Cubano leaf followed by a shade-grown that proved to
be quite an accomplishment. Two years later, the Fuentes
released their most expensive and possibly most successful
cigar, the Fuente Fuente Opus X, which featured that very
Dominican wrapper. That same year also brought tragedy
when yet another !re claimed two barns that held over
1,800 bales of aged tobacco. It was certainly a setback
but, due to so much previous experience with !re, the
Fuentes had diversi!ed by storing tobaccos in many
locations.
When the Cigar Boom ended, the Fuentes’ success
carried on, although their troubles were not over. In
1998, Hurricane Georges ripped through the Dominican
Republic, causing over one billion dollars in damages
and claiming nearly 400 lives. It destroyed all but two of
the Fuentes’ curing barns, ruining the wrapper crop for
the Opus X. But as Carlito says, when you can’t use salt,
try pepper. The family held back on the Opus X line and
instead developed the Añejo, a cigar with a similar blend
but a different wrapper.
The challenges faced by the Fuentes obviously
in"uenced their outlook and, as a result, they
wholeheartedly believe in supporting their community. In
2001, the Fuentes and the Newmans formed the Cigar
Family Charitable Foundation, which today is recognized
by the United Nations as the model of giving back in
the Dominican Republic. “We have over 500 children
we support in over 13 communities,” says Carlito with
noticeable pride as he elaborates on the clinic, baseball
stadium, amphitheater, elementary school, preschool,
and high school that serve a 26-acre area surrounding
Chateau de la Fuente. “When the children graduate,
they speak three languages. We’ve already had several
graduating classes. They are all in university and each one
has received a scholarship.”
The Fuentes originally planned to mark their
business’s 100
th
year in 2012, and Carlito was excited
about the cigars being created to celebrate this milestone.
But shortly after last year’s trade show, yet another !re
destroyed two of the warehouses holding the family’s
store of aged tobacco, some of which was destined for
the commemorative cigars. While this setback delayed
the family’s anniversary plans, it has not stopped the
Fuentes from moving forward. “My responsibility is more
than celebrating,” Carlito says. “That is why we have
this whole campaign, ‘2013: Year One, Time Begins.’ My
responsibility and my big contribution to my family is to
pass the torch to the next generation.”
To celebrate their second century in the business,
Carlito and his family will debut the Don Arturo
Aniversario Destino al Siglo, a high-end, limited-release
smoke offered once a year like the Añejos. Another
anticipated launch is the Angel’s Share, a white-banded
version of the Opus X made with the lightest, sweetest
tobacco from the heart of the plant. “It is amazing!”
Carlito says. “The idea is, the smoke goes up to heaven;
it is the angel’s share of the smoke.” A percentage of
Angel’s Share sales will fund the Cigar Family Charitable
Foundation. There will also be a third line, a revival of an
old family brand called Casa Cuba.
The Fuentes have no plans whatsoever to slow down
anytime soon. In fact, they’re planning a big party to be
held in Tampa next spring. “It is our life. It is our blood
and our family,” says Carlito. “My father has shown me
by example. Still today at 77, he "ies to the Dominican
Republic every week, not because he has to but because
he’s worried about his little boy—who’s 58. He still wants
to help me out. He is theVince Lombardi of cigarmaking!”
Is adversity a key element in creating exceptional
cigars? Who knows? In the case of this long-standing
family business, it certainly has played a role. But with
such dedication, strength and endurance, is it any wonder
that the Fuente family and its cigars have prevailed for
over a century?
After troubled times in Central America, the company
finds a stable environment in the Dominican Republic.
The Fuentes release their most expensive and
possibly most successful cigar, the Opus X.
1980s
2013: Campaign “Year One, Time Begins” celebrates
the Fuentes’ second century in the business.
1990s
2000s
Carlos, Cynthia and Carlito hardly bear the faces you’d expect of
a family that has witnessed so many catastrophes within their
business! !e resilient Fuentes’ positive attitude (not to mention
strength, dedication and patience) has certainly helped to make their
respected brand what it is today.
29
800-JR-CIGAR
Prices subject to change without notice. Not responsible for
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