Want to buy some Cameroon tobacco leaf? Too bad, you can’t. No, seriously. You think it just grows on trees? It doesn’t. It grows in the ground. But today’s Cameroon tobacco crops are so rare and sought-after that they’re typically fully bought before they even come out of the dirt. There’s just too much competition to get this rare, hard to cultivate, hard to roll leaf. A few premium brands can still get their hands on enough Cameroon wrappers to support particular cigar lines, but it ain’t easy.
One of these is Rocky Patel, who uses Cameroon wrappers in his Vintage 2003 cigars.
As you might be able to tell, this leaf is well-aged. The crop was raised in 2003, after all! (Yes, really.) But don’t let that throw you off. These leaves have matured to create a fantastic set of flavors that are classic Cameroon: dry cedar, leather, walnuts, and a touch of creamy nougat on the finish. These are thanks in part to the Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers that make up the heart of the cigar.
The Vintage 2003 has gained some fairly respectable fans. It earned a 91 rating from Cigar Aficionado and was also named the #16 cigar of 2003. The judges praised its “sweet and sour character,” saying that Rocky Patel “keeps this classic leaf alive [and] relevant.”
This tobacco has been aging for over a decade to become the delight it is today. Bless your humidor and pick up a few if you’re in the mood for one of the better examples of a Cameroon-wrapped stick on the market.
Please browse our selection of Rocky Patel Vintage 2003 cigars at your leisure.
