Arturo Fuente · Don Carlos
New WorldExperiencedArturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 2
The flagship torpedo of Fuente's Don Carlos line — a refined, Cameroon-wrapped Dominican blend built from vintage tobaccos and named for Carlos Fuente Sr.
The short answer
The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 2 is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Dominican Republic torpedo with a Cameroon wrapper. Expect cedar, roasted coffee, and leather. Critics rate it 94/100.
Flavor profile
Earthy · Roast · Spice · Sweet
Critic ratings
Cigar Aficionado
2013
94/100
Cigar Aficionado
2004
92/100
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 No. 2 is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from Arturo Fuente's Don Carlos line. It's a Dominican Republic (New World) torpedo wrapped in Cameroon at 6 in × 55.
On the palate, expect cedar, roasted coffee, and leather, leaning earthy. Plan on roughly 75 minutes from light to nub.
It's well regarded: Cigar Aficionado rated it 94/100 in 2013. It pairs naturally with espresso, aged rum, and after a meal. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The Don Carlos line is Arturo Fuente's tribute to patriarch Carlos Fuente Sr., built from hand-selected vintage tobaccos. The No. 2 is its flagship torpedo — a tapered six-inch cigar with a fat 55 ring gauge.
What it tastes like
This is where the Cameroon wrapper shows its dressier side. Expect cedar and roasted coffee leading into leather, cocoa, and a measured black-pepper spice. It's medium-to-full bodied — richer and more refined than the Hemingway line — with the kind of seamless balance Carlos Fuente Jr. is known for. The torpedo head concentrates the smoke beautifully.
Who it's for
Aimed at experienced smokers who want a polished, flavorful cigar with some backbone. It's not a beginner's stick — the body and complexity reward a developed palate. Smoke it slowly after a meal with an espresso or aged rum.
If you like the torpedo format, the limited Eye of the Shark is a special-edition cousin. For where Cameroon sits between light and dark wrappers, see Maduro vs Connecticut, and our cigar strength guide explains "medium-full." Rate it and stock your humidor in the Casa DNC app.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 2 — frequently asked
- Is the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 2 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 No. 2?
- The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 2 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 No. 2 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 No. 2's rating?
- Published critic scores: Cigar Aficionado 94/100 (2013), Cigar Aficionado 92/100 (2004). Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings and doesn't score cigars itself.
- What pairs well with the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 2?
- It pairs well with espresso, aged rum, and after a meal. 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 No. 2?
- Plan on about 75 minutes for the torpedo — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 2 head-to-head
See how Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 2 stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.