Arturo Fuente · Don Carlos
New WorldAficionadosArturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark
A limited Don Carlos figurado with a round head and box-pressed foot — released to mark Carlos Fuente Sr.'s 80th birthday and the line's 40th anniversary.
The short answer
The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Dominican Republic figurado with a Cameroon wrapper. Expect cedar, roasted coffee, and leather. Critics rate it 97/100.
Flavor profile
Earthy · Roast · Sweet · Spice
Critic ratings
Cigar Aficionado
2017
97/100
Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.
The verdict
The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from Arturo Fuente's Don Carlos line. It's a Dominican Republic (New World) figurado wrapped in Cameroon at 5.75 in × 52.
On the palate, expect cedar, roasted coffee, and leather, leaning earthy. Plan on roughly 65 minutes from light to nub.
It's well regarded: Cigar Aficionado rated it 97/100 in 2017. It pairs naturally with espresso, aged rum, and cognac. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The Don Carlos Eye of the Shark is a special-edition figurado introduced in 2015 to celebrate Carlos Fuente Sr.'s 80th birthday and 40 years of the Don Carlos brand. Its signature trick: a rounded cap that transitions to a square, box-pressed foot — an "eye of the shark" shape.
What it tastes like
Under that delicate, textured Cameroon wrapper sits the rich Don Carlos blend — cedar, roasted coffee, and leather, with cocoa and a firm black-pepper spice. It's medium-to-full bodied and seamlessly balanced, and the shifting shape gives the smoke a slightly different draw as you move from the round head toward the pressed foot.
Who it's for
This is an aficionado's cigar: a limited release prized as much for its craftsmanship and pedigree as its flavor. If you can find one, treat it as an occasion smoke. Pair it with an espresso, cognac, or aged rum and take your time.
For the everyday Don Carlos experience, the Robusto and No. 2 torpedo are easier to find. A cigar this special deserves proper storage — see how to store cigars. Mark the find in the Casa DNC app.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark — frequently asked
- Is the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark a good cigar for beginners?
- Ease into it. The fuller body can be a lot for a first-timer, so it's better once you've built up a little tolerance.
- How strong is the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark?
- The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark is Medium-Full-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark taste like?
- Expect cedar, roasted coffee, and leather, leaning earthy. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What is the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark's rating?
- Published critic scores: Cigar Aficionado 97/100 (2017). Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings and doesn't score cigars itself.
- What pairs well with the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark?
- It pairs well with espresso, aged rum, and cognac. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium-full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark?
- Plan on about 65 minutes for the figurado — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark head-to-head
See how Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.