Eye of the Shark Cigar: Price, Blend & Review Notes
The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark is a limited-production 5 3/4" x 52 vitola from Arturo Fuente. It pairs a Cameroon wrapper with Dominican binder and filler leaf rolled into a distinctive shark vitola. Published retail prices range from roughly $11 to $12 per cigar, sold in boxes of 20.
Price and Availability
Published manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the Eye of the Shark cigar run roughly $11 to $12 per cigar, depending on the source. One published industry source lists the retail price at $11.25 per cigar, or $225 for a box of 20, while Cigar Coop lists the figure at $12.25 per cigar. Retail availability varies and stock tends to be thin across brick-and-mortar shops and catalog retailers. To check current pricing and inventory, browse Eye of the Shark listings at Cigars International, where we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Blend and Specs
The blend inside the Eye of the Shark cigar belongs to the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos line, a medium to full blend named in honor of Carlos Fuente Sr. The cigars are rolled at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in the Dominican Republic.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Arturo Fuente Don Carlos |
| Vitola | Shark |
| Length | 5 3/4 inches |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cameroon |
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic |
| Factory | Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia |
| Country of Origin | Dominican Republic |
| Packaging | 20-count boxes |
| Published Retail Price | Roughly $11 to $12 per cigar |
The Shark Shape
The Shark vitola combines two distinct rolling formats along a single 5 3/4-inch stick. The head of the cigar begins as a rounded, tapered belicoso-like tip. Moving down the body toward the foot, the round cylinder transitions into a square, box-pressed base.
This specific geometry places the Shark outside standard format definitions. For a broad breakdown of how cigar rings and lengths are measured, see our cigar sizes guide. While shape variations like standard torpedos taper evenly along the shaft, the Shark uses a distinct hybrid profile. You can learn more about related pointed shapes in our best torpedo cigars guide. The shark-shaped vitola also appears in the Arturo Fuente Anejo line, though that is a different line with its own blend and not the same cigar.
Flavor and Strength
According to an independent review by Cigar Coop, the Don Carlos Eye of the Shark exhibits notable flavor transitions during smoking. The review recorded flavors of cedar, natural tobacco, lemon rind, pepper, earth, and nuts. Cigar Coop noted an exceptional draw with a touch of resistance, adding that the cedary final third of the cigar was not what the reviewer expected.
Cigar Coop measured the cigar's strength as mild to medium during the first half, rising to medium strength during the second half. Overall, the publication awarded the cigar a 90 score and assigned it a "Buy One" rating. These tasting notes and scores reflect that reviewer's view.
Why the Release Drew Attention
Arturo Fuente originally released the Don Carlos Eye of the Shark in 2015. Two years later, industry publication Cigar Aficionado named the cigar its Cigar of the Year for 2017, ranking it as the number one cigar on its annual list. For context on the manufacturer's broader reputation, read our overview of the best cigar brands or our assessment of whether Arturo Fuente cigars are worth it. Those seeking other high-profile Fuente releases can also check our guide to Opus X cigar alternatives.
Who It Suits
At Humidorist, we match a cigar to a smoker by its strength first. The Don Carlos Eye of the Shark suits smokers who prefer medium-strength profiles over full-power blends. Because Cigar Coop measured the strength starting at mild to medium before settling at medium in the final half, it sits a step above the gentlest cigars without reaching full strength.
This cigar is not for smokers seeking a heavy, full-strength nicotine punch. If you want maximum strength, a standard full-bodied maduro or ligero-heavy blend is a better choice. If a seller asks well above the $11 to $12 published price, check the other Don Carlos vitolas first.
FAQ
How much does Don Carlos Eye of the Shark cost?
Published retail figures sit between $11 and $12 per cigar, or around $225 for a box of 20, though prices differ by source and retailer.
What is the Eye of the Shark cigar?
The Eye of the Shark is a 5 3/4" x 52 cigar in the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos line that features a rounded belicoso-style tip and a square, box-pressed foot.
Was Eye of the Shark Cigar Aficionado's cigar of the year?
Yes, Cigar Aficionado named the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark its number one Cigar of the Year for 2017.
What does the Eye of the Shark taste like?
In a review by Cigar Coop, the flavor profile featured notes of cedar, natural tobacco, lemon rind, pepper, earth, and nuts, finishing with a cedary final third.
Where can I buy Eye of the Shark cigars?
You can look for inventory through brick-and-mortar tobacconists or online retailers like Cigars International, though stock levels vary.
Conclusion
The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark remains a recognized Cameroon-wrapped vitola known for its rounded-to-square Shark press and its 2017 award recognition.
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