This 6 5/8" x 44 Lonsdale from H. Upmann's Certified Vintage series delivers Cameroon magic at $6.75 per stick. The Dominican-made blend combines aged African wrapper with Nicaraguan/Peruvian fillers - a rare feat considering Cameroon's recent crop challenges. Medium-bodied but packed with evolving flavors, it's become my go-to afternoon smoke.
Initial draws bring toasted cedar and marzipan sweetness - classic Cameroon territory. Noticeable honey glaze on lips, with Tabacalera de Garcia's signature mineral undertones. Burn line holds razor-straight through this section.
The transition sneaks up around inch two: cocoa powder dusting over brioche crust flavors. Vanilla emerges but stays subtle, avoiding cloying sweetness. Smoke output remains moderate - this isn't a cloud chaser's stick.
Last act spices things up with cinnamon heat and leather accents. Watch for sporadic tar buildup past the band. Nicaraguan tobacco asserts itself through peppery retrohales, though never overpowering the Cameroon wrapper's baking spice profile.
Let these rest 60-90 days at 65% RH to mellow the Peruvian leaf's sharpness. Paired best with oolong tea or wheated bourbon. The delicate Cameroon wrapper demands slower smoking - I keep draws to 30-second intervals for even burns.
