Stogie Reviews: J. Fuego 777 Corojo Robusto

When my colleague interviewed him back in August 2007, Jesus Fuego came across as a likable figure who loved making cigars and sharing his creations. I was pleased to learn firsthand how personable he is when I met him at last month’s IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans.

There, Fuego told me about his new release: the 777 Corojo. Pronounced “triple siete,” it features a corojo wrapper grown exclusively by his father in Brazil. Fuego hopes to include future harvests in upcoming limited releases under his eponymous brand.

That brand, J. Fuego by the Miami-based Tabacos S.A. company, was launched in 2006 with the help of the Plasencia family. It now includes the Natural, Gran Reserva, Delirium, and 777 Maduro blends. Prior setting off on his own, Fuego had gained industry fame through his instrumental role in developing Rocky Patel’s Vintage ’90 and ’92 lines. That’s a pretty good entry on a cigar résumé.

The new 777 Corojo is an affordable lineup of four standard vitolas—Robusto, Corona, Belicoso, and Toro. In addition to the aforementioned wrapper, it includes a Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos that are two-thirds corojo and one-third criollo.

The five inch by 50 ring gauge Robusto, which retails for under $5 apiece, is densely packed and feels heavy in the hand. An ample number of fine veins roadmap the oily, rustic wrapper, and the foot smells of damp earth and pencil shavings. This cigar looks more expensive than it is, save for its somewhat sloppy cap.

While the cold taste is tight, the draw is easier once the cigar is lit. Each puff produces ample amounts of smoke and balanced notes of dry wood, pepper, and citrus. The ash is white and the wrapper leaves a bit of sweetness on the lips.

As the thick, black mascara works its way down the cigar, the flavors slowly build to include tastes of warm tobacco. A smooth characteristic that’s akin to sour cream is also a welcome addition. And I’m happy to report excellent physical properties—a straight burn that requires no touch-ups and a structured, well-behaved ash.

In all, it’s easy for me to conclude that the J. Fuego 777 Corojo Robusto is an excellent value. While seasoned cigar enthusiasts won’t be blown away, they will appreciate this cigar for what it is: a balanced, tasty, well-built everyday treat. That’s why it earns four stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys