Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, Reinhard Pohorec reviews the Don Carlos Eye of The Shark, an all-time classic Arturo Fuente cigar with a unique flavor, shape, and vitola.
Buy Now:
Boveda Acrylic Humidor: amzn.to/3deJ2I8
Boveda 69% RH Packs: amzn.to/2RLCJ4W
Check out the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark Dominican Cigar Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/arturo-fuente-don-carlos-eye-of-the-shark
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
00:00 Intro & Overview
This Arturo Fuente Eye Of The Shark is quite an iconic cigar with an interesting vitola that starts as a Belicoso head with a square foot. The exact blend is precisely advertised but it is understood that it has only been altered slightly from the original Don Carlos blend from the '70s.
00:53 Cigar Overview
The Velvet Rat cigar was first released as a limited series in 2012. Five years later, in 2017, it joined the full lineup. It is part of the Liga Privada range and is a Unique Series ("Unico Serie"). The Vitola, a 6.25 x 46 Lonsdale, is what gives it the Velvet Rat moniker.
Manufactured in Esteli, Nicaragua, the cigar features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and Nicaraguan/Honduran filler in an accordion bunching style. This is similar to the Drew Estate Liga Privada No 9 that we've reviewed previously.
01:48 Prelight
After cutting this Arturo Fuente Don Carlos and trying it out with a cold draw, the cigar instantly communicates its finesse. There is creaminess with a slight musky aroma, wood, minerality, and slight salty zinc taste. There are also small notes of citrus that elevate the entire profile and counterbalance the other, more notable aspects.
02:54 Look & Feel
The Cameroon wrapper has a few bumps and bruises, though it remains a beautiful example. Indeed, these rough spots make for a toothy texture. The aroma from the wrapper is quite sweet and mellow as it combines baking spice, cinnamon, and sugar.
03:55 First Third
Just as the pre-light draw, the first third is elegant and complex. The profile is mellow with a woodiness. Overall, the strength is mild to medium with a rich, full body. The notes of baking spice detected earlier also return, as does the citrus freshness. Towards the end of the profile, there is a bit of a dry sensation and peppery finish similar to Sichuan peppers.
05:29 Second Third
Here, in the second third, the Don Carlos Eye Of The Shark picks up the spice character with clear medium strength. The wood notes also become more prominent. The cedar transforms into a charred oak and the pepper leans towards a pink berries sensation. This play very well well with the other citrus notes. Towards the halfway mark of this Arturo Fuente Eye Of The Shark cigar, there is also an essence of dried fruits reminiscent of dried figs, prunes, and dates.
06:36 Last Third
In the final third and towards the end of the cigar, there is a sweetness, citrus component along with a combination of frankincense and myrrh. It certainly speaks to the whole theme of the cigar: finesse that makes for a very iconic smoke.
07:23 Eye Of The Shark Pairings
Trying this Arturo Fuente Don Carlos with grapefruit juice is recommended as the salty minerality of the cigar would be well counterbalanced by the sweetness and citrusy taste of the fruit.
With regards to spirit pairings, a medium-bodied Amontillado Sherry would serve as a worthy companion. The nuttiness and dried fruits of the Sherry would only enhance the profile of the cigar as you smoke it.
08:53 Occassion & Construction
While this Eye Of The Shark Dominican cigar is a more expensive smoke, it's fine for it to remain an occasional smoke. On each occasion, it is certain to be a delightful and enjoyable experience, particularly after dinner or in the late evening.
The construction and combustion are excellent - this Don Carlos is not any different to other "Eye of the Sharks". Even though the vitola is challenging and unique, it makes for a perfect smoking experience. There are a few bumps and bruises, though the burn is mostly steady throughout. The temperature is cool and the ash is dense and pristine.
10:37 Presentation & Outro
The presentation of this Arturo Fuente is traditional and very "Fuente" on all levels. It's not fancy but it certainly is traditional and suitable to this experience. Overall, the cigar has a great mouthful, is very full, elegant, and engages the taste buds in a very holistic manner. All of the elements in the flavor profile come together expertly without being overpowering.
Already tried the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of The Shark cigar or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
In this video, Reinhard Pohorec reviews the Don Carlos Eye of The Shark, an all-time classic Arturo Fuente cigar with a unique flavor, shape, and vitola.
Buy Now:
Boveda Acrylic Humidor: amzn.to/3deJ2I8
Boveda 69% RH Packs: amzn.to/2RLCJ4W
Check out the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark Dominican Cigar Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/arturo-fuente-don-carlos-eye-of-the-shark
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
00:00 Intro & Overview
This Arturo Fuente Eye Of The Shark is quite an iconic cigar with an interesting vitola that starts as a Belicoso head with a square foot. The exact blend is precisely advertised but it is understood that it has only been altered slightly from the original Don Carlos blend from the '70s.
00:53 Cigar Overview
The Velvet Rat cigar was first released as a limited series in 2012. Five years later, in 2017, it joined the full lineup. It is part of the Liga Privada range and is a Unique Series ("Unico Serie"). The Vitola, a 6.25 x 46 Lonsdale, is what gives it the Velvet Rat moniker.
Manufactured in Esteli, Nicaragua, the cigar features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Brazilian Mata Fina binder, and Nicaraguan/Honduran filler in an accordion bunching style. This is similar to the Drew Estate Liga Privada No 9 that we've reviewed previously.
01:48 Prelight
After cutting this Arturo Fuente Don Carlos and trying it out with a cold draw, the cigar instantly communicates its finesse. There is creaminess with a slight musky aroma, wood, minerality, and slight salty zinc taste. There are also small notes of citrus that elevate the entire profile and counterbalance the other, more notable aspects.
02:54 Look & Feel
The Cameroon wrapper has a few bumps and bruises, though it remains a beautiful example. Indeed, these rough spots make for a toothy texture. The aroma from the wrapper is quite sweet and mellow as it combines baking spice, cinnamon, and sugar.
03:55 First Third
Just as the pre-light draw, the first third is elegant and complex. The profile is mellow with a woodiness. Overall, the strength is mild to medium with a rich, full body. The notes of baking spice detected earlier also return, as does the citrus freshness. Towards the end of the profile, there is a bit of a dry sensation and peppery finish similar to Sichuan peppers.
05:29 Second Third
Here, in the second third, the Don Carlos Eye Of The Shark picks up the spice character with clear medium strength. The wood notes also become more prominent. The cedar transforms into a charred oak and the pepper leans towards a pink berries sensation. This play very well well with the other citrus notes. Towards the halfway mark of this Arturo Fuente Eye Of The Shark cigar, there is also an essence of dried fruits reminiscent of dried figs, prunes, and dates.
06:36 Last Third
In the final third and towards the end of the cigar, there is a sweetness, citrus component along with a combination of frankincense and myrrh. It certainly speaks to the whole theme of the cigar: finesse that makes for a very iconic smoke.
07:23 Eye Of The Shark Pairings
Trying this Arturo Fuente Don Carlos with grapefruit juice is recommended as the salty minerality of the cigar would be well counterbalanced by the sweetness and citrusy taste of the fruit.
With regards to spirit pairings, a medium-bodied Amontillado Sherry would serve as a worthy companion. The nuttiness and dried fruits of the Sherry would only enhance the profile of the cigar as you smoke it.
08:53 Occassion & Construction
While this Eye Of The Shark Dominican cigar is a more expensive smoke, it's fine for it to remain an occasional smoke. On each occasion, it is certain to be a delightful and enjoyable experience, particularly after dinner or in the late evening.
The construction and combustion are excellent - this Don Carlos is not any different to other "Eye of the Sharks". Even though the vitola is challenging and unique, it makes for a perfect smoking experience. There are a few bumps and bruises, though the burn is mostly steady throughout. The temperature is cool and the ash is dense and pristine.
10:37 Presentation & Outro
The presentation of this Arturo Fuente is traditional and very "Fuente" on all levels. It's not fancy but it certainly is traditional and suitable to this experience. Overall, the cigar has a great mouthful, is very full, elegant, and engages the taste buds in a very holistic manner. All of the elements in the flavor profile come together expertly without being overpowering.
Already tried the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of The Shark cigar or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
