Redux: Cain F Lancero
For those of you that don’t know…
Back in December of 2010, I first reviewed the (then preproduction) Cain F Lancero.
This is what I said over a year ago about this cigar:
The interesting thing to me is how much in common, yet unlike the other Cain Fs this Lancero blend is.
I always thought when smoking other Cain Fs that they were a pretty good smoke, but lacking complexity and balance. Well, the Lancero delivers what I was wanting in spades and while it has some of the same core flavors, the lack of overwhelming spice and pepper that is detrimental to the other Cain F vitolas, along with a great underlying sweetness, is what pushes this stick over the top for me. An extremely enjoyable cigar that quite honestly, took me by surprise. Sadly, most cigar lovers will most likely never get the chance to try one unless Oliva decides to make it a regular production at some point in the future.
- Cigar Reviewed: Cain F Lancero
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A. (TABOLISA)
- Wrapper: Nicaragua
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Size: 7 Inches
- Ring Gauge: 38
- Vitola: Lancero
- MSRP: $6.00 (Boxes of 10, $60.00)
- Number of Cigars Released: n/a
- Number of Cigars Smoked for Review: 2
While Oliva originally announced the public for sale release back in June, the Cain F Lancero Tubos didn’t make their appearance until July at the IPCPR trade show. Yet, because of problems with the production of the Tubos, the Cain F Lancero release was delayed from an original Fall release until last week. Oliva has made it clear that they are only fulfilling orders placed at IPCPR making this a limited release.
The new Cain F Lancero looks identical in every way to the prerelase: same medium brown wrapper that is incredibly smooth to the touch and lacking any major veins and the same dark chocolate, espresso, spice and cedar smells from the wrapper. However, the newer sample has no evidence of a box press, likely because of the Tubos.
Flavors come quick and strong as soon as the Cain F Lancero is lit. Earthy and woodsy with leather and pepper on the retrohale. And thankfully that wonderful sweetness underneath all of the flavors is still present and perhaps even a bit stronger, which is a good thing. The flavors of the Cain F Lancero don’t change in type per se, rather each flavor changes in strength throughout the cigar. The strength is also very familiar and stays at a pretty consistent medium plus throughout the entire smoke. Construction is perfect with the draw and burn having no issues whatsoever.
The Bottom Line: When I heard these were being released as a regular release, I was a bit concerned whether Oliva could make the regular release as good as what I scored over a year ago. Well, I am happy to say, that the new versions are virtually identical to what I smoked back then. This is easily one of the best non-Cuban Lanceros on the market and when you throw in the astounding price of $6.00 each (even with the Tubo), these are a no brainer to buy by the box. You seriously can’t go wrong.
If you are looking for a box, all five of our sponsors should have boxes in stock. You can contact our site sponsors:
- Atlantic Cigar Co. — 1.800.887.7877
- Casa de Montecristo — 708.352.6668
- Federal Cigar — 877.424.4270
- Tobacco Grove — 763.484.6688
- Tobacco Locker —1.800.474.4495
Original Score: 94
Redux Score: 94
Finally smoked this well talked about cigar earlier this week. In a word - "fab-u-lous" "sublime" "teriffic"! All the hype regarding this vitola is spot on. Could not believe how smooth and sweet this cigar was. So mesmerized that I let it go out a couple of times. Did not mind relighting it each time. The score for this one might possibly be on the low side.
Important to note and give credit to the place where I enjoyed this smoke. The place is called CCC - Connecticut Cigar Company, Stamford, CT - on Bank Street. This place is arguably one of the best kept secrets in the country. Stellar cool vibe; just the right size, very well furnished, excellent service, jammin soundtrack, you name it. Walking in, you have the retail store area and the CCC's cigar rollers station. Place rolls and sells their own. Cover to smoke here is $21.00 (a little steep to be honest) and will buy you about 3 of their smaller size cigars or 2 of their larger cigars. Other inventory is about a grade B; Padron's/Punch/Drew Estate, Arturo Fuente's etc. I have only tried their in-house maduro's and they are not bad at all. Nothing pretty to look at, but flavor wise, above average.
They have a very nice bar that is manned by attractive women (only one is on duty on a given night) but their service and friendliness is outstanding. Nice selection of scotch and wines, beers. They have several individual leather chairs and at least three sets of facing couches with tables; two flat screen TV's. Well above average to great ventilation system. In fact, every time I'm there, I hardly ever notice any hanging smoke. Again, a VERY nice, comfortable, attractive lounge. They also have a celebrity factor in that Jerry Springer is a regular. He broadcasts his show from downtown Stamford. Love or hate his show; in this setting - he is very friendly and approachable and a genuine aficionado. When I first met him, he acknowledged me and gave a shout out to Chicago; his original broadcast home.
CCC is a MUST visit if you are in the Stamford,CT area and I highly endorse this place. I have several clients in the area and I look forward to hanging out here whenever I'm in the area. They are open to 11:00 pm which is very unusual as cigar lounges go. Plenty of places (good ones) very nearby to eat before coming in for a smoke. You can also BYOB. (As I have posted on halfwheel before, I will always take the time out to give a proper shout out to a Lounge that provides all of us with a place to enjoy our passion. Trust me. As someone who travels over 100,000+ miles a year; there are NOT as many places to smoke indoors as people may think and not a whole lot of nice outdoor places either.)
Final shout out connected to this Cain F Lancero is to Tobacco Grove for not only having these in sufficient inventory, but they do not price gouge as well. I originally ordered three boxes from them. Based on only one cigar smoked, I am going to order a couple of more boxes. Between now and the summer; I'll smoke two boxes and store and age the other three.
One of my favorite lanceros!
Nice review, Brooks. I'll definitely have to try these out.
NICE !! The tubo looks cool too
Thanks for the review Brooks! Glad you enjoyed it as much as the first!
Glad to hear they are still as good. My box should be here tomorrow! GrammatonCleric(from cigar family)
Thanks for the review, I think I'll try to get a box.
It is great they were able to hold to the same quality as they produced before. Loved the review.
Peter G
www.acigarsmoker.com
Smoked a few of these out of the Studio Tobac sampler and was blown away! Ordered 2 boxes this weekend and now that I hear it might be limited, might have to get a few more to stash away.
Items I've purchased based on your recommendations recently: NHC capas, Quesada Espana coronas, and now these Cain F lanceros. If these go as well as the others, then damn...it's probably just too much for one man to handle...
Totally agreed on this cigar -- when I first smoked it, it was what I was hoping the Cain line would taste like. Fantastic stick in one of my favorite vitolas.
PIcked up a box as well. I'm glad to hear you find it identical to the pre-release. I didn't have a chance to try the pre-release but the one I smoked the other day was fantastic.
Done and done.