AshMap
Overview
The Nub Cameroon 358 is a cigar that refuses to waste your time. It arrives as a squat, 3.75-inch by 58-ring stump, a format that has always been a dare: skip the slow build, the gentle introduction, the ceremonial first third that most cigars use to earn your patience. Instead, this Nub drops you directly into the heart of the blend, where the wrapper — a toothy, reddish-brown Cameroon leaf with a subtle sheen — is the star from the very first puff. The cold draw hints at dried apricot and almond paste, a sweetness that feels almost confectionary, but the moment the flame touches the foot, that sweetness deepens into something more grounded: creamy cedar, toasted hazelnut, and a faint floral perfume that dances just above the smoke. There's no harshness, no raw tobacco bite — just a smooth, immediate integration of flavors that suggests the blenders knew exactly what they were doing when they chose this leaf for this format.
As the burn settles into the second third, the cigar reveals its architecture. The Cameroon wrapper's inherent delicacy could easily be overwhelmed by a heavy-handed filler, but here the Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers provide a sturdy, earthy backbone without shouting. The sweetness of the wrapper begins to meld with a richer cocoa note, like a dark chocolate bar with a hint of orange peel, while a soft leather undertone emerges, adding a savory counterpoint. The retrohale is where the cigar truly shines — a gentle, warming spice, reminiscent of white pepper and cinnamon, that never crosses into aggression. The Connecticut Broadleaf binder, often a workhorse leaf, contributes a grounding earthiness that keeps the blend from becoming too airy or sweet, adding a layer of complexity that makes each puff feel deliberate. This is not a cigar that evolves dramatically; rather, it deepens, like a conversation that grows more intimate as it progresses.
The final third is where the Nub Cameroon 358 shows its teeth. The heat from the short format intensifies the flavors, bringing forward espresso and dark wood — think oak barrel char and roasted coffee beans — while the wrapper's sweetness lingers as a caramelized dried cherry note, almost like a reduction sauce. The finish is medium-long, leaving a dry cedar and nut aftertaste that invites another draw. The burn, while generally even, occasionally requires a touch-up due to the wide ring gauge, but the ash holds firmly, a testament to the construction. At 45 to 55 minutes, this cigar is a masterclass in efficiency: it delivers a full sensory arc without overstaying its welcome. It's a cigar that respects your time while still offering the depth that seasoned smokers crave, and it does so at a price that feels almost like a gift. The Nub Cameroon 358 is not a compromise; it's a statement that the best things can come in small, fat packages.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cameroonian — African Cameroon (SLR varietal) — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Connecticut Broadleaf |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-filler tobaccos, aged blend |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua (produced at Oliva Tobacco Company facilities under General Cigar) |
| Vitola / Shape | Short Robusto (Nub format) |
| Size | 3.75 x 58 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $9–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no extended post-production aging program noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweetness characteristic of the Cameroon leaf — dried fruit, a subtle nuttiness, and mild wood. Once lit, the first third delivers creamy cedar, toasted almond, and a gentle floral note courtesy of the Cameroon wrapper. Earthy undertones from the Nicaraguan filler begin to assert themselves.
Second Third
The core flavors deepen here — the sweetness of the Cameroon wrapper integrates with a richer cocoa note and mild leather. A pleasant spice, not aggressive, builds on the retrohale. The Broadleaf binder contributes a grounding earthiness that adds complexity without overwhelming the Cameroon's inherent delicacy.
Final Third
The final third turns richer and slightly bolder, with espresso and dark wood notes emerging alongside the lingering sweetness of the wrapper. Some caramel and dried cherry notes are detectable as the burn heats up. The finish is medium-long, with a dry cedar and nut aftertaste.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is generally solid given the wide ring gauge; the draw is slightly open but not loose, producing ample smoke. The wide format can occasionally produce an uneven burn requiring a touch-up, but ash holds firmly for a relatively short smoke.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Single malt Scotch with fruity character — Glenfarclas 15 or The GlenDronach 12 — or a light rum such as Flor de Caña 7 Year to echo the wrapper's natural sweetness
Wine
A lightly oaked Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley or Burgundy villages-level) — the red fruit and earthiness harmonize beautifully with Cameroon's floral, nutty profile
Non-Alcoholic
Medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee or a lightly sweetened café au lait — avoid heavy espresso that would overpower the Cameroon's nuance
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a mid-level creative director who just wrapped a tense client presentation at 2 PM. They have 50 minutes before their next call, and they need a moment to decompress — not a full hour-and-a-half commitment, but something that feels substantial, not rushed. They've been smoking for a few years, mostly Connecticut shade and mild maduros, and they're curious about Cameroon but wary of its reputation for being finicky or too delicate. They want a cigar that will reward their attention without demanding it. The Nub Cameroon 358 is their answer: it slides into their lunch break, offers a gentle sweetness that pairs with their pour-over coffee, and provides just enough complexity to make them pause and think. It's not a cigar for a special occasion; it's a cigar for a Tuesday that needed a little more grace.
Bottom Line
The Nub Cameroon 358 is a brilliant distillation of Cameroon's character — sweet, floral, and nutty — wrapped in a format that respects your schedule. It's a gateway that doesn't condescend, and a daily smoke that never feels routine. Buy a box; you'll reach for it more often than you expect.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Nub Cameroon cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nub Cameroon 358 a strong cigar?
No, it's rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. You'll feel a gentle warmth on the retrohale and a slight nicotine buzz by the final third, but it never becomes overpowering or harsh. It's a balanced, approachable smoke that won't knock you out.
What does Nub Cameroon 358 taste like?
The flavor progression moves from creamy cedar, toasted almond, and floral notes in the first third, to cocoa, leather, and a white pepper spice on the retrohale in the second, and finishes with espresso, dark wood, caramel, and dried cherry in the final third. The Cameroon wrapper's natural sweetness is present throughout.
How long does Nub Cameroon 358 take to smoke?
Expect a 45–55 minute smoke. The 3.75 x 58 vitola is short and fat, which means it burns relatively quickly despite the thick ring gauge, but the dense filler blend ensures a satisfying duration without dragging on.
What is the best pairing for Nub Cameroon 358?
A single malt Scotch with fruity character, like Glenfarclas 15 or The GlenDronach 12, is ideal — the sherry sweetness echoes the wrapper's dried fruit and caramel notes. Alternatively, a light rum such as Flor de Caña 7 Year will complement the nutty, floral profile without overpowering it.
Is Nub Cameroon 358 good for beginners?
Yes, with caveats. The medium strength and approachable flavor profile make it a great step up from mild cigars, but the $9–$13 price point and the short format may not suit someone who prefers a longer, slower smoke. If you're new and want to explore Cameroon wrapper, this is a forgiving and rewarding choice.
Where can I buy Nub Cameroon 358?
You can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar cigar shops, as well as online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. Since it's a core line from General Cigar, it's widely available and rarely out of stock.
What is the price of Nub Cameroon 358?
A single cigar typically costs between $9 and $13, depending on your local taxes and retailer. Boxes of 24 often bring the per-stick price down slightly, making it a solid value for a Cameroon-wrapped smoke.
Is Nub Cameroon 358 worth aging?
Not particularly. The tobaccos are already aged before rolling, and there's no extended post-production aging program noted. Cameroon wrappers can lose some of their delicate floral notes with too much time in the humidor, so it's best enjoyed within a year or two of purchase.
What wrapper does Nub Cameroon 358 use?
It uses a Cameroonian — African Cameroon (SLR varietal) wrapper, in a Colorado shade with a medium brown color and a toothy texture. This leaf is prized for its natural sweetness, floral aromatics, and subtle spice, which are the defining characteristics of this cigar.
Where is Nub Cameroon 358 made?
It's hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the Oliva Tobacco Company facilities under General Cigar. The blend combines Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers with a Connecticut Broadleaf binder, all wrapped in the African Cameroon leaf.