There was some confusion over which cigar to smoke this afternoon; neither of my favorite blends nor high-end sticks interests me. As if aware of my troubled state, the Vudu Broadleaf Robusto revealed itself among a bouquet of fairly stunning cigars in my humidor, seemingly ready to be consumed at this very moment. The cigar is another affordable and brilliant creation by master blender Jesus Fuego exclusively available at the famous smoke shop. With a history rooted in five generations of passionate tobacco cultivation, I highly recommend that cigar smokers try this Vudu offering.
The appearance of Vudu Broadleaf Robusto commands attention in spite of its straightforward adornment. A deeply chocolate-hued Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper equipped with attractive minimal veins graces the surface of the cigar. It was topped off with a well-constructed triple-seam cap that bespeaks a meticulous quality control. The white double bands offer contrast to the dark wrapper. Embellished with metallic silver edges, the upper cigar band displays a skull illustration against a black background, lending the piece a badass demeanor. Underneath is a simple band with the word “BROADLEAF” imprinted in the center. With its presentation, I’m convinced that this premium cigar is far more expensive than its actual value.
| Wrapper Origin: Nicaragua | Shape: Robusto |
| Length: 5 | Ring: 50 |
| Wrapper: Broadleaf | List Price: $25 (Bundle of 5) |
| Origin: Nicaragua | Strength: Full |
Pull of Cigar
The construction of Vudu Broadleaf Robusto is impeccably at its best — its length came out properly filled, thus enabling no weak points to exist. Its interior features select Nicaraguan binder and fillers responsible for the intense heat anticipated from a medium to full-bodied cigar. When the head tore off from the body, a wonderful aroma enveloped my nasal cavity. The cold draw then sparked a delicious preview of flavors a cigar enthusiast would definitely enjoy: a distinct leathery flavor laced with a subtle sweetness. Meanwhile, the pull of the cigar was loose, requiring some alterations to get the restraint that I wanted — somewhat tight but still smooth.
Taste
As soon as my Vudu cigar has been lit, I tilt my head back and marvel at the plume of smoke it creates. The first puff instantly hits the spot through a nice mix of earth and spice, setting the stage for a thrilling smoking journey. I was hoping to be reunited with the leather from the cold draw, but it didn’t reveal itself — at least not yet. When the flavors began to evolve, the profile boasted earth, charred oak, and a trail of sweetness reminiscent of chocolate. Notes of black pepper then dominated the finish of the first third. So far, the burn seems to be also off to a good start.
When the halfway point settles in, there is barely any difference in the flavor composition other than the espresso creeping in. The Vudu Broadleaf Robusto remained smooth and flavorful, offering leather, wood, and spice notes with a hint of vanilla at the end. Its Maduro wrapper made the smoke even richer, unleashing all of its sweet and spicy elements. During this stage, the tobacco advanced to the medium-plus range and exposed lofty greyish ash.
As the cigar reached the last third, it repeated the cycle in the previous stage — only that the espresso became bold and well-rounded. A distinct woody flavor continuously danced with the familiar blend of earth, charred oak, and black pepper. The construction maintains its good reputation showcasing a smooth draw, razor-sharp burn, and relatively compact ashes. My Vudu cigar reached the nub smoothly, without any bitter detour, while still staying in the medium-plus range.
Overall
Despite having high expectations for this Robusto, I was still surprised by how well it performed throughout. The blend furnished enough strength and complexity to keep any cigar enthusiast engaged while maintaining a good draw courtesy of the Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper. I’d give this a well-deserved score of 90. For greater enjoyment, you may try pairing the Vudu Broadleaf Robusto with either bourbon or coffee. Overall, a great cigar to smoke while playing golf or during casual barbecue sessions with friends.
Other Cigars Reviews
Other J. Fuego Cigar Reviews
Vudu San Andres Robusto
Master-blender Jesus Fuego of J. Fuego Cigar Company crafted the Vudu San Andres, an exclusive line under Famous Smoke Shop’s brand, known for its economical pricing and rich flavors. The Robusto, in particular, stands out with its sleek presentation, featuring a chocolate brown Mexican San Andres wrapper and a unique blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos, all under an ornate black-and-gold band. Despite initial skepticism due to its lesser-known brand, the cigar impresses with a well-packed, velvety texture and complex flavor profile that evolves from spicy and resinous coffee notes to an earthy tapestry highlighted by cedar, toast, citrus, and buttercream. The final third swells with rich cedar, espresso, and cocoa flavors, perfectly balanced with a zesty, earthy finish. Excellent construction ensures a smooth draw and burn, contributing to a delightful smoking experience. Despite a lack of flavor transitions, its refined taste, balance, and affordability lead to a high recommendation, with this review of Vudu San Andres Robusto earning a well-deserved 89.
Other Nicaraguan Cigar Reviews
Brick House Fumas Robusto
The Brick House brand is recognized for producing some of the finest cigars with exceptional quality and distinct flavors. Among their offerings, the Brick House Fumas Robusto stands out as an affordable choice, featuring a smooth Sumatran wrapper and Nicaraguan tobacco blend. It offers a medium-bodied smoke with notes of coffee, chocolate, and nuts. The cigar’s presentation is marked by a dark, toothy appearance and a retro-styled band. During the smoking experience, it showcased flavors like chocolate transitioning to dark chocolate and hints of roasted nuts, although it faced challenges in draw and even burning. Given its price point, it offers decent value, but might not be the top choice for those seeking complex flavor transitions or impeccable construction. Despite its limitations, it might be worth a try for those seeking a budget-friendly option. This assessment is based on a review of Brick House Fumas Robusto.
Padron 1964 Anniversary Hermoso Maduro
The Padron 1964 Anniversary Hermoso Maduro, from the esteemed 1964 Anniversary series of Padron cigars, boasts a rich and full-bodied flavor profile. This Nicaraguan puro showcases a balanced blend of earth, leather, spice, and nut notes, paired with a sweet vanilla finish and a hint of pepper. A rich, brown wrapper and an unimpressive band with faded hues mark the cigar’s appearance. While the smoking experience reveals a delightful creaminess distinctive of Padron cigars, the burn rate and draw were found to be unsatisfactory. Additionally, the flavors, though well-balanced, lacked dynamic transitions, making the overall experience good but not outstanding. This insight emerges after an in-depth review of the Padron 1964 Anniversary Hermoso Maduro.
