Don Lino Africa
Don Lino Africa
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Rich flavor bombs from Nicaragua.
These tasty Nicaraguan indulgences are exotic blends of premium tobaccos from Africa, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. The tobaccos are optimally fermented and aged to issue layers of exquisite flavor that complement the richness of the Nicaraguan-grown Habana-seed wrapper wonderfully. A bold, top-shelf handmade delivering a balanced, well-rounded explosion of smooth, hearty flavor.
These tasty Nicaraguan indulgences are exotic blends of premium tobaccos from Africa, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. The tobaccos are optimally fermented and aged to issue layers of exquisite flavor that complement the richness of the Nicaraguan-grown Habana-seed wrapper wonderfully. A bold, top-shelf handmade delivering a balanced, well-rounded explosion of smooth, hearty flavor.
Showing 1-31 of 31 Reviews
Customer Reviews of “Don Lino Africa” “I pick these up whenever I see them on-sale, usually the Duma's. I just hope they don't catch on too fast, with too many, because they are a steal. I usually experience a good, bold burn but I have been known to abuse them, chomping away while I work on something, and they hold up better than almost any others I've smoked, even under such cruel treatment. When I can sit, relax and truly enjoy a smoke the way it should be enjoyed, these deliver a nice, clean ash and medium-to-full bodied, belly-warming experience. Keep 'em coming, Gentlemen!”
J of HWatertown, MN
“First let me say CI I LOVE YOU !!! I ordered a bunch of these because CI was running a special on them. After I placed my order I decided to see what people on the internet had to say about them. I got nervous because I read about a lot of people having burn issues with them and like I said I ordered a sizeable amount. Well I got my order today and all I can say is WOW. This cigar is so pretty!. I just smoked a Kifaro and it was heaven. The construction is top notch. The burn was perfect. The draw was perfect with massive amounts of smoke. I don't think I could describe the flavor any better than Steve-O, his review was spot on. The Kifaro lasted an hour and a half and it burned nice and cool. I smoked it to the nub. I'm with Steve-O this is an easy 90. I will smoke a couple of the Duma tomorrow and if they are different I will update. CI thank you so much!!! I don't know what I would do with out CI.”
JG of Fullerton, CA
“I bought a 10 pk on your Daily Joe Cigar deal on Sunday. They looked so good when I received them I had to smoke one right out of the package. The oily chestnut wrapper and excellent construction oozes quality. Loads of smoke, good draw, complex. Then I realized what I was smoking... this was an Illusionne CG:4 in disguise! My favorite smoke is the Illusionne CG:4, rated 93 and a top 10 cigar of 2007 by Cigar Aficianado. Guys... the Don Lino smokes and tastes exactly like the Illusionne. The secret of Don Lino Africa needs to be told. This is a world class cigar in every respect. Please run the Joe Cigar deal on these again... I need to stock up!”
MZ of Granby, CT
“I had been dying to try the Dumas after all the comments on this particular Don Lino...was not disappointed! They came fresh in the shipment, but, I kept them in the humi for a week...The smell and the smoke volume of this cigar reminds me of my Great Grandpas' cigars he used to smoke in the late 50's...just beautiful smoke and taste and through the nose just burns right...you know you have a great cigar when the aftertaste is just a little acrid/smooth/nutty at the top of your palate and the tip of your tonuge is just a little numb! It is full bodied but so smooth that I can smoke it anytime...and I do inhale all of my great smokes...warning...surgeon general does not like this comment but hey, it is less nicotine then the cigarettes and my Gt. Grandpa smoked them till the age of 98!”
JH of Crowley, TX
“I have to say that these are some of the best cigars I have had this year, they are very flavorful and well put together, the only issue I have with these are that you need to keep relighting them.( at least with the Kuro's I bouhgt ) They burn well for the first 1/3 of the cigar but them it is a battle to keep it lit. But other than that little issue , these babies are top notch, you will enjoy every fully packed flavor this has to offer you. If I had the palate to tell you every taste I found in them I would share that with you, but my palate is not that refined to be able to tell all of them I tasted, I can say this though, you will enjoy the full flavor of this cigar without any argument at all.”
RS of Levering, MI
“I tried one of these (Don Lino Africa) on a suggestion from a friend who is normally an idiot, but he struck pay dirt here. It was smooth, tasty, and definitly one of the best premiums (top 5) I have ever had. Really a great smoke in the reasonable price range. Thanks, JC”
JC of Tucson, AZ
“ONE GREAT CIGAR (Don Lino Africa), IT WILL GO STRAIGHT TO THE TOP OF THE RATINGS,IT IS SO SMOOTH THATS ITS A FINGER BURNER.YOU CAN ASK ALL MY FRIENDS THAT I TURNED ON TO THIS CIGAR. GJS”
GS of Jarrettsville, MD
“The Africa is a truly flavorful, enjoyable cigar. I generally don't write fan mail, but this cigar stands out in my mind. It has a unique flavor profile that was more enjoyable the more I smoked it. Give it a shot.”
RR of Topeka, KS
“These cigars just came in the mail today (Don Lino Africa). Smoked one right out of the CI box. CI always introduces great cigars to the good ol’ American public in a big way, and this very fine cigar was no exception. They were less than half the price of retail. My order had small cigars. First thing I noticed was the heft. Lots of great smoke in a small package, as much tobacco in it as many of the larger cigars on the market today. Don’t let the small size fool ya. It was perfectly rolled and even beautiful to look at. It smoked perfectly evenly all the way down with just the right draw, not heavy, not light, absolutely perfect. The flavor started out pretty ordinary, but about ¼ way down, the flavors got more intense. It has that lovely flavor I call rain, which got more intense as I smoked. I smoke a lot of cigars and if I’m writing about it, you know it was good. Very rich, just the right amount of kick, and voluminous clouds of smoke. My head is loving it as I write. The flavors are still lingering on my tongue. This cigar is going to make waves among cigar smokers everywhere. I’m glad I ordered two batches. A very fine smoke and a fine addition to my well-stocked humidors. I’ll be buying more, that’s for sure. I highly recommend this cigar to any serious cigar lover. You won’t go wrong with this one. I predict you’ll like it so much you’ll want to write about it, too.”
KR of Albuquerque, NM
“Tried these on a special, liked the size (4X58) and tried one right out of the mailbox... it's OK, but not nearly as good as the Cuba Libre ONE 'The Brute'”
DW of Pasadena, MD
“Bought a 5-pack in Duma (robusto) size. Smoked one ROTT then let the others age for 3 months. Smoked one of the aged Don Lino Africas last night. The finish is dry. The flavor is black coffee and some generic woodiness. A boring cigar.”
AF of Bloomington, IN
“Whoa! That's a damn fine smoke (Don Lino Africa)! I am a 5 Vegas whore, but this is a top of the line premium that far surpassed my expectations. I puffed away on the Kiboko size, and I assure you that it was a good hour and a half of pure, unadulterated enjoyment. If you're going to spend $6-7 on a stick, then this should be the one. Gorgeous to the touch and superior construction, the only cigar that comes close to this in my opinion is the La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero. Try it, you'll like it!”
DV of AMiddle Village, NY
“This is indeed a feisty son of a gun. I sympathize with the burn issues, as it can be a chore keeping it lit. I found that longer time in my dryador, lol, helps a lot. Once the band slips around on it easily it is ready to smoke, at least for my taste. I also would probably recommend the robusto size, as it will be ready quicker, and is actually more than enough of a smoke for most. Lots of flavor. Almost too much at times. Almost. But all in all it's a good cigar that certainly will get your attention. Again, I recommend a healthy period of uncellophaned time to get rid of any excess moisture and let them mellow a bit. The little guys, the kuros or whatever, are probably even more flavorful and surprising in their longevity for what appears to be a tiny stick. Good for an hour, anyway. They dry better, so you can smoke 'em sooner. But potent? Oh yeah.”
PS of Shelter Island, NY
“The (Don Lino Africa) is, in my view, a fine cigar. Faint but pleasing pre-light aroma, slightly tight draw which keeps it going slowly with a firm ash and dead-even burn. Fine flavour which has convinced me to buy more of the things. I'll need more humidors.....”
MC of M Leesburg, VA
“A real jem ,just got a few and can't complain. The quality is in it. Need I say more?”
DW of Hampton, IA
“These are real nice (Don Lino Africa) medium flavored smokes. Easy draw, good construction, and very creamy. Delicious!”
BV of columbia, TN
“A super heavyweight stud!! I chose the Duma (Robusto) size and was in 15 round match with this gorilla. The cigar is potent! Each flavor is PRONOUNCED! I got hit with a butterscotch flavor that was euphorically intense. You better be well-prepared if you're gonna enter the ring with this beast. A few relight/burn issues (but that's just your opportunity to give up or continue the bout...)”
EJ of Pittsburgh, PA
“Don Lino Africa is a great smoke,one of my favorite's now. smooth to the end. try the 10 cigar sampler, can't go wrong with that deal. thanks CI.”
LS of New Richmond, WI
“I had been staring at this very nice looking cigar (Don Lino Africa) every time I have opened my humidor since mid-November, and finally decided I would smoke this while I oversaw my President's day barbeque. It must have gotten a bit dried out somewhere along the line as the outer wrapper didn't hold up and at the same time the draw was a bit tight, but after a bit of maintenance the flavorful smoke just came pouring through and the taste was just huuuuge! By the last inch or so, I had a major buzz going on and was just enjoying it immensely. When someone says "big flavor" this is what I envision.”
RH of Spokane, WA
“Had one of these from my son the other day. Reading all the fan mail about these cigars, I was really looking forward to it, but believe I got an imposter. I will admit that the wrapper had a wonderful taste that made we want to light it right up, but I was patient and enjoyed it for a while. If I had stopped right there I'd have been a happier man. It started acrid and pretty much stayed that way, burned ragged and ended up splitting the ash down the middle so that it fell away in 2 directions all the way down the cigar. I hoped for improvement as it burned but to no avail. The generous 7.5 inch length was kinds just more of a bad thing. Would like to have one of the cigars all the other guys got. jk”
JK of Jarrettsville, MD
“It's been a long time since I smoked a cigar that I repeatedly take the time to look at, and as I smoke, exclaim "now that's a great cigar". The Don Lino Africa (Duma) gives me exactly that experience. Very rich, lots and lots of smoke, (which I really enjoy), perfect draw, great smoke.”
RB of Hellofasunset, AZ
“Until I had one of these (Don Lino Africa) I was just a casual cigar smoker. Now, I enjoy one every night. Delicious, smooth, perfect amount of spice, even burn. I had to get a humi just to make sure I had plenty of good smokes on hand. Highly recommended!”
EP of San Diego, CA
“These are a top-notch smoke; easily a 90 plus. Strong and flavorful with a good draw. I've smoked the Kiboko and the Tembo. Would love to get the Kifaro but they've been sold out for a bit. Being an African big game hunter, I love the boxes these cigars come in!”
AM of Bowie, MD
“I have to say that this is an excellent medium plus smoke. Great flavor, great draw, excellent construction. I would rate it a 90.”
CS of Rock Springs, WY
“It must be said that this is an excellent cigar/smoke. Great flavor, great draw, excellent construction. Well worth the $$$.”
MW of Aurora, CO
“I ordered the Kiboko & the Duma. I liked the Duma VERY MUCH! I didn't particularly like the Kiboko as much. My friend loved them, so I gave them to him, but kept all the Dumas. I will reorder the Duma in the future. Thanks CI!”
AB of Del Rio, TX
“I find this blend reminiscent of the 5 Vegas A, though the flavor and strength is similar, this is a bit more muddled, less distinct and less cocoa and espresso. Fine cigar, but the 5 Vegas A is superior.”
JE of Universal City, TX
“Just got a box of the Kuro...well made, good even burn and easy draw. Strong rustic flavor right off the bat, mellowed out after first third of the cigar. Dry on the palate. Burned slow and had unique, straight forward tobacco and earth flavors. Liked the taste more and more as I smoked it. Wonderful tobacco after taste that lingers for quite a time after the cigar is done. Really packs a punch, good buzz! Great value, I look forward to more of these cigars, especially at $2 a piece!”
JH of Bakersfield, CA
“Bought these on a whim last year and now buy them regularly. I'm a med - full fan and these puppies definately work for me. I never had a problem with the construction and these are better than many sticks I've had at three times their price. A real sleeper!”
SF of WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ
“Not bad at all for the price. I might have been a tad disappointed if I had paid full price, but overall a pretty decent smoke.”
SM of HERMITAGE, TN
“A very good cigar, nicely complex, even burn and consistent to the end. I blew it only buying one pack. I can only hope CI gets them back in stock soon.”
GG of BEAUFORT, SC
Posted by Steve-O
Nothing is more frustrating than a top-notch cigar that doesn’t get the credit it deserves, while various sub-par sticks seem to be all the rage. That said, Don Lino Africa bugs the hell out of me. Everything about this cigar I like. Now, I know I am me and you are you, but if you were me you’d enjoy this cigar....and if I were you I’d try it and likely enjoy it, too. Clear as mud? Good, let’s get on with the Duma.
First impression: This gets me all the time. The dark Nicaraguan wrapper is awesome to look at. Grown from Havana-seed, this smooth, oily leaf sports a reddish hue that instantly grabs your attention. It’s thick and chewy, and can take a beating. The pre-light aroma is equally enjoyable....woody, spicy....even some barnyard is at play. The cigar is solid from head to toe and heavy in the hand. It’s very well made.
The smoke: Upon lighting, I am instantly greeted with thick plumes of smoke that fill my palate. The aroma is loaded with charcoal and wood. There are some very subtle spices up front. Shortly thereafter, these faint spices fade away as the cigar becomes rich and chewy. It’s almost bready in character, offering equally prominent hints of sweet tobacco, coffee bean, and cedar. The spice might not be smacking the palate like it did in the beginning, but exhale through the nose and you’ll find it’s still there.
Second half: Midway through, I begin to feel the strength of this cigar. By this time, I’d call it medium, but flirting with the softer side of full-bodied. The spice is coming back, too....a dash of pepper is coating the sides of my palate and tip of my tongue. There’s a lot of tasty nuances going on....which is to be expected considering the complex long-filler blend (African, Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan). Despite being a bit flaky, the ash is still holding strong since the initial light. It’s bright white with some black striations. Some of our customers at the store mention a note of vanilla. I don’t catch that, but I do pick up a creamy element to the smoke that folks might find reminiscent of vanilla. To me, the cigar seems too hearty to contain anything vanilla.
The finish: Spicy and cedary. That’s all there is to it. A strong finish for a complex cigar that seemed to burn forever.
In a world where 92+ ratings seem to reign supreme these days, Don Lino Africa has been rated as high as 89, with enough 88s to field a basketball team. That’s pretty damn respectable if you ask me. What is it? The name? The band? The lack of 95-point ratings? Argh!
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