Monday, November 29 1999
Q. Cameroon wrappers, Cameroon wrappers, that's all I hear about. There's Cameroon wrappers, Geniune Cameroon wrappers, West African Cameroon wrappers. What is the difference between some Cameroon wrappers and others; are they not all created equal?
- Peter in Agoura Hills, CA
A. "Genuine Cameroon" wrapper is the leaf that is grown in West Africa. It is now also one of the most expensive wrapper leaves. One of my sources tells me some Cameroon wrapper is grown in Ecuador and other countries from Cameroon seed, but most of the time, especially from the better cigar makers, the leaf will be from Africa. What it comes down to then, is how the leaf is cured. IMO, the best-tasting Cameroon cigars feature the genuine article. Arturo Fuente cigars and Partagas have been using the real deal for years.
If you want to taste some good Cameroon leaf, the CAO CX2 cigars are a great example. Also check out the Perdomo Reserve Cameroon cigars and La Aurora Preferidos. Among the more recent releases, I was also very impressed with the Cusano Cameroon '59.
