Steve Saka has roots in the cigar world from his days at Drew Estate. He helped develop Drew Estate into a brand with a great presence and outstanding cigar line.
Recently his foray into opening his own brand has created a positive buzz with the Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust company.
I was given a sample of the Sobremesa Torpedo Tiempo to taste and review. The folks at Cigarscity.com. provided me with the stick gratis. As always how and where I received the cigar does not influence my subjective thoughts about the blend. I urge all interested in this smoke to try it themselves and judge for yourself.
Brand/ Name of Cigar:Dunbarton Tobacco/ Sobremesa
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6.0 x 54
Wrapper: Ecuador Sungrown
Binder: Mexican
Filler; Nicaragua
Shape: Torpedo
Price: $12.25 single from Cigarscity.com
Where and when smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 4/17/2016
Appearance/ Construction:
A very striking even hue wrapper with a classy band that creates a very impressive look. Several small veins which do not mar the appearance. No soft spots, solid feel, looks well made.
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:
Started with a pleasant mix of vanilla, nuts and a aroma of sweet birch. Reminded me of a soda I drank as a Boy Scout called White Birch made by Tom’s Candy Company. Why I remember this is beyond me. Smooth, flavorful with a medium body. No spice or pepper in the mix. Hit the right notes in the first third.
Smoking Characteristics :
The ash was light grey, very steady with an even burn. This re enforced the strong construction of the cigar. No relights or any problems with tunneling etc. The second third continued with the profile of nuts and sweetness. Slight coffee came across at this juncture but not a big presence.
Conclusion/ Overall Impression:
I liked this cigar, was well crafted which are all good selling points. There were no “oh wow” moments meaning there is potential to get better. Would keep a couple of in my humidor and let them age.
The numbers look this way:
Appearance/ Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 3.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3.8 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression : 3.8 out of 5.
Final Thoughts: Would like to try other other shapes and sizes of this line. Steve Saka knows how to make cigars. As a first blend he was a potential winner for the boutique market. I know he will develop a full line of fine cigars in time.
Keep smoking.