Fonseca Arana Belicoso Cigar Review

11/16/2022

I used to be a huge Fonseca and Dominican cigar fan, I guess about 15 years ago.  It seems Dominican cigars have changed to mild, but harsh to me or my tastes have changed to like Nicaraguan cigars.  I still have a bunch of Fonseca cigars that I build for less than $3 that I'm still smoking.  Most are mild to medium.  This one here is like a bundle cigar that was like $2 to $3 a piece and we'll worth it.  

Let's not waste time talking about it.  It's long discontinued so no need to describe it.  It's mostly Dominican so it is mild, but this one has some good flavors.  Let's like it up on this cold ass night. 

Wow, this one starts off awesome.  Some spice, cedar, and some toffee is all I taste.  Very smooth  and refined.  

This one has at least 10 years aging in my humidor.  This is why I buy a lot of cigars and hold them for a long time.  Most reviewers only review new smokes.  They might get them free straight from the manufacturer or from a large distributor.  And they were probably already aged some, if the manufacturer is smart.  Or, I've seen good cigars reviewed poorly due to a green cigar.

This one is burning great.  Very minor touch up.  The ash is holding after 15 min.  Same flavors of spice, cedar, and toffee.  Adding a little more spice. 

Look at that ash. Somebody designed this one right.  Glad I've got an aged cigar and some aged firewood just split because it's about 40 out and that cold for me, but not bad with a blazing fire.  

I've been smoking about 3 different bundles of the the past 10+ years so I know these are very smooth and satisfying.  I've only started recently critically evaluating them.  Seems familiar.  It's like a mild version of the Joya de Nicaragua Antano Connecticut Toro I smoke a few weeks ago, but with more sweetness.  (I will have to look up Antano vs Antano).  

It's definitely a great mild to medium smoke.  Doesn't transition too much, but all around good flavors.  The spice fades in and out along with the sweetness.  Definitely not boring.  

Has a little dry taste now, but more earthy flavors.  Still needing some more touch ups.  A small price to pay to keep an old cigar burning good.  Ash is still long and has always had a good cone going.  Very easy draw. Palate has good lingering flavors of earth and toffee.  Has lost the spice and cedar.  More like a Nicaraguan than a Dominican.  

Kind of a cream soda flavor now on the last third.  I think this shows the value in finding a good cigar you like and keeping it to age and improve, even at a low price. 

It's definitely a lot stronger now.  Not at all mild, but no harshness at all.  The last third has transitioned to a medium - full earthy flavor.  Subtle sweetness and roasted nuts.  Trying to slow it down.  Got 50 min in and it's been great.   Not strong  bodied, but feel it some.  Definitely stronger than most Fonseca cigars.  It is finishing nice and strong.  If I can't smoke to the nub, I don't buy them again.  

I'm finishing with all good flavors.  

Yeah, you can't buy these any more, so yeah, this review is only for me or the very few who might still have some of these.  Oh well.  I smoke for my enjoyment and hope to pass on my advice.  

Low price can pay off.  

Overall: 90

Flavor 91, complexity 89, burn 87, experience 93, value 92.