rain in the Heaven and Earth line, so if you’ve been enjoying those pricey stogies, you might want to snag this one when you find it in stock.

Once you’ve got it in your hands, it’s got the smoke where it counts. Light up this limited edition OpusX cigar and you’ll immediately start with the expected welcome kick of black pepper. This is followed by creamy leather, caramel, and chopped cashew. It’s a rich OpusX experience that definitely offers what most folks want when they light up Fuente’s best.

These stogies come in very impressive boxes, as well. Made by Prometheus artisans in France, they feature glossy wood veneers with gold-colored inlay. They’re a perfect gift for a cigar lover in need of a luxury indulgence. Inside of each box, you’ll find ten gorgeous hand-rolled cigars, complete with black ribbons that set the mood to sink into an earthy, rich flavor.

Arturo Fuente Aged Selection FFOX Heaven and Earth Rare Black cigars are true to their (extremely long) name, and quantities are sharply limited. If you’re interested in trying one of these jump on them if you see it in stock!

(Please note that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Arturo Fuente Aged Selection FFOX Heaven and Earth Rare Black is donated to the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, which strives to improve lives of children in need in the Bonao region of the Dominican Republic.)

- What are the flavors like? Black pepper, creamy leather, caramel, chopped cashew.

- What’s the strength level? Full (go slow!).

- Who is this cigar for? Arturo Fuente Aged Selection FFOX Heaven and Earth Rare Black cigars are for OpusX hounds who want one that delivers a great smoking experience to go with all that hype.

- Will I want to smoke it to the nub? It’s tasty as hell.

- What’s a good pairing with it? Heaven and Earth cigars all make us think of scotch pairings. Glenlivet 14 Year is classic and fantastic with a Rare Black.

- What’s the best time/place to smoke this cigar? Special occasions are perfect for OpusX blends, so check your calendar and set aside an uninterrupted hour on the next holiday for pure cigar luxury.

- Any flaws/downsides? Price is often quite high AND Rare Blacks are hard to track down.