Don Lino Africa Kifaro

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Belicoso
Size : 6.25" x 52
Ring : 52
Wrapper : Nicaraguan Habano
Filler : Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : $6 each
More info about purchasing Don Lino Africa cigars...

There is a lot of Internet talk about these new smokes that include tobaccos from Nicaragua, Africa, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Mostly, it’s positive in nature. Unfortunately, my experience hasn’t been so upbeat.

Appearance :
This dark, oily-wrappered cigar has a nice overall look. There were a couple of prominent veins, but it’s hard to notice such shortcomings with the flamboyant band this smoke sports.

Construction :
Although the draw of this smoke was acceptable, the burn was not. I had runs, re-lights, touch-ups . . . you name it. On top of these, the ash flaked and flowered worse than any smoke I’ve endured. I would rate it a flat 0 stars in this category, but I’ve had other Africa’s that had similar issues, but not to the extent of this particular smoke.

Flavor :
Wet leather. I have smoked several of these sticks and this is what I get. Of course, having read other positive reviews, I have gone back and re-read some of them to see what I’m missing. Most mention an earthy or cocoa taste. I can see the cocoa comments, as there were times that I thought same were exhibited in this smoke. As for earthy, unless it’s wet dirt they are referencing, I don’t know what these guys are smoking?

Anyway, the flavors probably aren’t quite as bad as I may make it sound. If you like this taste, you would probably call it a creamy earthy taste and I could agree with that. However, I don’t particularly enjoy such flavors. I also don’t enjoy an overly dry smoke, but this one sports just too much cream, or wetness, for my tastes.

Value :
This is a medium-priced cigar and, although I don’t particularly enjoy the flavor profile, if you do, then it’s certainly a good value.

Overall Rating :
Personally, I don’t understand the buzz surrounding this cigar. It comes in a pretty box and sports an ornate band, but that’s about all the good I could find. The flavors are just too muddied for my tastes.