If you had to name a few things that Nestor Miranda loves outside of family they would be cars, specifically the Shelby AC Cobra which was what his 70thy Anniversary Limited Edition was released in. Chivas Regal, his favorite adult beverage and Big Game hunting for which the Don Lino Africa represents.
Each size of the Don Lino Line is Swahili and represent a specific animal. Today’s review is the Punda Milia which means Zebra. The original Don Lino was released in 1989 and after a trip to Africa, Nestor would launch the Africa in 2006. In 2019 as part of the 30th Anniversary celebrating, Miami Cigar & Company revisited and reimagined the line at the AJ Fernandez factory.
According to Nestor Miranda, “There is a mystery and depth to Africa that captivates my spirit, always drawing me to come back. This blend captures the way going there makes me feel. It’s truly an amazing, even mesmerizing cigar.”
Cigar Review: Don Lino Africa
Size: 6 x 54 Duma (Robusto)
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano 2000
Binder: African Cameroon
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Debut: November 2019
Box Count: 20
The Look: Packaged in gorgeous boxes with the Don Lino Africa artwork and banding these cigars stand out in a humidor. The colorful band of red, yellow, white, black and copper features a large A and the footboard denotes Africa. Sadly there is no Nestor Miranda or Miami Cigar & Company branding on the cigar. In the hand the box pressed cigar is firm to the touch with no voids of tobacco. The reddish hue wrapper has some tooth to it and a fair amount of oils making this one attractive cigar.
The Notes: The cold draw has notes of oats, earth and cedar while the aroma from the wrapper and foot of the cigar has a wonderful caramel sweetness to it. Once there the cigar is lit the the initial note is reminiscent of birch.
As we smoke the first third there is a subtle pepper that ramps up every now and then to remind you it is there. The real focal point of this Don Lino Africa in this segment of the smoke is the cedar. Its vibrant and mellowing at the same time. In the background there is a subtle caramel and vanilla note with a touch of chewy nougat.
The second third of the Don Lino Africa sees a cacao note develop alongside a subtle licorice. The retrohale reveals some pepper alongside caramel which cream a sweet and spicy finish that is moderate in length.
The last third of the Don Lino Africa sees notes of caramel and cacao dominate the palate with subtle earthy finish. The retrohale remains smooth with some vanilla, caramel and hints of wood.
Conclusion: The more I smoke the Don Lino Africa the more I enjoy it. Miami Cigar & Company made an interesting choice to have this made at the AJ Fernandez factory stepping away from the comfort of their relationship with the Garcia family at My Father Cigars and I think it pays off as it creates a different flavor profile utilizing a different factory. An excellent that that is often overlooked by many cigar smokers which is a shame.
