Energy levels were much higher in the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust booth this year, probably partially due to catching Steve Saka early on in show, and also part due to the lack of last years production problems. In 2015 the highly anticipated Sobremesa was not ready for sampling in Saka’s judgement. So he held his samples back, and instead gave visitors cigars produced by other manufacturers. It was obviously bothering him that it worked out that way, but one thing is clear, Saka will release no cigar before it’s time. This year was different of course, the samples were ready to go.

Another reason to be upbeat is a successful first year for Saka and crew. Having a hit for a first cigar takes a lot of the pressure off, and says as much when we talk to him. (The Sobremesa was on both mine and Ben’s top ten lists for 2015, at #5 and #4, respectively.) All these factors worked in our favor too, it made for a really entertaining interview.

In this video Saka talks about his new broadleaf blend, Mi Querida (which amusingly translates to “my piece on the side”), Todos Las Dias, Sin Compromiso and the two new amped-up Sobremesa vitolas, the Short Churchill and the Elegante en Cedros. From there we touch on topics like his approach to pricing cigars, how feedback influences his blending, the effects of the FDA regulations on the cigar business, and more.

IPCPR Coverage Sponsored By
Drew Estate