Room101 Namakubi Ranfla 2021 – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The original Namakubi line was a regular production cigar rolled at the Camacho factory for Room101 that debuted in 2011. The original blend used an Ecuadorian habano wrapper with Dominican and Honduran binder and fillers. Following that original release, there was the Room101 Namakubi Ecuador which came out in 2013. Production of both lines ceased in 2017 when Room101 brand owner Matt Booth announced that he was leaving the cigar industry. That, of course didn’t last long and he made his return in later that year and has been making new cigars ever since. Which brings us to 2021 with the return of the Namakubi in the form of a limited edition: Room101 Namakubi Ranfla 2021.

The blend sounds similar to the original on paper using an Ecuadorian wrapper, Honduran binder, fillers from the Dominican Republic and Honduras. However, given the difference of 10 years and production moving to a different factory, I think it’s fair to say this is a brand new cigar. Also changed are the look and feel of the cigar with packaging and bands and size. The new cigar comes in just one size, a a 5 1/2 x 50 perfecto. This new version is also a limited edition with only 101 boxes of 10 being made with cigars in coffins, and another 1001 boxes of 10 made without coffins. Each cigar has an MSRP of $25 ($30 for coffins.)

The color scheme has also been changed from the red and black colors previously to purple and silver, a move that was done to bring attention to Alzheimer’s. Also unique to this project, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the Namakubi is being donated to Keep Memory Alive, a charity based out of the Cleveland Clinic Nevada dedicated to Alzheimer’s research and care.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Perfecto
Length: 5 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras
Factory: Tabacalera William Ventura
Blender: Matt Booth
Number of reviewers: 4 – Mickey T. (irratebass) John A. (Bostoneo) Alan (Eulogy) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $25.00
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: November 2021
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

Initial Impressions – Room101 Namakubi Ranfla 2021

Appearance: 92

“I really like the unique shape of the cigar. The torpedo cap and tapered foot certainly stand out and add a nice visual appeal. The wrapper is a dark brown with a few large veins running the length of the cigar with a satin finish.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Aroma: 87

“I pick up faint manure and chocolate on the body, but again it’s faint. Manure and wine flavors on the foot.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

First Third

Flavor: 86
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Simple but rich notes of leather, red pepper, cedar, and tobacco. The draw is good with a nice smoke output for a classic profile.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Let’s light this bad boy up! Off the light-up, intensely sweet and malty-like flavors hit the tongue with a pow! Pure white ash begins to build up while this cigar keeps pace with its medium-full body and strength. Not much else going on with this third, it’s fairly straightforward in flavor as I near its end.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Second Third

Flavor: 84
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Picking up some mustiness mixed with all the other flavors from before. There are some baking spices as well… quite interesting, no leather, no wood, no chocolate like the usual flavors… instead mushroom and must… weird. Strength is mild to medium but milder.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Second third comes in fast with the continued flavor of coffee and dark chocolate complementing the dialed back habanero. This combo works well, albeit not the most complex or unique one.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Final Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Strong
Body/Complexity: Full

“Beginning of this third I have picked up another flavor note… CHERRY! So to recap, mushroom, must, and now cherry. Now there is some earth elements, but mostly wood, but there is some dirt there as well.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“The biggest change at the end is the uptick in strength. I’m glad I ate before I started this cigar as it is starting to give me heartburn. The profile is still a leather, red pepper, and cedar profile with a very rich tobacco finish.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Impressions – Room101 Namakubi Ranfla 2021

Draw: 88

“Draw was a bit tight for this sample. If it were a bit looser I am sure this cigar would improve twofold.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Burn: 94

“Burn holds up quite well, as my lighter sits, untouched, the entire time.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Construction: 90

“I really liked the shape of the cigar with a very well-applied torpedo cap and tapered foot. The body was solid to the touch prelight and the draw was great. Other than a few large veins running the length of the wrapper this is little to complain about.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 89

“Ok so despite the minimal flavors notes (mushroom, some wood although faint, and one hint of cherry) this was a very good cigar. This is the type of cigar you can light up with some friends and have conversations and not have to baby nor worry or think about. I nubbed this sucker, and would definitely smoke again. The only downside to this cigar is I would have liked more flavors (nuts, chocolate, leather, etc.)” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Overall, this cigar just didn’t hit any good notes for me. While it was a nice specimen to look at, it was just rolled too tightly, which I feel, stifled its ability to express what the blender wanted. If this was the status quo for this cigar, I am afraid I’d have to pass on it in the future as its flavors were much too concentrated and were quite big in strength.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“I found this to be a very satisfying cigar even though it is a bit of a one-trick pony. The flavors may never evolve but the notes ramp up as you go picking up in strength and richness.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“A solid cigar, that offered some classic notes in coffee and chocolate. Combine that with the punch of habanero, it really was a good example of a traditional cigar for someone looking for a medium-ranged smoking experience. Not full-bodied but also not a breakfast cigar for sure. This would be something I could see grabbing from a B&M while on vacation or away from home and looking for that simple comfort of a cigar and tasty beverage.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 89

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Room101 Namakubi Ranfla 2021 – Blind Cigar Review