The Don Lino Africa Punda Milia is a revival worth noting. Originally released by Nestor Miranda, this cigar was brought back by Miami Cigar & Company to commemorate their 30th anniversary, and it shows the brand is still very much in touch with what makes a cigar both memorable and accessible. Handcrafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez, it showcases an Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper, an authentic African Cameroon binder, and a global blend of fillers from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua—Piloto Dominicano, Ometepe, Jalapa, and Estelí.
From the first glance, the cigar presents a refined look. It’s soft box-pressed with a smooth, medium-brown wrapper that’s free of any tooth. The wrapper has only a few small veins and offers a clean, consistent appearance. Construction is clearly top-notch, with no soft spots and a firm roll throughout.
Upon lighting, the cigar delivers a surprising wasabi-like kick—an energetic opening that quickly mellows into notes of leather, black tea, and hay. There’s also a salt-forward quality on the palate, matched with black pepper and a unique impression of salted pretzel dipped in mustard. It’s a bold, savory opening that intrigues rather than overwhelms.
The second third evolves with smoother, richer tones. Mesquite and cedar begin to dominate the wood profile, accompanied by clove and a light saltiness that carries over from the first third. A creamy caramel note adds body and sweetness, transitioning into a pastry-like cinnamon roll with just a whisper of coconut in the background. The complexity here is impressive and never disjointed.
In the final third, the cigar takes on a more mineral character. It brings to mind graphite or the sensation of licking the tip of a #2 pencil—an oddly nostalgic and distinctive note that works well with the developing almond and pecan nuttiness. The salty edge persists, as does a moderate amount of black pepper. This section rounds out the cigar with a more grounded, earthy profile.
Construction remains flawless throughout the smoking experience. The burn line is razor-sharp, with no need for touch-ups. Draw is consistently smooth and just slightly resistant, producing ample smoke. The tobaccos are clearly well-aged and handled with care.
Overall, the Don Lino Africa Punda Milia is a cigar that surprises at every turn without ever losing balance. With a smooth, approachable profile and enough complexity to keep seasoned smokers engaged, it earns its place as a cigar that’s easy to recommend. Whether you’re revisiting this revived line or discovering it for the first time, it’s one worth smoking again.
Overall Score: 90.17 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 4.21 out of 10
This blind cigar review (Cigar #21-B) was scored by a panel of cigar enthusiasts, including: Rev Eldon, Jeffery Knipe, Bill F, Jeff Endrizzi, Daniel, Ruby Cannoli, Chief16., Ryan Senica, Ryan M., Vincent Cammarata, , Nick Ambeliotis, Chris V, MI_Cigar_and_Drink, & Joey Bagodonuts
