Nub Cameroon - Vertical Tasting Steve R After tasting countless cigars and working hands on in the Oliva factory, Sam Leccia concluded that a cigar normally hits its ‘sweet spot’ within 3 to 4 inches of the burn. Therefore, one must invest a good amount of time with a cigar prior to being rewarded with its true character. So, Sam worked with the Oliva Cigar Family (maker’s of Serie ‘V’ and Serie ‘O’) and developed the Nub line: a variety of blends and sizes within the 4 inch range, with ring gauges ranging from 56 to 66. These cigars were engineered - using three wrapper varieties - to capture the essence of the blend from the get-go, rewarding you with the cigar’s sweet spot throughout the entire burn. Packaged in boxes of 24, each box contains the weight and burn time of the cigar, so you know exactly what’s in store. Nub offers three blends. Cameroon, Connecticut, and Habano. Each blend offers four sizes - three are shared among all three blends, then a fourth that is specific to each blend. Clear as mud? Good. I’ve burned them all and can say each size in each blend offers an entirely unique bouquet and body. For that reason, I decided to do a vertical tasting of each blend...this time, it’s Nub Cameroon. Nub 358 Cameroon: A nice, stout rothschild. Opens with a cool, creamy start. Hints of roasted nuts right off the bat with a toasty, cedary aroma. I sense a spice on the aftertaste, itching to come out and play. The aftertaste is dry and surprisingly crisp. An inch in, the spice can be felt through the nose. It’s short, like wasabi, but there. This size is preferred for those seeking the rich, nutty, and sometimes sweet flavors promoted by quality Cameroon wrapper leaf. It’s present throughout, despite the cigar's tendency to grow more intense. Rating: 90 Nub 460 Cameroon: A slow starter that didn’t really grow any legs. This hefty vitola is smooth and mellow with some subtle notes of toast and nuts. There’s no real complexity here, which I find odd. The flavors are nice, but I am experiencing no changes, despite the medium to full-bodied profile. Rating: 87 Nub 464 Torpedo Cameroon: A shapely torpedo with some definite weight when held in the palm of the hand. The foot shows signs of ligero. The opening is quite mellow, with a leathery component mingling with the cedary influence common to this blend. The wrapper is lending a really nice sweetness. Finish is a bit longer than other sizes, with some zest to boot. There’s some power behind this size, which is obvious from the get-go. Flavors are subtle, but smooth, balanced and linger long on the palate. A good, ‘get mellow’ cigar. Rating: 88 Nub 466 Box-Press Torpedo Cameroonp: This sucker is heavy and boasts an impressive square-press. The opening is elegant, with a cool draw and sweet, toasty component. Tons of smoke coming from this vitola. I love the dry, nutty flavor. There’s even some salty-sweetness to it. Flavors slowly build during the burn, developing a dry, but pleasant touch of pepper. Strength remains a solid medium, however. Great anytime smoke. Rating: 91 As I said in my last review, this is certainly no gimmick. Each size in Nub burns slower and cooler than most larger-sized vitolas, and come equipped with ample complexity. The Habano remains my favorite blend, but the Cameroon is most definitely legit, and you will find a nice supply of 466 Box-Press Torpedos in my humidor. There is a lot to know about Nub, and I really do suggest giving this line a shot...and it’s not just because of its innovative twist on handmade premium cigars. Since it may be difficult to choose a size or blend, I created a nifty chart to quickly break down the entire line: I highly recommend giving this variety of Nub, the Cameroon, a shot.
Nub Habano - Vertical Tasting Steve R Unless you’ve been living under the rock the past 3 weeks, you’ve probably heard of the Nub. If not, here’s your crash course: After tasting countless cigars and working hands on in the Oliva factory, Sam Leccia concluded that a cigar normally hits its ‘sweet spot’ within 3 to 4 inches of the burn. Therefore, one must invest a good amount of time with a cigar prior to being rewarded with its true character. So, Sam worked with the Oliva Cigar Family (maker’s of Serie ‘V’ and Serie ‘O’) and developed the Nub line: a variety of blends and sizes within the 4 inch range, with ring gauges ranging from 56 to 66. These cigars were engineered - using three wrapper varieties - to capture the essence of the blend from the get-go, rewarding you with the cigar’s sweet spot throughout the entire burn. Packaged in boxes of 24, each box contains the weight and burn time of the cigar, so you know exactly what’s in store. Nub offers three blends. Cameroon, Connecticut, and Habano. Each blend offers four sizes - three are shared among all three blends, then a fourth that is specific to each blend. Clear as mud? Good. I’ve burned them all and can say each size in each blend offers an entirely unique bouquet and body. For that reason, I decided to do a vertical tasting of each blend...today, it’s Nub Habano. Nub 358 Habano: The smallest vitola offered by Nub Habano. This size seems to be the least complex of the four, but offers a pleasant, straightforward flavor. Rich tobacco, some white pepper, and a smooth, smoky aftertaste. It did get a little hot with about an inch left, but burned like a pro. Medium-bodied. Lasted roughly 45 minutes. Rating: 88 Nub 460 Habano: Chunky. Very complex, with a variety of flavor. It’s spicy up front, but quickly becomes rich and creamy, with good tobacco flavors. There’s a unique touch of almonds throughout. The finish is smoky and toasty. Great, spicy aroma. Thick clouds of smoke linger above. A solid smoke, sporting a firm white ash. Every bit of full-bodied. Lasted just over an hour. Rating: 90 Nub 464 Torpedo Habano: A nice-looking torpedo. Opening is loaded with peanuts, with a short, refined aftertaste. Smoke becomes quite creamy after the first quarter of an inch. The Torpedo shape lends a balanced concentration of flavor that instantly coats the palate with a heavy, velvety texture, offering smooth notes of tobacco, oak, and toasted nuts. Smoke is much cooler. Perfect burn producing a white and grey, concrete-like ash. The build-up in strength is much more gradual in this size than with the rest. Overall, it is medium to full-bodied with a spice that grows more intense during the smoke. Lasted just over an hour. My favorite size. Rating: 91 Nub 466 Habano: Holy cow this thing is huge and heavy in the hand. Had to hunt for a cutter capable of snipping the cap. Maybe a punch next time. A bit awkward with the mouth feel, but I got used to it quickly. Creamy and spicy opening, pumping out thick clouds of grey smoke. I notice a slightly metallic component in the beginning. The aftertaste gradually becomes nutty and spicy. Smoke is hearty, offering notes of earth, almonds, and leather. Full-bodied from the start with an even stronger finish, oh my. Flavors mellow midway only to become quite intense during the home stretch. Lasted just under an hour and 20 minutes. Rating: 89 Ok, my head is officially spinning. There is a lot to know about Nub, and I really do suggest giving this line a shot...and it’s not just because of its innovative twist on handmade premium cigars. Since it may be difficult to choose a size or blend, I created a nifty chart to quickly break down the entire line: This is no gimmick, folks. These cigars burn slower and cooler than most churchills, with more complexity to boot. Nub is legit. Today’s makers are doing amazing things with great tobaccos, and Nub is launching our little hobby to the next level. The Habano is a home run in my book, and I will certainly be adding the 460 and 464 Torpedo to my regular rotation.
Nub Connecticut - Vertical Tasting Steve R It seems you folks enjoyed my previous vertical tastings for Nub, and many have asked when I’d be reviewing the Connecticut. That’ good to know, since they took an awfully long time to write, and resulted in me feeling lightheaded for hours. All in a day’s work, right? Today, I will be completing the Nub Vertical Trifecta. Before we start, here’s everything you need to know about Nub.... After tasting countless cigars and working hands on in the Oliva factory, Sam Leccia concluded that a cigar normally hits its ‘sweet spot’ within 3 to 4 inches of the burn. Therefore, one must invest a good amount of time with a cigar prior to being rewarded with its true character. So, Sam worked with the Oliva Cigar Family (maker’s of Serie ‘V’ and Serie ‘O’) and developed the Nub line: a variety of blends and sizes within the 4 inch range, with ring gauges ranging from 56 to 66. These cigars were engineered - using three wrapper varieties - to capture the essence of the blend from the get-go, rewarding you with the cigar’s sweet spot throughout the entire burn. Packaged in boxes of 24, each box contains the weight and burn time of the cigar, so you know exactly what’s in store. Nub offers three blends. Cameroon, Connecticut, and Habano. Each blend offers four sizes - three are shared among all three blends, then a fourth that is specific to each blend. Clear as mud? Good. I’ve burned them all and can say each size in each blend offers an entirely unique bouquet and body. For that reason, I decided to do a vertical tasting of each blend...finally, it’s time for Nub Connecticut. Nub 354 Connecticut: Compared to every other Nub I’ve burned over the past few months, this thing looks tiny! However, it burned surprisingly long....about 35 minutes, if not longer. The dry, but smooth wrapper is tawny in appearance with tiny veins. Some ligero is noticed at the foot. The pre-light aroma is tranquil and sweet with cedar. The opening is buttery and smooth, with a toast that lingers long on the finish. Soon after the initial few puffs, sweet black pepper smacks the back of the throat. Spicy, tingling sensations are noticed. The aroma is pleasant with a cedary influence. After an inch and a half, the smoke mellows and remains buttery and creamy to the end. Medium-bodied. My favorite size in the line. Rating: 90 Nub 358 Connecticut: Slightly larger, the 358 offered the same pre-light aroma as the 354. The opening was very creamy, almost milky in character. I insantly noticed how silky this cigar is through the nose in the beginning. However, keep exhaling in this fashion and you will pick up some pepper after the first half-inch. Solid tobacco flavor throughout, with a dry, crisp, and short aftertaste. This vitola seems to be a touch smoother than the 354. No real complexity, but a good, consistent cigar. Rating: 87 Nub 460 Connecticut: Now we’re talking. It’s amazing how big the ‘60’ looks....even after burning the ‘58’. Looking at the foot, I noticed a little more ligero....or, at least, what looks to be ligero. The pre-light aroma is sweet with a faint spice. Upon sparking, I was instantly greeted with a series of zesty flavors, followed by a sweet tobacco aftertaste. Sweet spices are left on the lips and the tip of my tongue after each puff....making my palate tingle. The zest subsides to present a rich, toasty core of tobacco complemented by an interesting element reminiscent of damp wood. Odd, but enjoyable. The aroma is smokey with a somewhat charcoal-like character. Nicely balanced, medium-bodied, hour-long cigar.... Rating: 89 Nub 464 Torpedo Connecticut: Finally, the biggun. This sucker looks like a bullet. The pre-light aroma is rich with a trace of cedar. The cigar was creamy, smooth, and mellow to start. Sweet tobacco flavors with a crisp finish. Damp wood and a subtle touch of white pepper soon came into play. The cigar gradually became medium in body as I approached the midway point. At several points throughout the hour or so long burn I noticed a hint of paper. Despite the size, this cigar was not overly complex. The smoke was smooth, cool, and velvety....filling the room above my head with each exhale. I like that. Rating: 88 By now, just about everybody with a pulse has heard of Nub. And based on sales, it’s easy to see that a good number of you have tried it. That’s good to see....it lets me know that our customers have an open mind and want to try new things, rather than burning the same Fuente cigar every dang day. Like the Habano and Cameroon, the Nub Connecticut is a nice blend available in four sizes, each of which offers a unique flavor and strength profile. While the Connecticut is the least robust member of the Nub family, I easily see myself burning more in the near future. Since it may be difficult to choose a size or blend, I created a nifty chart to quickly break down the entire line: If you’re a fan of Connecticut-wrapped cigars, or smooth to medium-bodied blends, I recommend this cigar with confidence.
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