Description

The Hemingway Short Story Maduro is the darker, bolder sibling of the classic Natural. It shares the same beloved Perfecto shape and impeccable construction but uses a different wrapper that completely transforms the smoking experience. This cigar is for those who appreciate the Hemingway form but crave more depth and a sweeter, richer flavor profile.

1. Physical Appearance & Pre-Light

• Vitola & Shape: Like its natural counterpart, it is a Perfecto. This means it is closed at both ends, featuring a beautifully tapered head and a rounded, bulbous body that tapers to a narrow, closed foot. The shape is a work of art, demanding skill to roll.

• Dimensions: Identical at 4 inches in length with a 49 ring gauge at its widest point. It’s a short smoke, but one that is incredibly concentrated and satisfying.

• Wrapper: This is the star of the show. The Maduro version uses a dark, fermented Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. It has a rugged, toothy, and oily appearance, often with a mottled color palette of deep chocolate, espresso bean, and even patches of near-black. It looks substantially richer and more menacing than the Natural.

• Construction: Flawless. The Fuente family’s quality control is evident in the firm, seamless roll with no soft spots. It feels heavy and dense in the hand, promising a packed core of flavors.

• Aroma: From the wrapper, you get deep, earthy notes of rich soil, dark chocolate, and leather. The foot, once clipped, offers a sweeter aroma, reminiscent of molasses, fermented tobacco, and a hint of spice.

• Cold Draw: After clipping the head, the cold draw is slightly tight (characteristic of the shape) and delivers primary flavors of sweet cocoa, earth, and a distinct raisin or dried fruit sweetness.

2. Smoking Experience & Flavor Profile

The Short Story Maduro takes you on a different journey than the Natural—it’s less about cream and cedar and more about chocolate and earth, with a stunning sweetness.

• First Third:

  • Initial Light: The closed foot lights easily, and the first puffs are surprisingly smooth but immediately rich. There is little to no peppery spice, instead launching directly into deep, sweet flavors.

  • Flavors: The dominant note is a rich, bittersweet dark chocolate, like a high-percentage cocoa bar. This is complemented by a core of fresh earth and that signature Maduro sweetness, which presents as raisin, fig, or licorice. It’s full-flavored from the start.

• Second Third:

  • Transition: As the burn passes the widest point of the cigar, the body intensifies, and the flavors become even richer.

  • Flavors: The dark chocolate note remains but is joined by a distinct espresso bean or black coffee bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness. Notes of leather and black pepper may emerge on the retrohale, adding a layer of complexity and spice. The strength builds from a medium into a solid medium-to-full.

• Final Third:

  • Climax: The last third is where the Maduro wrapper truly shines, becoming intensely rich and oily.

  • Flavors: The profile becomes a powerful blend of dark chocolate, espresso, and a deep, roasted nuttiness (like charred almonds). The sweetness becomes more like burnt caramel or molasses. The strength can confidently be considered full in this final stage, providing a satisfying and robust finish.

• Burn & Draw:

  • The burn line on a Maduro wrapper can be more challenging due to its oil content, but the Short Story Maduro typically performs excellently. It may require a touch-up as it burns through the bulbous center, but this is normal for perfectos.

  • The draw produces a thick, chewy smoke that feels heavy and rich on the palate, consistent with the flavor profile.

3. Overall Summary & Impression

• Strength: Medium, building steadily to Medium-to-Full.

• Body: Full-bodied from the start, with a rich, thick, and oily texture.

• Best Suited For: This is an ideal after-dinner cigar. Its rich, sweet profile makes it a perfect pairing with a neat bourbon, a stout beer, a cup of black coffee, or even a fine aged rum. It’s for when you want a deeply flavorful and contemplative smoke in a compact format.

The Maduro Difference:
While the Natural Short Story is a tale of cream, cedar, and baking spices, the Maduro Short Story is a darker narrative of chocolate, espresso, and earth. It showcases the magic of the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, which imparts a profound sweetness and depth that complements the Hemingway blend perfectly.

In short, the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story Maduro is a powerhouse of flavor in a small package. It’s a complex, rich, and satisfying cigar that proves immense depth can come in a small, perfectly formed vessel. It is a must-try for any Maduro lover.