I’m excited to share the very first Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust review on Polski Aficionado. Ladies and gentlemen – let me introduce you to Sobremesa Elegante en Cedros.
This cigar was a birthday gift from Piotr Siwiński. I know he wanted to treat me to something truly special on my big day. He also knew very well that I didn’t smoke the cigar and probably wouldn’t have chosen it myself – which makes this gift even better. It sat in my humidor for quite a while. Not intentionally – it was just a bit too large for our usual smoke sessions. But eventually, it was lit during one of them. Of course, this wasn’t my first cigar from Steve Saka. I’d had a few before – though I could probably count them on one hand.
I honestly have no idea how this ended up being the first Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust review on Polski Aficionado. As I mentioned, I’ve smoked a few already. I went digging through my notes, photos, old posts – nothing. I clearly remember having both the Sobremesa Robusto Largo and the Sobremesa Brûlée Double Corona. I even remember the way they tasted. But there’s no record of a review. Maybe Piotr told me to just enjoy them – no photos, no notes, no write-up. Maybe I just took that to heart. Whatever the reason, the reviews don’t exist. So be it. I’ll definitely revisit those cigars again.
Since this is the first review of a cigar by Steve Saka, the man behind Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, it makes sense to say a few words about the brand. Let’s also take a moment to get to know the mind behind today’s cigar a little better.
Steve Saka
A true legend in the cigar world. Steve’s journey into premium tobacco began long before he launched Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. His passion for cigars was sparked during his time in the US Navy back in 1984. Over the next decade, he immersed himself in the cigar world – visiting farms and factories, running a cigar blog, and even organizing multi-day events for over 300 cigar lovers, all on his own dime. In 1999, Saka began working with Lew Rothman of JR Cigars, a key mentor who helped shape his approach to business, marketing, and brand strategy. From 2005 to 2013, he served as President of Drew Estate, where he played a pivotal role in creating the now-iconic Liga Privada line. Steve is known for being deeply involved in every aspect of cigar production – from blending to the final product. Sounds like a cliché? Maybe. But in his case, it’s true – he makes cigars primarily for himself, and if he doesn’t enjoy it, it doesn’t go to market.
Within the cigar community, Steve Saka is often seen as a true guru – and a pioneer of cigar blogging. He’s widely regarded as one of the first to seriously write about cigars online, long before it became popular. For that alone, hats off to him.
Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust
As mentioned earlier, the brand was founded in 2015 – relatively recently. Its guiding motto, Sin Compromiso (Spanish for “without compromise”), perfectly captures what Steve Saka stands for. Fittingly, it’s also the name of one of the brand’s most acclaimed lines. Dunbarton cigars are crafted in two of Nicaragua’s most respected factories: Joya de Nicaragua and Nicaragua American Cigars in Estelí. But even in these top-tier facilities, it’s said that everything is produced under Saka’s watchful eye – his influence is felt at every step. And it shows. The attention to detail and commitment to quality has earned Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust praise from cigar lovers around the world, along with high marks from some of the industry’s most respected publications. Among the standout lines from the brand are the one I’m reviewing today – Sobremesa – as well as Mi Querida, Sin Compromiso, and Muestra de Saka.
Now, let’s get back to the cigar at hand.
Sobremesa Elegante en Cedros
Sobremesa was the very first cigar line released by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust back in 2015. The name itself—Sobremesa—literally means “dessert” in Spanish, but culturally, it refers to that special time spent lingering at the table after a meal, enjoying good conversation and even better company. That’s a beautiful concept to build a cigar around, isn’t it? The blend is as refined as the name suggests. It features an Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper and a Mexican San Andrés (Negro de Temporal) binder. The filler is a complex mix of Condega Criollo-SG Seco, Pueblo Nuevo Criollo Viso, Estelí C-98 Viso, Estelí Hybrid Ligero – all Nicaraguan – plus Pennsylvania Broadleaf Ligero from the U.S. The cigars are rolled at the Joya de Nicaragua S.A. factory in Estelí.
Originally, the line included the following vitolas:
- Short Churchill (4 3/4 C 48),
- Robusto (5 1/4 X 52),
- Toro (6 X 52),
- Churchill (7 X 50) – known as Elegante en Cedros.
Between 2023 and 2024, the line underwent a rebrand. The original Sobremesa became Sobremesa Solita, now packed in boxes of 13 cigars with simplified, unified naming. For example, Elegantes en Cedros is now called Sobremesa Solita Churchill en Cedros.
The cigar I’m smoking today comes from the pre-rebrand release.
Some technical specs
We’re looking at a classic Churchill format here. The cigar measures 7 inches in length (around 17.78 cm) with a 50 ring gauge. It certainly looks impressive, though visually – thanks to its slender build and darker wrapper – it leans more toward a Lancero than a traditional Churchill. That rich, darker wrapper adds to its mystique. What makes this vitola stand out even more is its cedar wrap – exclusive to the Churchill format in the Sobremesa line. It’s a nice touch: aesthetically pleasing, practical for protection and humidity, and helpful for aging. The cigar also features two bands. The primary one carries the elegant, gold Sobremesa crown logo. The foot band, in a rich brown with gold text and detailing, proudly announces the name of the line. Altogether, it’s a regal-looking presentation – one that perfectly fits the cigar’s name and the experience it promises.
The Cut
Before lighting up, I always take a moment to smell the cigar – get a sense of what I’m dealing with. The wrapper offers an earthy aroma, subtly layered with floral sweetness. The texture is slightly rough to the touch, which adds to its rustic charm. I went with a V-cut this time. The cut came out a bit shallow, but I chose not to adjust it. The draw? Good. No complaints there. As for the cold draw – mostly earth, with a touch of spicy sweetness that hints at complexity waiting to unfold.
The Light
I toast the foot thoroughly with a jet flame, then spark it up with a few short, gentle puffs. I set the cigar down for a moment to let it settle before diving into the tasting. Right off the bat – earth. Dry, savory, and straight to the point. Soon, coffee joins the mix, followed by hints of cocoa that deepen the profile. As I progress through this long Churchill, the flavor palette evolves. Roasted nuts begin to show up – sometimes leaning more toward almonds – always grounded by the ever-present earthiness. These nutty notes linger most in the finish, leaving a satisfying aftertaste. Toward the end, a touch of woodiness enters the stage, shifting the profile into its most refined, dry register. It’s worth noting – the flavors throughout are intense, clearly defined, and confidently delivered.
Strength & Body
The strength of this cigar sits comfortably in the medium range. Not the powerhouse I expected, to be honest – but still, I’d recommend pairing it with a solid meal beforehand. Well, I always do that.
Smoke & Aroma
It produces a generous amount of aromatic smoke, rich with earthy and nutty notes that carry through both in taste and in the air.
Construction
Construction? Flawless. The kind of cigar you can forget about once it’s lit – no touch-ups, no corrections. I actually lost track of my lighter, and it didn’t matter. The ash builds up beautifully with each puff, drawing attention with its clean structure and elegance – just as a cigar of this stature should.
A note from Piotr Siwiński
I’ll be honest – I’m totally biased. I have no affiliation with DTT or Steve Saka, apart from a deep, one-sided admiration – for the brand and the man behind it. I buy into the whole story: the philosophy, the uncompromising craftsmanship, the artistry behind every blend this company releases. What truly speaks to me is the spontaneity and the unorthodox character of the brand – each line is distinct, each one unique in its own way. The names alone give you a glimpse of what’s inside, while still leaving room for surprise. That’s Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. That’s Steve Saka.
As for this cigar – Sobremesa is often recognized for its Brûlée line: sweet, creamy, and mild. A perfect companion to a family dinner. But the classic line, represented by the Elegante en Cedros vitola, is an entirely different animal. This is what I’d call a “real cigar.” If someone asked me to describe what a classic cigar tastes like – this would be it. When I want to just light up without expectations or surprises, for the sheer pleasure of smoking – this is what I reach for. It’s reliable, elegant, and delivers both in structure and flavor.
It’s the kind of cigar that will satisfy any smoker who just wants to light up and enjoy – no fuss, no games. They won’t be disappointed. And the crown on the band? Entirely well-earned.
Final Thoughts
A rich, flavorful, and intense cigar that I’ll gladly come back to! It ticks all the boxes for me. Despite its size, it never felt overwhelming – which, for a Churchill, is quite a feat. I’m really happy that the first review of a Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust cigar on Polski Aficionado is for the Sobremesa Elegante en Cedros.
Although this isn’t my first encounter with the brand – I just remembered another cigar I received from Piotr and enjoyed with him on his balcony. That one was a Mi Querida – though I don’t recall which vitola exactly. What I do remember is how much I enjoyed it. And today, I had the pleasure of putting my thoughts down on another excellent release from the same house. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
This review was made possible thanks to Piotr Siwiński – a passionate cigar aficionado, the mastermind behind the Spotkanie z Dymem podcast, a sharp reviewer, and a good friend.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Piotr Siwiński, @mycigarway, @ Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
