Montecristo Afrique Jambo

Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic from African cigar tobaccos (Cameroon and Tanzania) with a bit of Peruvian and Nicaraguan tobaccos as well, this is a unique cigar. The binder is Ecuadorian and the wrapper, Cameroon. The result is a wonderfully distinct and intoxicating smoke with an exotic, spicy core. The cigar is firm yet pliable. Take a whiff. Even unlit, it smells rich and inviting. Panelists found the initial draw to be light and flavorful, the taste sweet and soft on the palate. At the halfway point, there were slight hints of pepper, then notes of coffee, and, finally, more distinct peppery flavors. The bright gray ash was firm and the burn almost perfect. Allow an hour-and-a-half for this medium- to full-bodied baby. A tawny port would work well with it.