Hemingway Short Story Cigar Review

The Hemingway Short Story cigar is proof that small can be serious. This tiny perfecto from Arturo Fuente packs a Cameroon wrapper, careful rolling and a sweet, spicy profile into about 4 inches. This review checks its specifications, sets out the profile most smokers report and weighs its craft against its limits.

The Hemingway Short Story cigar at a glance

Arturo Fuente was founded in 1912 by Arturo Fuente Sr. in West Tampa, Florida. Today the family makes its cigars at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in the Dominican Republic. In the mid-1980s, the company launched the Hemingway series, a line built around special figurado shapes.

The Short Story is the smallest regular size in the line. It is a perfecto of about 4 inches by a 49 ring gauge, or roughly 102 mm, with a rounded head and a tapered foot. Note that some references list it at 48 ring gauge. It uses a Cameroon wrapper over a Dominican binder and Dominican long filler. Our Dominican cigars guide explains the tobacco tradition behind it.

Construction and draw

Perfectos are hard to roll, and this is where the Short Story stands out. Expect a smooth, toothy Cameroon wrapper, an even taper and a firm feel with no soft spots.

Most reports describe a near-perfect draw. However, the closed foot needs patient toasting. Until the burn reaches the full width, the cigar may draw a little tight and burn unevenly. After that, the burn usually settles.

First third

Expect a sweet, gentle start. Because the tapered foot burns mostly wrapper at first, the Cameroon leaf leads. Most smokers report cedar, a light sweet spice and a little cream. A soft pepper often appears on the finish.

Second third

Next, the burn reaches the thickest part, and the flavour fills out. Toasted nuts, cocoa and a baking-spice sweetness are common notes. Meanwhile, the pepper stays in balance. For many smokers, this is the best part of the cigar.

Final third

Finally, the pepper picks up a little, and wood and leather come forward. The strength stays around medium. Since the cigar is so short, the smoke can get warm near the end. A slow pace helps.

How it compares

The H. Upmann Half Corona is another short smoke, this time Cuban. It is creamier and more classically Cuban. By contrast, the Short Story is sweeter and spicier, and it shows more rolling skill.

The Davidoff Signature 2000 is also Dominican and mild-to-medium. However, it is a slim, straight corona with a Connecticut wrapper. It is smoother but less spicy than the Fuente.

Smoking it in Malaysia

The Cameroon wrapper is thin and delicate. In Malaysia’s humid air, it can soften. Then, in a cold, air-conditioned room, it can crack. Keep the Short Story at about 65–69% RH. Our cigar humidity guide explains the target range.

For pairing, its sweet spice suits a kopi with a little condensed milk or a glass of aged rum. Also, check our guide on where to smoke cigars in Malaysia, because Act 852 bans smoking in many places.

Verdict

The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story is a small cigar made with big care. The rolling is excellent, the Cameroon wrapper gives it a sweet, spicy character, and it fits into a short break.

Its limits come from its size and shape. The tapered foot needs a careful light, the burn can wobble at first, and the profile has less room to develop. It suits smokers who want a quality short smoke. As always, any cigar carries health risks.