Arturo Fuente cigars trace their origins to 1912, when Cuban émigré Arturo Fuente founded A. Fuente & Co. in West Tampa, Florida. After a devastating factory fire in 1924 halted production for over two decades, the brand was revived by Fuente and later expanded under his son, Carlos Fuente Sr., who established production in the Dominican Republic and built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and consistency.
Among the company’s most beloved creations is the Flor Fina 8-5-8, introduced in 1975 in memory of Arturo Fuente, who had passed away at the age of 85—hence the name “8-5-8.”
The cigar, typically wrapped in African Cameroon leaf with Dominican filler and binder, is renowned for its balanced, medium-bodied flavour of cedar, nuts, and gentle spice. It remains a staple of the Fuente portfolio, symbolising both the family’s heritage and its dedication to quality.
This month, the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8 is our cigar of the month for November. Read our review below and be sure to order it this month to enjoy the cigar at our discounted price!
About the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8
Blender: Arturo Fuente
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Strength: Medium
Size: 6 ¼” x 47 (Corona Grande)
Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop
The Beginning
Lighting up the 8-5-8 reveals a creamy, aromatic smoke with light wood, hay, and nutty nuances. There is a delicate touch of citrus sweetness on the palate, adding freshness to the opening. The cigar produces excellent smoke output right from the start, offering an approachable yet flavourful introduction. Its loose roll encourages a slow, gentle draw, rewarding the smoker with smooth, cool flavours.
The Middle
As the cigar settles into the middle third, it begins to open up beautifully. Mellow notes of dark cedar, roasted cashew, and a subtle cocoa richness develop, accompanied by a faint cherry sweetness that lingers on the tongue. The texture becomes silkier, and the balance between sweet and earthy elements shines through. The construction remains excellent, with a razor-sharp burn and a long, solid ash, proof of Fuente’s meticulous attention to detail.
The End
In the final third, the profile deepens slightly, offering soft leather and earth tones while maintaining its signature smoothness. The sweetness tapers off gently, leaving a refined, dry finish that is perfectly balanced. A light spice re-emerges, more reminiscent of nutmeg than pepper, closing the cigar with warmth and grace. There is no bitterness or harshness, just a steady, satisfying evolution from start to finish.
Burn & Draw
Flawless construction ensures an even burn and effortless draw throughout the smoke. It performs beautifully without relights or touch-ups, producing cool, creamy smoke all the way down.
Overall
The Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8-5-8 Natural is a masterpiece of smoothness and subtlety. Its elegant profile of wood, nut, cream, and cocoa makes it the perfect choice for both newcomers and seasoned aficionados seeking a relaxing, classic smoke. Whether enjoyed in the morning with coffee or as an evening companion, it is a cigar that fits any occasion.
Ross Rating: 9/10
What alcoholic drink would I pair the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8 with?
A glass of Santiago de Cuba 12 Year Old Extra Añejo Cuban Rum would make an excellent pairing with the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8. The rich notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and gentle spice in this rum harmonise beautifully with the cigar’s creamy cedar and nutty tones.
What soft drink would I pair the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8 with?
It would pair excellently with a non-alcoholic mojito, offering refreshing citrus and mint flavours that enhance the cigar’s natural sweetness and balance.
Would I smoke the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8‑5‑8 again?
Absolutely. The Fuente 8-5-8 is a cigar every enthusiast should experience at least once; it is timeless, balanced, and full of flavour.
