![africa []](http://thecigarspy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/africa-.jpg)
I am Agent 86. As an agent of The Cigar Spy Agency, I promise to uphold the A.S.H.E.S code. This is my second mission debriefing.
Target Name:
Don Lino Africa
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Mexican, some African
Vitola: Torpedo (Kifaro)
Year:2005
Background:
Created by Nestor Miranda and inspired by a safari to the Serengeti.
Mission Notes:
The skies have begun to cloud over and the temperature is sitting at a nice level for cigar smoking. I peruse my selection, unable to decide what to smoke this fine evening. From a shadowy corner of the deck I hear a sound. “Psst.” Turning and looking I see someone standing there with an object in his hand. “Need a cigar?”. Taking the proffered stick, I examine it carefully. By the time I look up, the figure is gone.
The stick in question is the Don Lino Africa. This stick is just beautiful. A rich, dark, red wrapper with smooth veins and no visible blemishes. First examination of the cigar reveals a rich, cocoa and peppery scent.
Upon lighting I get a lot more of the peppery taste and scent now, this continues throughout the cigar. Occasionally the cigar evidences more cocoa, and has light scents of leather and woodsmoke. The burn is even, the ash is nearly white, but a bit flaky. As the cigar continues it only seems to get spicier. Other reviews I have read have not referenced this white pepper flavor that I am detecting, This is my second Africa, and both have had this flavor, I can only assume it is something it develops after having aged a while. The last couple inches are a pleasant reminder to me of what a cigar should be like.
Final Statement:
I would put this well into the medium strength group. No real light headedness from it, but a nice relaxed feel. The flavors are perfectly meshed together and really stand out. The pepper flavors I picked up may be a bit strong for people just starting out, but they really make this cigar a very unique experience and provide a memorable taste. I hope to find some more of these soon.
86, out.
Great review! I have had the Africa once before and detected that pepper taste! Good stuff!
Nice job. What is the ring size on that baby?
Bill PappyFerrara
Nice review! nephew had one of these and liked it, but I have not picked any up as of yet. I might give them a go!
Mike
mysterious…for some reason I love the label on this brand.
Great review!
I notice the Don Lino Africa cigar(s) in this review are from 2005. IIRC, Miami Cigar Co. reblended the Don Lino Africa line recently.
My own more recent samples of the Kifaro (torpedo) were from the 12 cigar free sampler that came with my box of Nestor Miranda Special Selection 20th Anniversary Danno Rosado cigars. While your 2005 sample doubtlessly mellowed considerably while resting 4 years or more, the Africa cigars I tried a few years ago seemed considerably stronger than my recent Africa samples and while I detected spice on the latter cigars, any nuance of pepper was very faint.
This is one of the best Medium-Full NC’s, IMO. And in this frontmark, size does matter. The Kifaro and (if time allows) the Victoria Falls are superb for all from advanced beginner to experienced smokers.