Arturo Fuente is going to release three new figurado sizes in the very near future ­ two Opus X perfectos and a new Hemingway figurado. At the time of the show the Opus X Perfectos had yet to be named, however they were impeccably crafted and both of these fat figurados are sure to find favor with Opus X fans. The new Hemingway is to be named the "Work of Art." Sadly no picture is available as of yet, but Carlos Fuente Jr. was extremely passionate when describing this new figurado to me. It is roughly 5 1/2" in length and is shaped like an elongated rain drop with a very sharply pointed head and about a 56 ring bulge near the "Hemingway-style" closed foot.

And last, but not least, Villazon is also introducing a new ultra-premium cigar called the Hoyo de Monterrey Royal Seleccion. This new cigar is made in only four figurado sizes: Duques ­ a 6 x 52 torpedo, Condesa ­ a 6 1/2 x 52 trumpet-like pyramid, Marques ­ 6 x 47 belicoso, and the Aristocrat ­ a 6 x 48 perfecto. All of these sizes are estimated only since there was no detailed information available or cigars to sample. These Honduran/Nicaraguan cigars are ringed and packaged in traditional Cuban Hoyo style and look nothing less than perfect. Last week I had the chance to smoke the Duques at a private tasting and it was exceptional. These cigars are anticipated to be available by December, but will only be available at exclusive Villazon retailers and very limited in quantity. Of all the cigars at the RTDA, this one generated the biggest buzz amongst retailers and industry insiders.

Overall the sense of this year's RTDA was that the cigar industry is in excellent shape, that prices are slowly receding, and that many new and interesting cigars are going to be offered to the consumer from the well respected time tested manufacturers. If 1998's convention is any indication, we should all be enjoying some exceptional smoking over the year to come.