H-Town Namakubi Ecuador Lancero

The H-Town Namakubi Ecuador Lancero is a medium-full bodied cigar that will give you an “in-your-face” experience from the box to the band. The name Namakubi — a reference to the ancient samurai tradition of severing an enemy’s head — is a fair descriptor; this stick takes no prisoners.

Featuring the darkest wrapper in the series, the Namakubi greets you with a black-coffee tinted color and gives off a fair bit of oil. The color is more than just for looks, as coffee aromas emulate from the wrapper — discerning smokers may also pick up some orange notes after a few sniffs. Once lit, the Namakubi generates a lot of smoke and some intense flavors. Early on, you’ll get some heavy spice with a bit of earth and even some citrus notes. The heat only increases as it burns, with the back third creating a tingling sensation on the palate before giving way to a surprising bit of sweetness on the final few inches.

This is an intense cigar that should be paired with drinks that can keep up like single malt scotch, robust red wines, and imperial stouts.