Roma Craft announced the Baka line at the PCA in 2019 and is the newest blend from them. The Baka name refers to an ethnic group inhabiting the southeastern rain forests of Cameroon and the surrounding countries. This ties in the name with the Cameroon wrapper that is used on this blend. Later in the year the first two sizes, out of seven, where shipped out to retailers, the Bantu being one of them. Although being a regular production line, it is limited to 1000 boxes annually.
The wrapper is of a Colorado Maduro shade. It definitely has some tooth to it and feels kind of rustic. Veins are minimal and the construction is flawless.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 52 x 102 mm (4″)
- Wrapper: Cameroon
- Binder: n/a
- Filler: n/a
- Price: $10 | € –
Roma Craft Baka Bantu: the cold draw reveal nuances of leather, hay and herbs. The opening brings herbal and wooden notes to the palate.
Further into the first third, notes of leather and wood, with a touch of walnut and coffee, appear. Herbal notes come through in some puffs and a light red pepper note can be perceived in the retro-hale. Strength falls a little short of the medium mark (2.5/5)
In the second third, the smoke becomes slightly creamier, with the walnut morphing into hazelnut. Leather and wood are still present as well. The herbal note comes through a bit more frequently now, while the red pepper notes can only be made out in the retro-hale. Strength increases slightly (3/5).
In the last third,the leather, wood and hazelnut continue to be the core flavors, while the red pepper is now also perceptible on the palate. The herbal note is still lingering in the background, with some cream coming through from time to time. Strength remains constant.
Overall, the Roma Craft Baka Bantu is quite the surprise and not in a bad way. It isn’t as strong as someone would expect, yet it is a balanced, flavorful and nuanced smoke. Definitely a change of pace compared to the other offerings from Roma Craft and well worth a try.
Rating: 90