Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust
There isn’t an english idiom to describe the time spent directly after a meal, yet before rising from the table. The time that is spent chatting, sipping the last of libations and occasionally lighting up an after-dinner smoke. In spanish, there is a word for this universal experience and it’s called sobremesa or “over the table”. This Latin expression is the namesake of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust’s cigar, the Sobremesa Brulee.
In 2013 a man named Steve Saka parted ways with a large cigar manufacturer named Drew Estate. Two years later Saka founded his own tobacco company and released his premier cigar, the Sobremesa. Previous acclaim from his history in the business helped drive his new brand. Since 2015, he has released several lines under his company. In 2019, Saka revisited his champion line, and added a Connecticut named the Brulee.
The Sobremesa Brulee is a well constructed, tightly packed, Ecuadorian Connecticut cigar. It’s smooth and slightly oily to the touch. On its first puff, there is a strong sweetness to the cigar, as if dipped in nectar. After a few puffs, the sweetness subsides. Meanwhile the taste of flowers and cedar emerge, as well as slight earthy notes.
The second third of the cigar brings with it oak and pepper flavors. The cigar’s expert construction makes releasing big billows of smoke into the air, effortless. With the cream, cocoa and graham cracker taste combined, it’s easy to compare this smoke to a s’mores sandwich. (Albeit, one that is more savory and peppery than your average campfire treat!)
The final third remains the same, only the Brulee increases its flavor intensity. It reaches medium-full in body, but never becomes unbearably strong or unreasonably hot. It smokes for more than an hour and requires little maintenance.
The Sobramesa Brulee is one of the best Connecticut cigars on the market today. It’s rich and flavorful, without becoming bitter or overbearing. Smokers who enjoy strong or light cigars will find something they like in Steve Saka’s newest blend. Undoubtedly, the ultimate way to enjoy the Sobremesa Brulee is over the remnants of supper, with friends and family.
