Today, we review the Fuente Fuente OpusX 2020 in the Sol D’Amor size, a cigar commonly referred to as the OpusX Dubai. It was a cigar that was released initially as a regional exclusive to the United Arab Emirates (where Dubai is located). Like most OpusX cigars, the OpusX Dubai is released in limited quantities. Late in 2024, Carlos “Carlito” Fuente announced that the limited batch of the OpusX Dubai would be heading to select U.S. retailers. At the time of the release, Fuente said this most likely would be a one-and-done release for the U.S. market.
In 1995, Arturo Fuente Cigars unveiled their landmark cigar, the Fuente Fuente OpusX. What made OpusX such a significant project is that it proved to the world that an ultra-premium Dominican puro cigar could be made with a Dominican-grown wrapper. Another significant aspect of OpusX is that it is considered one of the boldest offerings on the market. As it approached its 30th anniversary, OpusX demonstrated that it has developed into a truly global brand, with a variety of releases under its name. Among these, the OpusX Dubai has become one of the most sought-after lines in the collection.
Without further ado, let’s break down the OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor and see what this cigar brings to the table.
Fuente Fuente OpusX 2020 (Dubai) Sol d’Amor – Cigar Review
SPECIFICATIONS
Blend and Origin
As is par for the course with the OpusX brand, most of the specific details of the OpusX 2020 Dubai have not been disclosed.
- Wrapper: Dominican
- Binder: Dominican
- Filler: Dominican
- Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
- Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia
Vitolas Offered
The OpusX Dubai comes in three sizes. Each is presented in 20-count boxes.
- Arena d’Amor: 5 x 52
- Sol d’Amor: 6 x 55
- Viento d’Amor: 6 x 58
Appearance (*)
The wrapper of the OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor had a medium brown with a tint that was a combination of Colorado and caramel shades. The wrapper had some oils on the surface. Upon closer examination of the wrapper, a slight amount of toothiness was noticeable. There were some visible veins and visible wrapper seams, but aesthetically, this was an exquisite wrapper. The OpusX Dubai line is pressed. Still, my sample of the Sol D’Amor was quite soft-pressed and was near parejo-like.
PERFORMANCE
Pre-Light Draw (*)
The cigar experience of the OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor started by removing the ribbon and cedar sleeve. Once that was done, a straight cut was placed into the cap to remove it. After the cap was detached, it was time to commence the pre-light draw. There was a mix of natural tobacco and cedar. The notes had both sweet and bitter qualities. It created a nice balance. Overall, this was a satisfactory pre-light draw experience. At this point, it was time to toast up the OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor and move into the smoking phase.
Tasting Notes
The OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor opened up with notes of natural tobacco, cedar, citrus, earth, and coffee. As the cigar burned through the early stages, some nut notes also entered the equation. There were no dominant notes until about midway through the first third when the citrus and natural tobacco emerged in the forefront. Shortly after, the coffee joined the natural tobacco and citrus as primary notes. Meanwhile, there was a layer of black pepper on the retro-hale.
The second third of the OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor saw a fusion develop between the natural tobacco and citrus. This blended note, along with the coffee note, remained the primary one. Meanwhile, notes of cedar and earth were present in the background. Additionally, notes of black pepper became apparent on the tongue.
By the final third, the natural tobacco in the fused natural tobacco/citrus note was the dominant component of that note. Together with the coffee notes, they remained the primary note. A slight increase in the cedar and pepper occurred, and there still were earth notes rounding out the flavor profile. This is the way the OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor came to a close. The resulting nub was soft to the touch and cool in temperature.
Burn
Overall the OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor maintained a straight burn path. There was a slight amount of jaggedness on the burn line from time to time, but this didn’t prove to be problematic. The cigar itself did not need an excessive amount of touch-ups. The resulting ash had a salt-and-pepper color. This was an ash that wasn’t overly firm. Still, it wasn’t excessively loose either. As for the burn rate and burn temperature, both were maintained at ideal levels.
Draw
Overall, the OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor performed exceptionally well in terms of burn. This cigar had sufficient resistance to earn this draw an “excellent” level ranking. At the same time, it was a low-maintenance cigar to derive flavor from.
Strength and Body
The OpusX Dubai Sol D’Amor delivered a medium strength, medium-bodied smoking experience from start to finish. There was a slight increase in intensity of both attributes along the way. Still, both the strength and body stayed in the medium range of their respective spectrums. Both the strength and body balanced each other nicely, with neither attribute overpowering the other.
BANDING AND PACKAGING NOTES (*)
OpusX is well-known for its impressive packaging, and the OpusX 2020, also referred to as Dubai, is no exception. This edition features the iconic OpusX logo, with a color scheme dominated by green and red, inspired by the flag of the United Arab Emirates. The 20-count box is also striking, reflecting the same color scheme. The ribbon is attached directly to the cedar sleeve, which makes both elements easy to remove.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Final Thoughts
Overall the OpusX 2020 delivers an excellent smoking experience and one certainly worthy of the OpusX name. While I wouldn’t necessarily put this at the same level as the classic OpusX or OpusX Angel’s Share, the OpusX Dubai was still quite good. It’s a cigar that excels at maintaining its balance, delivering solid complexity, and, most importantly, keeping you engaged from start to finish.
Arturo Fuente has not set an MSRP, and I’ve seen these cigars range in price from $37.65 to $62.25. My recommendation is that if you can get these in that range, it’s worth a Splurge. The Sol D’Amor is the medium size offering, and I think it will appeal to everyone, but I also look forward to smoking the other two sizes. I hope Fuente brings this cigar back to the U.S. soon.
Summary
Key Flavors: Natural Tobacco, Citrus, Coffee, Cedar, Earth, Pepper
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium
Finish: Very Good
Rating
Value: Splurge
Score: 90
*Cigar Coop Standard of Excellence*
REFERENCES
News: Arturo Fuente to Release OpusX 2020 (Dubai) to U.S. Market
Price: $37.65-$62.25(* *)
Source: Cigar Coop
Brand Reference: The OpusX Society, OpusX
(*) Indicates this is not factored into the score or value rating
(* *) Note that an MSRP was not set for this cigar. I’ve seen it priced between $37.65 and $62.25. I recently purchased this cigar for $49.99.
Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
