Arturo Fuente Hemingway Natural
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Natural resurrects the grand perfecto tradition of the 1920s, employing original Cuban molds that Carlos Fuente Jr. discovered decades ago. Named for the legendary novelist who spent considerable time in Cuba, these perfectos demand master-level rolling skills that only select torcedores at the Fuente factory possess. The African Cameroon wrapper, sourced from plantations with ideal cloud cover, provides a silky texture and natural sweetness that transforms throughout each smoke.
- African Cameroon wrapper delivers distinctive sweetness with cedar undertones
- Dominican binder and filler create smooth, balanced medium-bodied profile
- Classic perfecto shape requires expert craftsmanship for proper construction
- Available in multiple sizes from Short Story (4×49) to Masterpiece (9×52)
- Vintage 1920s Cuban perfecto molds ensure authentic shape and draw
- 93-rating from Cigar Aficionado confirms exceptional quality consistency
The initial light reveals classic Cameroon characteristics: subtle sweetness intertwined with cedar and leather notes. As combustion progresses, coffee and cocoa emerge prominently, creating a breakfast-worthy profile that pairs exceptionally with morning beverages. The Dominican tobaccos provide Caribbean smoothness while maintaining enough complexity to engage experienced palates. Roasted nuts appear mid-palate, accompanied by gentle spice that never overwhelms the fundamental sweetness that Cameroon wrapper enthusiasts seek.
Construction excellence reflects the Fuente family’s century-plus heritage. The perfecto shape, tapered at both ends, concentrates flavors during the opening and closing portions while allowing full expression through the wider middle section. Each cigar maintains consistent burn despite the challenging shape, testament to both tobacco quality and rolling expertise. The draw resistance sits perfectly calibrated, neither too tight nor loose, allowing optimal smoke production throughout the experience.
What distinguishes the Hemingway Natural from other Fuente offerings is the commitment to traditional Cuban perfecto architecture. While modern cigars often favor straight-sided formats for production efficiency, these require significantly more time and skill to create. The reward comes through enhanced flavor concentration and smoking dynamics that straight parejos cannot replicate. The Cameroon wrapper’s delicate nature demands careful handling throughout production, contributing to the limited availability that makes these cigars perpetually sought after.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Wrapper Origin | Africa (Cameroon) |
| Binder Origin | Dominican Republic |
| Filler Composition | Dominican Republic |
| Factory Location | Tabacalera A. Fuente, Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Strength Profile | Medium |
| Shape Style | Perfecto |
| Mold Type | Vintage 1920s Cuban perfecto molds |
| Box Format | 25 cigars per box |
Summary
- Box Count: 25
- Region: Dominican Republic
- Strength: Medium
- Binder: Dominican Republic
- Wrapper: African Cameroon
- Filler: Dominican Republic
Which Hemingway Natural size should I choose?
Short Story (4×49) offers a 30-minute smoke perfect for breaks. Best Seller (4.5×55) provides fuller flavor in 45 minutes. Signature (6×46) delivers optimal balance over 60 minutes. Classic (7×48) extends enjoyment to 75 minutes. Masterpiece (9×52) creates a 90+ minute journey for special occasions.
What makes African Cameroon wrapper special?
Cameroon wrapper grows under natural cloud cover in Central Africa, developing thin, elastic leaves with exceptional sweetness. The wrapper contributes cedar, subtle spice, and natural sugars that complement rather than dominate the Dominican filler.
Why are these cigars often unavailable?
Perfecto rolling requires master-level skills possessed by few torcedores. Combined with limited Cameroon wrapper availability and high demand, production cannot match market appetite. Many retailers maintain waiting lists for regular customers.
How does the perfecto shape affect flavor?
The tapered ends concentrate smoke during initial and final thirds, intensifying flavors. The wider middle section allows full tobacco expression. This shape variation creates natural flavor transitions without blend changes.
Is this suitable for newer cigar smokers?
Yes, the medium body and balanced profile make Hemingway Natural approachable for developing palates. The natural sweetness from Cameroon wrapper appeals to those transitioning from milder Connecticut shade cigars.
What beverages pair best with Hemingway Natural?
Morning coffee enhances chocolate notes perfectly. Light rum or cognac complements the sweetness. Champagne creates elegant afternoon pairings. The balanced profile works with most beverages without competition.
How should I store these perfectos?
Maintain 65-68% humidity and 68-70°F temperature. The delicate Cameroon wrapper requires slightly lower humidity than maduro cigars. Store carefully as the tapered ends are more fragile than straight-sided cigars.
How do these compare to Hemingway Maduro?
Natural versions emphasize sweetness and cedar with lighter body. Maduro variants use Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper for fuller body with earth and chocolate dominance. Both maintain the signature perfecto construction quality.
















Ysofockup (verified owner) –
Near perfect construction and burn, as you would expect from AF, producing plenty of smoke. The profile is initially wood/oaky and a bit nutty. There is some earthiness, which increases during the smoke and morphs into more of a leather/dark chocolate flavor. Good complexity. Supposedly a favorite of famous chef Emeril Lagasse, for whatever that’s worth. For just my personal taste, the cigar is very good, but not great. Smoking time about 40 minutes.
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mitchdlot (verified owner) –
Fuente is one of the most consistent brands. And their Hemingway line is an incredible example of expert craftsmanship and remarkable flavour. Medium plus body, smooth, never harsh and good to the nub. Always.
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Alexander S (verified owner) –
Both the Natural and Maduro are outstanding 35-45 mins smoke respectively. The Maduro is $2 more expensive and sweeter. The cigar is a short but delightful, flavorful smoke with creamy, citrusy and sweet notes. Both the Natural and Maduro have notes of sweetness, vanilla and hints of spice but the Maduro is more sweet and less spice.
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Clinton Saunders (verified owner) –
When these showed up, I was a little surprised by the small size. However, I go close to an hour of smoking time (very consciously not over smoking the cigars) out if the 2 I’ve smoked so far. I also enjoyed the darker and more rounded flavors of the maduro over the natural I smoked. I would definitely buy more.
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Robusto (verified owner) –
Great smoke. Cedar, cinnamon, almond/peanut notes, subtle notes of chocolate, caramel, coffee at the finish. These will be even better with some age. Buy a 5 pack if you can or a box.
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albertoamezquitajr (verified owner) –
I love keeping these in my humidor. These always come through when I need a short smoke session especially when traveling with the spouse who can’t stand my smoke. I can escape for a reasonable time.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
These are always a treat! The Hemingway in any vitola never disappoints. I get earthy, nutty flavors and a sweet caramel at times with this. The Cameroon wrappers on these are flawless. The construction was great especially that it’s very closed right at light up. I enjoy these each and every time I get the chance. Short story’s are especially great for when you don’t have a ton of time but want a ton of flavor.
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usarmy15t86 (verified owner) –
These AF Hemingways are a great entry for new smokers, or a staple to keep on hand for those quick smoke breaks you might find throughout the day. I get a little pepper on the beginning, with a little bit of the Cameroon sweetness on the back of the palate. Wether you’re seasoned or a novice, you can’t go wrong with these shorties. Hell, keep a bunch on hand for the new guy.
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john9142008 (verified owner) –
A great medium bodied cigar that is a standby in my humidor. A classic that everyone should try and good value for the quality.
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yrk30346 (verified owner) –
For someone who isn’t a huge cigar smoker this is one I thoroughly enjoyed to the very end. The taste, though mild, was pleasant and did not turn bitter at the end. The aroma was not overpowering, and my mouth didn’t taste like formaldehyde for the rest of the day like with some cigars. This one definitely makes it to my favorites list
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davelagerstedt (verified owner) –
One of my go to short smokes. Price is good, quality, taste, and construction is always on point.
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Daniel O’Connell (verified owner) –
The Work of Art size is in my view the best of this bunch – the Short Story is perhaps the most famous, but the extra filler in the Work of Art noticeably increases the body of the cigar without amping up the strength. Typical baking spices and lingering sweetness from the Cameroon wrapper with nuts and cedar from the Dominican core – not really much transition past the initial wrapper and binder start, the main body is simply one quality experience. Definitely grab a box.
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WallyTheFrog (verified owner) –
Lovely 35 minute smoke and a great example of the Cameroon wrapper. Highly recommend due to the balance and great construction.
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kevinbuckner (verified owner) –
Short Story may be small in size but it packs a nice punch. Very enjoyable quick smoke that burns evenly all the way through. Can’t go wrong with a Fuente.
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brianjthorne (verified owner) –
Good construction, with a nice, even burn. Notes of vanilla bean, caramel, baking spice and leather. Great pricing and selection from Oxford!
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Thiago Araújo Ferreira (verified owner) –
great cigar to smoke after breakfast
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jaredpogas (verified owner) –
Solid Fuente all the way. Always great to go back to this smoke.
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JP7 (verified owner) –
Great little smoke. You can never go wrong with a Fuente. Give it a try for yourself.
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