Nub Cameroon — Heritage & History

The Nub brand was introduced in 2008 by Sam Leccia under the Oliva Cigar Company. The concept was revolutionary: a short, fat cigar with a large ring gauge designed to concentrate the most flavorful part of the smoke — the middle third — into the entire experience. Nub Cameroon became a key line within the portfolio, showcasing African Cameroon wrappers sourced from varietals like SLR and CFCE. Today, Nub Cameroon is produced in Estelí, Nicaragua, primarily at Oliva’s facilities under General Cigar’s stewardship. The brand has carved a distinct niche by rejecting traditional length-to-ring-gauge ratios in favor of a format that prioritizes flavor concentration. Its significance lies in proving that shorter smokes can deliver complexity and depth rivaling larger vitolas, making it a staple for both time-constrained enthusiasts and those seeking bold, wrapper-forward experiences.

Blending Philosophy

Nub’s blending philosophy is anchored in the belief that the most flavorful part of a cigar occurs after the first inch — so the entire cigar should be that flavorful. By using oversized ring gauges (typically 58 to 66 ring) and shorter lengths, Nub Cameroon maximizes the ratio of wrapper to filler, allowing the African Cameroon leaf to dominate the profile. The blend uses Nicaraguan fillers and binders for a solid structural core, while the wrapper — sourced from multiple Cameroonian growing regions and processors — provides the signature spice, earth, and subtle sweetness. The result is a cigar that delivers a full-flavored, medium-bodied smoke in a fraction of the time of a traditional vitola.

Flavor Profile

Nub Cameroon cigars are defined by the earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet character of African Cameroon wrappers. Across the range, smokers can expect notes of cedar, baking spices, leather, and a distinct dried-fruit sweetness — often reminiscent of raisins or dates. The Nicaraguan binder and filler add a touch of black pepper and cocoa, creating a balanced medium-bodied profile. The large ring gauges amplify the wrapper's influence, making each puff wrapper-forward and aromatic. While the core profile remains consistent, smaller vitolas like the 358 offer a more concentrated intensity, while larger formats like the Churchill and Toro provide a cooler, more gradual evolution of flavors.

Best for Beginners

The Nub Cameroon 358 (Short Robusto) is an ideal entry point for beginners. Its compact size — 3.5 x 58 — delivers a 30–40 minute smoke, perfect for those new to premium cigars. The medium strength is approachable, and the Cameroon wrapper’s mild spice and subtle sweetness are gentle on the palate, offering an accessible introduction to complex, wrapper-driven flavors.

Nub Cameroon Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Nub Cameroon cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Nub Cameroon cigars made?

Nub Cameroon cigars are primarily produced in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the Oliva Cigar Company factory, though some production has also taken place at General Cigar's STG Estelí facility and the Joya de Nicaragua factory. The exact factory can vary by production run, but the core manufacturing remains in Estelí.

What is Nub Cameroon known for?

Nub Cameroon is known for its short, thick vitolas (typically 58–66 ring gauge) that concentrate the cigar's flavor into the middle third of the smoke. It is also recognized for showcasing African Cameroon wrappers, which impart a distinctive earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet profile that is the hallmark of the line.

Are Nub Cameroon cigars strong?

Most Nub Cameroon cigars are medium in strength, with the 638 (Short Toro) being the only expression rated mild-medium. They are not considered strong or full-bodied; rather, they offer a balanced nicotine level that complements the wrapper-forward flavor without overwhelming the smoker.

What is the best Nub Cameroon cigar for beginners?

The Nub Cameroon 358 (3.5 x 58) is the best choice for beginners. Its short smoking time reduces commitment, while the medium strength and the wrapper's mild spice and natural sweetness provide an accessible yet flavorful introduction to premium, wrapper-driven cigars.

How much do Nub Cameroon cigars cost?

Nub Cameroon cigars range from approximately $8 to $14 per cigar depending on the vitola and retailer. The most affordable is the Cameroon 466 at $8–$12, while larger formats like the Churchill, Toro, and 460 often fall in the $10–$14 range.

What wrapper does Nub Cameroon use?

Nub Cameroon uses African Cameroon wrappers sourced from multiple growing regions and processors, including the SLR and CFCE varietals, as well as SHG (Strictly Hard Grown) Cameroon and CFAM (Compagnie Fermière des Tabacs d'Afrique et de Madagascar). The exact wrapper source can vary across production batches.

Are Nub Cameroon cigars Cuban?

No, Nub Cameroon cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Nicaragua from Nicaraguan fillers and binders, with African Cameroon wrappers. While the wrapper leaf originates from Cameroon in Africa, the cigars themselves are entirely non-Cuban products.

Where can I buy Nub Cameroon cigars?

Nub Cameroon cigars are widely available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Major online retailers include Cigar.com, Thompson Cigar, JR Cigar, and many others. They can also be found at many local tobacconists in the United States and internationally.