Blind Cigar Review: Cain | F Lancero

Cigar Info

The Cain F Lancero was originally announced in 2011 and released as an event-only cigar. In 2012, it was included as part of the first STUDIO TOBAC Limited Edition sampler before being released in 10-count boxes to multiple retailers across the country.

Due to it’s acclaim, a lancero vitola and excellent construction all in a tubo priced originally at six dollars, Oliva decided to make the Cain F Lancero a semi-regular release. The cigar has been released in various limited batches over the course of the last few years, thought to be discontinued again, and the again resurfacing again without tubos at Atlantic Cigar most recently.

The Oliva Company describes the Cain F lines as follows:

“FORCED REFINED. This thick, dark Nicaraguan wrapper is all that stands between you and three of the richest, most distinct Nicaraguan Ligeros the world has to offer. Perfectly balanced for a strong, but smooth burn, the Cain F is a high performance cigar designed for those in pursuit of a bold smoking experience. 32% Esteli Ligero, 25% Condega Ligero 25% Jalapa Ligero.”

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Lancero
Length: 7″
Ring Gauge: 38
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Sam Leccia
Number of reviewers: 5 – Sandeep (Djangos) Gregg (McGreggor57) Craig (WyldKnyght) Wes (SosaCub4Life) Eric (smalls29)
Price: $6.00
Age: 3 years
Release Date: Janaury 2012
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 90

“Very nice looking Lancero or Lonsdale with an almost light milk chocolate wrapper.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)

Aroma: 89

“I am detecting sweet smells of cedar and wood. Maybe even a sweet licorice aroma. Very pleasing and inviting.” –Eric (smalls29)

First Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Underneath all of the pepper I pick up a little clove and some dried fruit akin to raisin. About an inch in the heat disappears and reveals alternating flavors of cocoa and figs with some grasses and vegetation. A very interesting first third.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“From the git go I am enjoying the flavor. It has a nice variety of cedars and wood with hints of marshmallow. This has a mellow after taste that leaves behind a flavor like a sweet whiskey. Not sour at all but rather relaxing. The only downside to this start is a tight draw. Otherwise a very nice start.” –Eric (smalls29)

Second Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The flavors in the middle third shift to a light coffee and mild cedar. There is still a faint fruitiness on the finish. A little leather becomes noticeable which helps to create a nice balance.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“During the second 3rd the burn was fairly even, flavor wise I was getting some leather with the pepper and spice and the smoke was creamy.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

Final Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Cedar begins to dominate the final third yet doesn’t seem to overpower. A little coffee and cocoa mingle in the background. As the leather fades the flavors have a bit of a bite to them.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“The personality of this cigar has changed. Many of the great flavors have given way to a coffee flavor with hints of pepper and menthol. Not bad still but not a flavorful as it was in the beginning. Sort of a let down. I will say that it is not leaving a sour, bitter after-taste. That is nice. I am still liking this cigar but not as much as the begining.” –Eric (smalls29)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 90

“A tad snug at times but very good compared to other cigars I’ve smoked in this vitola.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Burn: 92

“There was some waviness to the burn line but nothing that detracted from the enjoyment of this cigar.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

Construction: 90

“Hats off to the Torcedor for delivering a well constructed cigar.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 88

“Over all a good cigar that I can smoke anytime without any major wow factor. Predominantly leather and pepper that waxes and wanes and if this is your cup of tea then you will probably enjoy this too. Will try again and maybe after some more rest time in the humidor.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“I tend to shy away from this vitola due to past experiences with draw issues. This one was a pleasant surprise. There were some nice flavor transitions that kept me fully engaged with the middle third being my favorite.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Overall this cigar was good, although pretty one dimensional. I would smoke it again.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“Overall I would say this was a pretty good cigar that I enjoyed. I did like the 1st part better then the ending. There was a very nice sweet pepper spice at the start which I really liked, but then as the cigar went on some of the flavors faded and it became more muted and smooth.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)

“Even though the cigar flavors mellowed over time, I found this to be a good cigar. one I would enjoy again. I did take note to how the flavors of cedar and wood gave way to coffee flavors. Something I personally like in a cigar. I would definitely enjoy this with a good latte or even a whiskey. The after taste was not bitter but rather a sweet taste that lingered in a pleasant way.” –Eric (smalls29)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 70

Reviewer	Appearance	Aroma	1/3	2/3	3/3	Draw	Burn	Constr.	Overall Experience
Sandeep	Djangos)	88	88	88	87	87	95	95	90	88
Gregg	McGreggor57)	92	90	90	90	87	90	90	90	90
Craig	WyldKnyght)	90	88	88	87	87	85	97	90	88
Wes	SosaCub4Life)	95	97	95	92	90	95	92	95	92
Eric	smalls29)	90	90	92	85	85	83	90	90	88

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.