My list this year is my personal favorites smoked in 2010.  These are the cigars that I smoked on a regular basis, or as often as I could.

In no particular order….

• Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta No. 7 6×50

• 13th Floor Foundation Series Toro 6 x 52

• Quesada Tributo Alvarito 4.5 x 40

• La Aurora 107 Robusto 4.5 x 50

• J. Fuego Corojo No. 1 Corona 4.5 x 46

• Liga Privada Dirty Rat 5 x 44

• Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Robusto 5 x 50

• Tatuaje El Triunfador #3 5.5 x 46

• Illusione Epernay La Monde 6.25 x 52

• La Flor Dominicana L-300 Cabinet Oscuro 5.75 x 50

Honorable Mentions -

• Illusione HL
• 7 ~ 20~4 Corona
• Casa Fernandez Arsenio
• Fuente Magnum R 52
• Avo Heritage

Robsuto 5×50

Wrapper - Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder – Nicaraguan Corojo

Filler – Nicaraguan

MSRP – $5.50

This weekend I had the chance to smoke a J.Fuego 777 Zero robusto, when the 777 Brazilian Corojo came out in 2009 after IPCPR I immediately fell in love with it, and it fell into my regular rotation. Naturally, I was excited to try something new such as the Zero, which features a Connecticut wrapper from Ecuador.

My pre-light observations show that the cigar is well constructed, the Connecticut wrapper looks very good in appearance, and is blemish free with some subtle veins. The blend is the same blend from the 777 corojo and maduro, and taking a sniff of the stick reveals aromas similar to the corojo, if not identical. I cut it with my trusty Xikar cutter and the draw was great, with rich tobacco notes which checking the draw.

First third- The Zero started off with a nice hint of spice, which stayed throughout the first third, along with a creamy taste. The burn was perfectly straight, and the ash was nice white color and held onto the cigar nicely, no flakey ash here!

Second third – the spice picked up substantially, it was far from overwhelming though. A slight taste of toast lingered on my tongue after each puff, it was quite enjoyable actually and stayed just until the beginning of the final third. The creamy taste dissipated and slowly disappeared in this portion of the cigar just before the toasty notes introduced themselves.

Final third – the toasty notes left the cigar completely, and the spice picked up tremendously, it was fairly spicy on each puff, but not overwhelming at all. The cigar never got hot and I pretty much smoked it to the nub. Over all the J.Fuego 777 Zero was quite enjoyable.

I definitely wouldn’t mind smoking it on a regular basis as a nice mild-medium morning cigar. The spice at the end was what I think made me truly enjoy this stick, as I usually prefer to smoke a more spicy, full-bodied sticks.  It was a great balance of cream and spice.

Look out for these sticks at your local b&m and be sure to pick a couple up!

Review Submitted by Pat.  @Patdenonville

It’s quite easy for someone to sit down and review or discuss the next cigar of the year. Talking about this type of cigar has no shortage of interesting facts, unique histories, complex tobaccos and especially high price tags. Price points that not every smoker in our community has the luxury of affording, so we have decided to start profiling some of the less expensive cigars that one might find online or through the local B&M.

Many boutique cigar manufactures will create a line that can be distributed online to help bring brand awareness, please the budget conscious shopper but most importantly please the online retailer who can bring in much needed capital due to the high volume of sales. Most of the time the savings will reach the consumer by creating a “sandwich” blend, a short and medium sized filler inside a long filler, or by using a lower grade wrapper (or filler) on the cigar. Up first for review will be the J. Fuego Casa Fuego sold exclusively by Cigars International.

Construction: The J. Fuego Casa Fuego has a beautiful honey or caramel colored wrapper that seems to be slightly spongy. This would indicate to me that the cigar was created in the “sandwich” style but this information was not indicated on the retailers website (and the website is known to be vague on budget lines). You might find one large vein that can be felt with the fingers but this will not effect the way the Casa Fuego burns.

Draw: Perfection. Regardless of what price point J. Fuego is trying to hit he will always ensure his cigars draw (and burn) with absolute perfection. Feel free to punch, cut, bite or poke this cigar – you will get a perfect draw.

Burn: Again, J. Fuego prides himself on the way his cigars burn and this is evident even in the cigars that have a lower MSRP. You can see from the pictures inserted that this cigar burns very evenly, holds an ash and does not require any touch-ups.

Flavor: The J. Fuego Casa Fuego has a pretty consistent flavor from start to finish. It is slightly woody, has a nice amount of like peppery spice and delivers a smooth creamy smoke. The body always maintains in the medium range and will be easy for anyone to smoke. Throughout the Fuego you will notice instances of something sweet, almost caramel like, that keeps your palate entertained and happy.

I would like to note that these cigars are good when smoked young but turn into something … beautiful with just a few months of resting time. So if you order a box (which I will suggest you do in the “Final Verdict” section) set them aside and let the Casa Fuego cigars fully develop.

Final Verdict: You can purchase the J. Fuego Casa Fuego at Cigars International in boxes of 29 (21 + “Freebies“) for 95 dollars – $3.30 a stick. But allow me to give you a savvy shopper tip: Go to the CI auction or offer site and you can pick up a box for about $40 – so everything comes out to just under $2 a stick. So for $40 I suggest that everyone goes out and buys a box. Casa Fuego is a phenomenal budget cigar that will find their way in your regular smoking rotation. And if your still a little hesitant about buying the cigar just know that this is something you wont be ashamed to send in the good ole “cigar bomb“.

A few months ago I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Jesus Fuego over a bottle of wine and discuss anything and everything that was on our mind – just two friends relaxing after a long day of work. Of course our conversations eventually lead to cigars and what Jesus was planning for the next few releases. And with passion, as anyone who has talked to Fuego knows there is no other way, started telling me about the newest size in the Origin line (this cigar is now released) called the “Originals”.

Jesus explained that the Originals cigar was based on a technique that he, his father, grandfather and everyone else in his family has used since they were in (and even before) the tobacco business.  When it was time to test a blend or leaf or any new component they would grab a raw natural leaf and place tobacco in the middle, as this is the only area of the leaf that would actually hold tobacco, and roll it up.  It would create a smoke that was fat in the middle and very thin on both ends. After pinching off the excess ends they would then smoke and evaluate the combination before sending it off to the rollers for the initial test run. Jesus explained it created quite the “ugly little stick” but it got the job done.

Now fast-forward to the end of 2009 and Mr. Fuego has just gotten back from a trip to the farm.  Unable to sleep due to the jet-lag he called up a friend in the cigar industry to have breakfast.  Forgetting to bring any cigars with him Jesus, being the kind gracious host that he is, was embarrassed he didn’t have a smoke to offer his friend.  However he remembered that he still had some of his Origin “ugly sticks” in his shirt pocket he had rolled to test the consistency of his tobacco from previous releases. Hesitantly pulling it out Mr. Fuego apologized for not being prepared and offered it away.

Upon smoking this oddly shaped, smaller, yet very tasty cigar his friend posed the ultimate question of why Fuego just didn’t release this stick as the next size in the Origin line. After all in his mind he thought this was just an absolutely amazing creation (you will find out why once you smoke these) and people would actually enjoy smoking a sort-of raw, undoctored cigar.

Perhaps this is an appropriate time to say “and the rest was history”.

From the Origen Originals Package:
“Our secret revealed. Its shape, draw and unique way of rolling it have made this Vitola my family’s first and favorite tool when evaluating all our tobaccos and blends since 1876. A truly Original smoking experience. Enjoy. Jesus Fuego.”

Construction: These Origen Originals are the “ugly little sticks” – what am I really supposed to say about the construction aspect? They are in-fact ugly little sticks. The wrapper is rough, veins can be seen and it’s not very pretty to look at.

Draw: These cigars already come with a cut end. Actually the only way you can tell the difference between the foot and the head is by a faint little cap line that still resides on the top. Regardless of which way you smoke it (as I am sure someone will smoke the wrong end) you will get the standard J. Fuego perfect draw that create mountains of perfect smoke.

Burn: Are you still seeking perfection from these handy little cigars that are supposed to be rough and raw? Admittingly so was I and the Originals have no problem delivering. You will get a great burn with a very thick peppery ash that only falls off once tapped.

Taste: I don’t want to dwell too much on the flavor of this great stick as this is an experience every smoker should try on their own. However I will mention that this mini cigar is the exact same blend found in the other Origen sizes.

Like the other sizes you will find a good amount of earthy spice, toasty notes and really enjoyable straight forward tobacco. It is very consistent from start to finish and I can guarantee you will light up a second the moment you are done with the first.

Final Verdict: Only a few select retailers (rumored to be around 100) will receive these 5 packs that should sell in the $12.xx price rage. The size of the Originals are perfect for any moment, the flavor is amazing, the price point should just jump out of you – and in other words if you can find these at your local retailer pick up at least 2 packs.

Jesus Fuego, president of Tabacos S.A., sits down with puffingcigars.com at Tinderbox in Mesa, Arizona.

The Fuego family has been in the business of growing, blending, and rolling cigars for five generations (1876 to be exact). Odds are you have had the privilege of smoking some of the J. Fuego blends long before he started producing cigars under his name. He has worked with Rocky Patel supervising production in various factories and has helped collaborate on some of Rocky’s most notable cigars, such as the Olde World Reserve.

This self-proclaimed “Cuban Redneck” launched his own line in December of 2006 so that he could finally have full creative control on the cigars he was blending. Initially launching the Natural and Gran Reserva lines, Mr.Fuego has expanded with 777, the limited edition Origen and the HC Series for XIKAR (just to name a few). The value he strives to produce for  his consumers, or “Rockstars” as he puts it, makes J. Fuego and his family a great edition to the cigar community; you can expect to see wonderful things for a long time to come.

Quick Notes

Construction: Dark Sugary type of brown colored wrapper. Minimal sheen on the Origen but oils can be seen under light. Veins are also minimal although you may find a medium sized vein or two through the wrapper. Typical J. Fuego “super packed” cigar with tons of tobacco. No soft spots.

Draw: Medium type of draw due to the amount of tobacco that is rolled into the cigar. Generally speaking you will be more satisfied with a straight cut across the cap.

Burn: Great burn, again typical of any J. Fuego product. Straight line across all segments of the Origen cigar. Ash is very solid and white/peppery in color. Smoke leaves a nice spice with clean taste.

Taste: Earthy Spice but quickly mellows out in the 1/3 part of the Origen cigar. Body is slightly increasing.

Cigar has mellowed out overall. Toasty with the earthy aftertaste. Tobacco can really be tasted. Smoke is coating the palate well with a light spice.

Cigar finishes just like the middle of the cigar. Very consistent.

Final Verdict: The J. Fuego Origen has  a price tag of about $7.xx. This is a great price point for a “special edition” cigar from a great blender. The Origen really rounds out the cigar collection for J. Fuego and is a must add for yours. You will not be disappointed.

Brazilian Corjo wrapper is making its way into the cigar industry. Development of this wrapper took approximately 3 years before it was deemed worthy enough to introduce. The first wrapper of this type will be used by the masterful J. Fuego.

And why did J. Fuego get this privilege?

Well, his father happens to be the grower of the the Brazilian Corojo. This means it will be exclusive for the first couple of months before the Corojo is then sold to other producers of cigars.

Have you ever wondered if you were really getting a good value on your cigars? Let me give you another tidbit of cool information:

Jesus Fuego requires all of his cigars to be fully packed with tobacco. Take a 777 (or anything in his line) and, with sizes being equal, you will almost always find that the Fuego cigar weighs more than the other stick your comparing it to.

Try this little test at home and let me know what kind of results you come up with.

Now enjoy a brief introduction from Dean Laffey, representative to J. Fuego cigars at Casa Fuma cigar lounge:

Construction: The Brazilian Corjo wrapper makes a mouth dropping cinnamon brown wrapper with a red tint. It appeared to be a little toothy with very minimal veins. You will never find a cigar from J. Fuego that has soft spots, it just wont happen.

Draw: J. Fuego cigars typically have a medium draw that require just a little tug to pull the smoke through due to the amount of tobacco used in sticks. That being said, I would recommend cutting the Brazilian Corjo and everything will be downright perfect.

Burn: puffingcigars.com should make a standard canned response for some of these cigar makers, J. Fuego being one, that tells you just now perfect the burn is. Since I don’t have one just yet so let me give you these words: “perfect“, “straight“, “amazing ash“, and “great smoke“.

Taste: Light this stogie up and get ready for the Brazilian spice. There is a bit of earthiness that I can just make out over the spice and it’s a great flavor combination. But quickly into the first 1/3 of the J. Fuego the spice settles down and that earthy flavor makes more of a pairing instead of just being an undertone. The Brazilian Corojo is leaving my palate dry.

At the midpoint of the cigar the spice is settling in the back of my throat. Earthiness seems to be the main profile my palate is picking up. There is a sweetness you can also sense (maybe depending on how sensitive your palate is). The J. Fuego is really, really, starting to mellow out now.

Welcome spicy cedar. I thought I was picking this up at the end of the middle and I’m glad it’s here. Earthiness is the major flavor profile still, an interesting earthiness I contribute to the Corojo wrapper. The body has increased and still remains in the top end of the medium or the low end of the full spectrum.

Final Verdict: J. Fuego 777 Brazilian Corojo will have a low $5.xx price range. With a great price point, a dynamite blender, and a really unique Brazilian Corjo wrapper backing this cigar you must absolutely give it a try. It’s interesting, it’s complex, and all around great so I won’t blame you for buying a box (I did).

Gran Reserva Corojo No.1 is a wonderful cigar by J. Fuego.

The Gran Reserva Corojo No.1 has a filler that is actually composed of ligero from Nicaragua, Honduras, and Viso from a location that is unknown (it’s a secret?). The binder on the J. Fuego No. 1 is from Costa Rica and the beautiful wrapper is a Sun Grown Honduran Corojo. Like all of Jesus Fuegos cigars the Gran Reserva Corojo is made with aged leaf and additionally aged in cedar before shipping.

The J. Fuego Gran Reserva Corojo No. 1can be found in a simple black wooden box that comes packed with 20 cigars wrapped in cellophane.

Construction: J. Fuego’s cigars generally come in a cellophane wrapper and the Gran Reserva Corojo No. 1 is no exception. Remove the protective sleeve and you will immediately notice the red-ish hue the sungrown Corojo wrapper gives off. The Corojo wrapper has some small subtle veins that do not effect on the burn and an oily wrapper that will make your mouth drool. As you would expect from a “premium” cigar the tobacco is packed firm and the pinch test passed with flying colors. J. Fuego has a beautifully rolled cigar and it’s quite apparent your getting a high quality smoke.

Draw: J. Fuego’s Robusto has to be broken down into two segments. Initially the draw on the Gran Reserva is a little tight. However it is not restrictive enough to the point that you can’t use a punch. As you move into the 2/3 portion of the Corojo cigar the draw really opens up. At this point (2/3 and on) you have a perfect draw.

Burn: Jesus Fuego’s No. 1 cigar has to be considered a “premium” cigar. When anything falls in this category I can only expect or even demand perfection. The Corojo had a jagged burn but it was even and smooth. If the cigar was in the $5 range I would give it a perfect rating. Being picky as it’s a stick that cost $8 and up I will say it’s pretty good. The ash was thick and white through the entire cigar.

Taste: Pre-light on the corjo cigar gives you a sense of sweetness, a woodsy profile, and a light coffee smell.

The initial light of the No. 1 brings you into an immediate world of Corojo cigars. This was expected because Corojo wrappers have a very distinct taste that you will always pick up on. For the entire 1/3 of the smoke you get a Corojo taste with the light spice finish. The smoke is full and thick and the ash is very solid.

At the 2/3 point your cigar profile will really change and you get to taste the blend of the cigar (instead of the wrapper). Coffee was the primary taste that I drew from the Gran Reserva cigar. You find a hint of “sweetness” with every puff and the spice is getting a bit stronger. The cigar is still in a medium body spectrum but you can feel it moving into the full range. Smoke has a more creamy profile to it as the J. Fuego has opened up and made the draw perfect.

The final stages of the smoking experience happen to be in the full body range. Unfortunately the spice has died down considerably but the cigar actually introduces some new flavors. I get a little “woody” hint with a “nutty” profile. The sweetness is still there and finishes off the flavors perfectly.

Final Verdict: I really love this cigar. The J. Fuego Gran Reserva Corojo No. 1has become one of my “go to” cigars that I can always count on. Looking past the imperfect burn is super easy due to the wonderful body, taste, and smoke the cigar creates. Prices at a B&M usually sit around $8.50 and worth every penny. Doing a little internet shopping will allow you to pick this up in the $6.50 range which makes this cigar a great deal. I would, and I will, suggest you buy a box (comes in 20) of the J. Fuego Gran Reserva Corojo No. 1.

J. Fuego’s Delirium review was I was greatly anticipating due to my love of the Natural and the Gran Reserva Corojo. When hearing about the education and research (this will be another article later) that J. Fuego has gone you can only expect great cigars. Another great quality about the Jesus Fuego Delirium cigar is the wrapper. It happens to be the “youngest” component with 5 years of aging.

Construction: The maduro cigar has the typical looking maduro wrapper sitting right in the middle of the “color scale”. Veins will consist of one or two that will run the length of the cigar (or just about) and you can just see a hint of the oils on the wrapper. Overall I would say this is a “no thrills” looking stick that you might walk by in the humidor. J. Fuego Delirium is a cigar that’s packed with great smelling tobacco making the cigar firm and impossible to unravel while smoking.

Draw: The pictures I have posted show the Delirium cut: the draw is perfect. When I punch this cigar: the draw is perfect.

Burn: From the construction and the draw descriptions would you expect the burn to be anything else but … perfect? The ash stays on just as well, if not better, than any other expensive “premium” cigar.

Taste: J. Fuego’s Delirium was bursting with coca flavors from the get go – this stick is a piece of cigar heaven. The first part of this cigar also brought great sweetness and maybe a mild hint of leather to the pallet.

As you continue to smoke the Delirium the cocoa flavors seem to take back seat to a woodsy, not so sweet flavor (this pushes the cigar in a medium-full category). The smoke became even creamier. The flavors worked well together because it was a smooth transition.

Now as you are finishing the cigar it will have a bitter coco taste, but still a good finish (keep in mind most cigars will get this way). I nubbed it.

Verdict Is: You need to buy this cigar. Delirium is a cigar anyone can, and will, enjoy. The price point of this stick sits around $8.50 if you buy them individually. What does that mean to you? – Just buy a box and get a discount.