Nub Cameroon 358, Cigar Review

Time for another honest cigar review yet again, and this time we are smoking the Nub Cameroon. This is one of those cigars that has become a proper staple for Axel over the years. In fact, he estimates that he smokes somewhere around 30 to 40 Nubs every year, which probably says more about this cigar than any tasting note ever could.

The whole concept behind the Nub series is to focus on what Oliva considers the "sweet spot" of a cigar, delivering the most flavorful part of the smoking experience right from the start. Whether you're on the golf course, out hunting, fishing, boating or simply enjoying a coffee break, the Nub Cameroon has built a reputation as one of the most dependable short smokes around.

Cigar overview

Name: Nub Cameroon 358
Vitola: 358 = 3 3/4" or 95 mm, ring gauge 58
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Price: Roughly 9.50€ in Europe / 7usd in the US

 

Construction and draw

Construction was excellent on both our experiences. I had no issues whatsoever, and Axel specifically highlighted that one of the biggest strengths of the Nub line is just how dependable they are. Fantastic burn, excellent smoke output and almost impossible to accidentally let go out while you're distracted by other activities. The thick ring gauge certainly helps, and after dozens of Nubs over the years, Axel continues to be impressed by their consistency.

Flavor

Flavor wise, nutty and earthy notes form the backbone of the cigar. I also picked up hints of slightly bitter (Did I over-puff it? Let me know in the comments) dark chocolate together with cedar and spice. Coffee and a touch of sweetness from the Cameroon wrapper is also noticeable.

The profile stays remarkably consistent throughout the smoke. It does not evolve dramatically, but instead delivers exactly what it promises, medium bodied, flavorful and balanced. The slightly bitter edge from the dark chocolate notes gives it character, while the nuttiness, cedar and slight sweetness from the wrapper keep everything approachable.

 

Pairing

Alex enjoyed his Nub Cameroon with a latté, which softened some of the cigar's perceived slightly bitter character and worked very well. Something creamy or sweet would definitely be the preferred pairing from his perspective.

Axel has enjoyed these in all sorts of situations over the years, from golf rounds and fishing trips to afternoons on the boat, and they seem to pair well with almost anything thanks to their reliability and straightforward flavor profile.

Who will enjoy this

If you're looking for a dependable medium bodied cigar that delivers plenty of flavor in a shorter format, the Nub Cameroon 358 or 460 is an easy recommendation. It especially suits smokers with active hobbies who don't always have the luxury of sitting down uninterrupted for ninety minutes. Golfers, hunters, boaters and fishermen in particular may appreciate just how forgiving and reliable this cigar can be.

 

Our rating

Average score: 90 out of 100.

 

Accessories used

Cutting: Cigar scissors

Lighter: Soft flame lighter

Ashtray: Aluminium single-cigar ashtray

 

A quick note about "Nubs"

Although many cigar smokers casually refer to any short and thick cigar as a "Nub" nowadays, Nub is actually its own cigar brand created by Studio Tobac and produced by Oliva Cigar Company. The concept became so popular that the name almost turned into a category of its own. Similar to how people might call all adhesive bandages "Band-Aids", many short and thick cigars are simply called "Nubs", even when they come from completely different manufacturers.