Stogie Reviews: La Caya Cameroon Robusto
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008I discovered a couple of these in my humidor last week when I was pondering which cigar to review next. I knew I picked them up at the Big Smoke in Las Vegas, but I had virtually no knowledge of brand or the series.
When internet searches only turned up information about the Natural or Maduro lines, and when I found La Caya’s website to be less than informative, I wrote to the company and received a prompt and polite reply.
I learned that the building blocks of the Cameroon series include an African Cameroon wrapper; a creamy 1999 Dominican olor binder from the San Victor region; and filler tobaccos composed of Dominican-grown Cuban seed criollo and piloto cubano (2005 and 2006 crops) and 2006 Nicaraguan viso from Estelí.
The five inch by 54 ring gauge robusto is a beautiful stick with highly detailed gold and yellow double bands. The handsome cedar sleeve slides off easily to reveal a seamless, fallow-tinted wrapper with a few large veins.
Like most Cameroon-wrapped sticks, this one starts with a harmonious spicy sweetness. The smoke is voluminous and flavorful with notes of tea, clove, and pine. All of this barely changed as I burned from foot to head, but – with such a savory taste – that’s hardly a criticism.
I am also happy to report that the burn is outstandingly straight, the sandy ash hangs tight for over two inches (I only tapped the ashtray twice), and the draw is easy.
I wanted to resist the temptation, but this cigar begs a comparison to what is commonly considered to be the seminal Cameroon: the H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon. While the flavor profiles aren’t quite the same, I think La Caya can stand up to H. Upmann any day. It doesn’t quite have the spice, but it’s smoother, earthier, and better constructed.
So, if you’re into Cameroons, you definitely need to give La Caya a try; if you’re not, this cigar serves as a great reminder of how fantastic Cameroons can be. At $5.50 for a single, I am heartily recommending the La Caya Cameroon Robusto with a rating of four and ½ out of five stogies.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys
Never heard of it, but certainly a good looking cigar.
Where can these cigars be purchased
And with Cameroons being my favorite wrapper… I’ll have to hit this up!
Coincidentally, I was smoking an H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon the other night. I’ll have to check these out too. Thanks again for the reviews.
Kal,
I’m afraid I don’t have a good answer for you. I wrote to the company to inquire about retailers, but I haven’t heard back. That’s a real shame because I really liked this stick.
If anyone else has information about where La Cayas can be purchased, please feel free to leave a comment here.
Patrick,
Man, what a bummer! Like you, I picked up this stick at the big smoke and really enjoyed it. Anyways, thanks for advising. I now know my quest to find these cigars will go on a “temporary” hold. If you hear anything appreciate you letting us in. Happy smokes.
Kal
I got this cigar in a sampler from Thompson Cigars and absolutely love it. The above review is dead on. When you first take it from the wrapper and sniff the cut end, you get this wonderful spicy and a bit sweet aroma. I recommend this.
Oh..Thompson carries the connecticut and maduro wrapper versions but they don’t have this wrapper as a box purchase.
Rick,
What size did Thompson give? And do you know if Thompson sells the cameroon singly given they don’t sell boxes yet?
Hi guys! Glad to hear that your enjoying this terrific smoke. I am just the guy you are looking for. I just started working for La Caya Cigars. I will be one of their sales reps. We just held a tasting event in Miami Lakes, FL. Boy, was it a terrific event! We brought 3 models with us too, who cut the cigars for each smoker. Fine cigars, beautiful women, and a few stiff drinks. What more could you ask for? There are two premium cigars we have: The Cameroon that has 5 blends of long filler tobacco(which is the one you guys have been talking about), and a tasty Dominican long filler cigar with a Brazilian wrapper. The Brazilian wrapper is dark like a maduro wrapper, but not quite as dark. The Brazilian cigar has a bit more kick to it than the Cameroon, but not really strong. I’d say medium to full body. The flavor is fantastic! I have access to boxes of both of these cigars for anyone who wishes to purchase them. You can email me at flpokerdude77@gmail.com, and let me know which one you want. I don’t know the prices off hand, but I’ll find out tomorrow for you guys. Send me an email, and I will reply with the price. Then, I can have them shipped to you. We are just getting these cigars out into cigar shops around the country, so it might take some time before you can purchase it in your area. Also, let me know if some of your local cigar shops are interested so we can get them in there. I am really excited about getting you guys these magnificent cigars. Have a great day!