The PCA Expo floor has its share of spectacle, but few presentations rival the grandeur of the Arturo Fuente booth. Truth be told, it’s less a booth than a pavilion, and is where the brand’s innovation and heritage are colorfully and intricately displayed under soft light and polished, dark wood.
Within the rhythm of hugs and handshakes, you’ll find José Blanco. Now serving as Eastern Hemisphere director of sales, Blanco is one of the industry’s most tenured and trusted voices.
While speaking with Jose, he chooses to channel attention to two new items that have been recently released and are on prime display at PCA.
Each release is based around somber commemoration and tribute.
The first is the OpusX ReXilient. This cigar arrives as a solemn tribute marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Reserved for select OpusX accounts, it’s obviously been fashioned in a gorgeous red, white, and blue presentation, and will surely appeal to those who wish to have a super-premium cigar in a quiet moment of reflection and tribute.
Equally compelling is the Don Carlos 90 Años, created to honor what would have been the 90th birthday of Carlos Fuente Sr. In a rare display of blending, Carlito Fuente Jr. employs dual wrappers on this cigar – one Dominican, one Cameroon.
Yes, this means that a completely finished cigar with a premium, Fuente-grade wrapper leaf sits above another premium, Fuente-grade wrapper leaf.
Together, it’s a pairing of PCA release cigars that speaks not only to craftsmanship, but also memory, because at Fuente, the act of looking forward is always done with a respectful glance back.
