Kristoff Cameroon

The talented team at Kristoff really knew what they were doing when they came up with the Kristoff Cameroon cigar. A new blend for the increasingly prolific boutique cigar company founded in 2004 by Glen Case, it takes all of the hallmarks they are known for; quality tobacco complex tastes, solid value; and raises the bar on them all. The headliner is an African Cameroon wrapper which has been aged a full 7 years to bring out every nuance of flavor possible. A Habano binder from the Dominican Republic is a solid team player, melding perfectly with the filler, which is partly Dominican Habano seed but also contains a good portion of Nicaraguan Habano to maximize the deliciousness factor. Cameroon cigars are usually a mottled tan to light brown. But the leaf used for this cigar really shows its age by bearing a black-streaked burnt sienna countenance, which makes the stick almost Maduro in color. Construction-wise, the cigar yields ever so slightly to pressure without being soft, and pigtail cap give each vitola a strikingly classic appearance. Cameroon cigars are known for being 'spicy' but once again the long rest gifted to the wrapper has transformed this characteristic into something more. Baking spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon are clearly evident, but there is a full roster of almonds and earth and creamy cedar to round out the profile. They are packed into sturdy rough-finished boxes of 20. Medium-full in strength, they pair well with whiskey or with wine to make them a perfect way to end an evening. If you want a cigar to go with your morning coffee, try the sweeter, slightly milder Kristoff Maduro.