Doubleheader: J. Fuego Cigar Co. – Vudu Sacrifice & Dark, Famous Smoke Shop Exclusives

By Jeremy Hensley | October 9, 2015

Blended by Jesus Fuego of J. Fuego Cigar Company, the Dark and Sacrifice are the first two of five lines under Famous Smoke Shop’s Vudu brand. Originally named Vudu Black in the initial press release, the Vudu Dark features a Pennsylvania Sun Grown wrapper over a Nicaraguan filler and binder. The Sacrifice showcases “Jesus Fuego’s trademark Corojo wrapper” over a mixture of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos. 

Produced in Honduras, both lines are are available in four frontmarks: No. 13 (5 ½ by 52 Cuban Corona), No. 3 (4 ¾ by 50 Robusto), No. 7 (5 ¾ by 50 Toro), and No. 9 (6 ¾ by 50 Churchill). The No. 3, 7, and 9 come packaged in 19 count jars ranging in price from $53.95 to $68.95 for the Sacrifice and $56.99 to $61.98 for the Dark. The No. 13 Cuban Corona is offered in 13 count bundles for $34.99. It is my understanding that bundle refills will be available for the jars at a reduced price.

Vudu Dark can be purchased directly from Famous Smoke Shop HERE and Vudu Sacrifice can be found HERE.

The Facts

Vudu Sacrifice
Samples Provided by Famous Smoke Shop
Vitola: No. 3 Robusto
Size: 4 ¾ by 50
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan and Honduran

Vudu Dark
Samples Provided by Famous Smoke Shop
Vitola: No. 3 Robusto
Size: 4 ¾ by 50
Wrapper: Pennsylvanian Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Pre-light

Sacrifice: Removing the Vudu Sacrifice from Famous Smoke Shop from its cellophane, there a deep pungent aroma of vinegar and dark fruit notes. The foot shows off graham cracker, chocolate, cedar, and some spice. The medium tan Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper has some oils that are easily felt on the fingertips. About halfway down, the cigar feels soft when lightly pinched. The veins are tiny and hardly any bumps are on the wrapper. Clipping through the double cap that has a small tear or crack, the draw is firmer than preferred, delivering notes of cedar, clove, cinnamon, and chocolate.

Dark: The oily, dark brown, almost oscuro Pennsylvanian Sun Grown wrapper is consistent in color other than two small patches that have been added to cover up small tears in the leaf. Two medium veins run the course of the cigar, with the other veins being hardly noticeable. The wrapper has an aroma of barnyard and red pepper flakes, with much of the same found on the foot along with a light cocoa and earthiness. The neatly applied double cap clips easily revealing an almost perfect draw. Cold draw flavors are more subdued than the Sacrifice with some rich notes of cedar and clove.

First Third

Sacrifice: Once lit, the first thing that jumps out at me is the mouthfeel of the smoke that is thick and chewy. Big notes of black pepper, deep pencil-shavings, and earth/diesel are unexpected but enjoyable. A dark, red fruit sweetness is moving forward in profile. Oils are raising from the wrapper as the cigar burns even with its thick, eyeliner burn. The first ash made it through the entire first third before dropping.

Dark: Dark flavors of earth, unsweetened cocoa, and a tartness are first to greet my palate. While the flavors fall on the darker end of the spectrum, they are coming across mild on the palate with not a whole lot of body. A sugar-like sweetness is pushing its way into the profile and some spice is noticeable in the sinuses. A light grey ash is formed as the cigar burns thin with just a small wave.

Middle Third

Sacrifice: The dark fruit sweetness is playing a more dominant role complementing the flavors noted in the previous third. Pushing the smoke through the sinuses there is a pepper sting but not overwhelming.

Dark: The flavors build to medium with the earthiness and coffee at the front and the flavors are rich. There is a sharp, acidic citrus quality and the pepper transitions from the retrohale into the flavor profile. As the citrus departs, the sweetness is once again perceivable. The burn-line is thin but remains wavy.

Final Third

Sacrifice: Transitioning into the last third, char and toasted bread notes make an introduction. The other flavors have gotten pushed back but can still be discerned. The pencil-shaving flavor makes one last strong push into the profile. The thin burn line is even as I put the cigar down for its final rest.

Dark: The Vudu Dark is being carried along by its deep earth and cocoa flavor with some newly found toasted notes and a buttery popcorn flavor. The smoke production is satisfying and the cigar continues to perform above par.

Wrap-up

Sacrifice: Right of the bat, the Sacrifice delivered full-flavors that were full in body and medium in strength. I have absolutely no complaints in the performance department. While the draw was stiff at the pre-light, once lit, the draw was fine and the burn and ash was exceptional for a cigar less than $3.00. Not overly complex, but highly enjoyable smoke that I could see picking up in the evening and standing up to fuller body beverages.

Dark: The Vudu Dark is my cup of tea. The flavors of earth, cocoa, and pepper suited my palate with an evolving strength that moved from mild to medium/full throughout the smoke. Compared to the Sacrifice, the burn-line was not nearly as even, but was of no concern. I actually ordered up a jar of No. 7s, and I believe you may be hard-pressed to find a better cigar for the price.