JRE Tobacco is a family-owned company, founded by Julio R. Eiroa and his son Justo M. Eiroa. A fully integrated operation from crop to shop. The history of the Eiroa family goes back to the time when Julio Eiroa, a Cuban exile from Pinar del Rio, moved to Honduras to flourish the Cuban cigar-making tradition at the JRE Tobacco Farm specialized in handmade Cuban seed cigars and to become the premier ‘Corojo’ grower in Honduras.

The Eiroa family are also the former owners of Camacho Cigars —they purchased the company in 1995 from Simón Camacho— until it was sold to Oettinger Davidoff Group, the parent company of Davidoff of Geneva in 2008. As the premier Corojo grower in the industry, Julio R. Eiroa guarantees that their three cigar brands —Aladino, Rancho Luna, and Tatascan— provide the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Corojo taste.

The Aladino line of cigars —available in a variety of sizes including Petit Coronas, Coronas, Toros, Robustos, Churchills, and Gordos to name a few— is a pure original Cuban seed Corojo cigar lineup grown in Honduras at the JRE Tobacco Farm. Its flavor characteristics are unique and its draw and peppery notes will bring you back to the golden era of Cuban cigars from the pre-Castro era.

The latest release from JRE Tobacco Farm is the limited edition Aladino Cameroon Reserva. This cigar is an all-Cameroon leaf cigar that comes in a special green lacquered box with gold imprints. The Aladino Cameroon Reserva is a fantastic cigar slightly similar to the Aladino Cameroon by JRE Tobacco but exponentially more exquisite and in a size that is typically not available in the regular Cameroon line from Aladino.

The Aladino Cameroon Reserva comes in a box of 12 ‘Toro-shaped’ cigars measuring 6" in length with a 52-ring gauge, and all of them contain Cameroon leaf in their wrapper, binder, and filler grown in the JRE Tobacco Farm in Honduras. One of the distinguishing factors of this new cigar release is that this is a Cameroon Puro —an all-Cameroon cigar— that has not been produced before.

Cameroon cigar wrappers are renowned in the world of premium cigars for their unique characteristics and distinct flavor profiles. Typically sourced from the African nation of Cameroon —not in this case— these wrappers are typically grown in that country’s rich, volcanic soil, which contributes to their exceptional quality.

Cameroon leaves are known for their earthy, slightly sweet flavor, often accompanied by notes of spice and cedar. They provide a rich, complex smoking experience, making them popular among aficionados. These wrappers typically have a beautiful, medium-brown color with a slightly oily sheen. The leaves are usually thin yet resilient, allowing for a smooth burn while maintaining the integrity of the cigar. The unique fermentation process of Cameroon tobacco adds depth to its flavors. The wrappers are often aged longer than other varieties to enhance their richness and complexity.

Cameroon wrappers are commonly used in premium blends, complementing a variety of fillers and binders —in this case, the full cigar is made of Cameroon leaves. They pair well with both mild and full-bodied cigars, making them versatile for different palates. Some well-known brands use Cameroon wrappers to create signature blends that highlight the wrapper's unique qualities.

In the cigar world, Cameroon has carved out a niche for itself, representing not just a geographic origin but a style and tradition of cigar-making. Its distinctive characteristics have led to a loyal following among cigar enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship behind these wrappers or leaves. Cameroon cigar wrappers are celebrated for their flavor, appearance, and role in premium cigar blends, making them a sought-after choice for both casual smokers and connoisseurs alike.

Cameroon leaves are known to be ‘toothy’ which refers to the leaf exhibiting a noticeable texture, often characterized by small bumps or ‘teeth’ on the surface. This unique feature can be attributed to the leaf's natural oils and the way it is grown, harvested, and fermented.

This ‘toothy’ quality on the Cameroon wrapper with its rugged, slightly rough texture due to the raised veins and oil glands on the surface, gives the Aladino Cameroon Reserva a distinctive look, often with a slightly oily sheen that can enhance visual appeal.

The Aladino Cameroon Reserva is an exceptional cigar with an approximate 45-minute burning time. The oils present in its Cameroon wrapper, binder, and filler intensify the overall richness and complexity of the cigar towards the last two-thirds delivering a vibrant and dynamic smoking experience.

When it comes to its flavor profile, the Aladino Cameroon Reserva delivers complex notes that evolve almost every third of the cigar. Smooth and slightly peppery for the first third with a perfectly even burn and flawless draw. Towards the second third, the cigar intensifies gradually with slightly earthy, peppery, and clove notes that remain consistent through the second third. Towards the last third, the Aladino Cameroon Reserva becomes extremely peppery, somewhat oaky, and slightly nutty with notes of almonds and walnuts.

Overall the Aladino Cameroon Reserva is a complex and robust cigar with a very even burn —didn’t go out at all in 45 minutes—, and exceptional smoking notes. A long and firm ash characterizes this cigar, reminiscent of a Cuban cigar and a perfect cigar for any time of the day. A unique cigar due to its all-Cameroon leaf construction and as unique as the Armin Strom Gravity Date Unique Piece we paired it with.

Sticker Price USD 264 per box —Armin Strom Gravity Date Unique Piece not included. More info on JRE Tobacco here.

SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Smoke Increases The Risk of Lung Cancer and Heart Disease, Even in Nonsmokers.