by David P. Diaz

[For more photos of the event, see the J. FUEGO SLIDESHOW]

On June 10, 2008, The Cigar Lounge in Granada Hills, California was the site of a special cigar event featuring Jesús Fuego and his new cigar: the Delirium.

The week before, I received an email from Jesús saying that he lost my contact information and could I please resend it. So I did, and within 5 minutes, I received a call from Jesús asking if I would be interested in coming to Granada Hills for an event. Well, it’s not every day that I get a call from the top dog of a cigar company so I said: “Sure!”

This was my first visit to The Cigar Lounge and I found it to be a great place to smoke. Besides having a great selection of cigars, visitors can enjoy their favorite sport shows on two flat panel TVs, and can comfortably kick-back in the spacious leather chairs. The proprietor of The Cigar Lounge, “Ash”, is a straight-shooting guy; always armed with a good stogie, a good story, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. By the way, if you ever visit The Cigar Lounge, be sure to try the House Cigar, it’s the “real deal.”

PHOTO ABOVE: Proprietor of The Cigar Lounge, “Ash”

BELOW: The Lounge before the event

But, my real reason for visiting The Cigar Lounge on this night was the new Delirium, made by Jesús Fuego under the J. Fuego brand. This cigar sports a four-country blend and a beautiful Habano seed Brazilian maduro wrapper. Like all J. Fuego cigars, the Delirium draws and burns impeccably, casting a firm white ash. The flavors of the Delirium are sharp with a clean finish. And, the cigar exudes classic maduro sweetness. The Brazilian maduro wrapper is a clear winner and this is a must-try cigar. This cigar will be making its formal debut at the IPCPR trade show in Las Vegas in July.

BELOW: The great construction of J. Fuego Cigars

Another surprise cigar was the 777, a great cigar at an awesome price point that will also be making its debut at the IPCPR trade show. The 777 displays intense Corojo flavor and good tobacco sweetness, and is a cigar that I could smoke every day and be quite a happy camper. This cigar will be priced at between $4.50 and $5.50, depending on the vitola.

The event was a lot of fun. There was food, libation and, of course, plenty of J. Fuego cigars. There was the championship Lakers-Celtics basketball game on the TV. Happily the Lakers won. [No offense to any of you Celtics fans, but when you are in Los Angeles, with a big group of guys smoking and drinking, you are always rooting for the home team. Trust me.]

ABOVE: Jesús talking with Cigar Lounge patrons

BELOW: Jesús and Doc share some cigars and stories

Jesús made his way around the room, talking with people and answering questions about his cigars. He is a fountain of cigar knowledge and one of the most genuine people I have had the pleasure to meet.

Jesús Fuego is committed to making fine cigars and, thus far, he has made good on that commitment. If you have not yet tried a J. Fuego cigar, seek one out, you will be pleasantly surprised.