Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Umbagog Bronzeback – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

During the 2024 PCA Convention & Trade Show, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust unveiled a new addition to its Umbagog line: the Umbagog Bronzeback. This 5 x 48 Rothschild paid tribute to the Henry Clay cigars from the ’80s and ’90s, featuring a unique “2LS” Connecticut broadleaf wrapper reminiscent of the classic blend.

The Bronzeback, with an MSRP of $9.75 per stick, was sold in 10-count bundles. This version of the Umbagog retained its Nicaraguan binder and filler but introduced the 2LS wrapper, which delivered a slightly less sweet but significantly more peppery profile compared to the traditional Connecticut broadleaf.

Steve Saka, founder of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, noted that the 2LS leaves, located between the 1/3 to 1/2 mark on the stalk, offered a different hue and flavor profile. Smokers could expect a smoking experience with less sweetness and more pepper, diverging from the classic broadleaf’s sweet, earthy, and cocoa notes. Rolled at Nicaragua American Cigars S.A. (NACSA) in Estelí, the Umbagog Bronzeback was made available at the PCA Convention and began shipping to retailers in April 2024.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 48
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Broadleaf 2LS
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Nicaragua American Cigars S.A. (NACSA)
Blender: Steve Saka
Number of reviewers: 4 – Angel M. (Angel) Alan (Eulogy) Chris M. (Chris) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Price: $9.75
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: April 2024
Contributed by: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust

Initial Impressions – Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Umbagog Bronzeback

Appearance: 94

“The wrapper is a dirty light to medium mottled brown. A few veins and blotches are easily noticeable, and the second cap is multiple shades darker than the body and top cap. That being said, the roll is very even, and I wouldn’t call it a sloppy or ugly cigar.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Aroma: 93

“As for the wrapper, I pick up subtle smells of baking spice, leather, and sweet tobacco. As for the foot, some very nice notes of sweet tobacco, cedar, and leather.” –Angel M. (Angel)

First Third

Flavor: 96
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“There is a lot going on to start this one off. Right out front, I get cocoa, birch, candied orange, and a mix of black pepper and cinnamon. There is a nice cream on the background. The candied orange dips a bit around a half inch in.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“Very earthy profile with notes of pencil lead, cedar, tobacco, and dirt. The mouthfeel is very dry with a slightly tight draw. The profile has a richness to it that makes it interesting but not super exciting.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Second Third

Flavor: 95
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“In the second third, the flavors remained fairly the same, but did intensify in strength making for a wonderful transition. Coco, baking spice, vanilla, sweet, tobacco, followed by the roasted nut all remained. Still an excellent cigar thus far.” –Angel M. (Angel)

“The middle portion of the cigar has the pepper fading almost entirely leaving the tamarind flavor, which is a really nice flavor profile at this point. sweet, tangy, and sort of savory. The draw and burn are spot on to this point and overall it’s just a really nice experience.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Final Third

Flavor: 96
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“In the final third, once again the cocoa, baking spice, vanilla, and sweet tobacco all remained. The roasted nut did disappear and a ground coffee flavor came in. The smoke still remained very smooth and cool, making for another interesting transition.” –Angel M. (Angel)

“I’m getting earthy coffee, and almost a graham cracker note up top. Birch, sweet cream, and marshmallow at a slightly lower level. Cinnamon and black pepper are still quite light. The marshmallow creeps up getting further into this third. Spice picks up near the nub.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 98

“I opted to use a perfect cutter for this cigar and was rewarded with a practically perfect draw from beginning to end. I love just a bit of resistance and plenty of smoke and that’s exactly what I got.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Burn: 98

“Burned great with a razor-sharp burn. Even letting it sit there for a few minutes wasn’t a problem as it stayed lit.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Construction: 96

“Despite the odd shifts in color this cigar looked and felt pretty well rolled. The resistance was about where I like it, and the burn didn’t need any attention.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 96

“Overall, this was a superb cigar. All the flavors were right up my alley and the small transitions from third to third kept me very interested. The texture of the smoke and its temperature were spot on. I would definitely recommend the cigar to friends and family and look forward to its reveal. This cigar as well rounded as it is, would go with a nice espresso or mocha all the way to a good bourbon or stout style beer.” –Angel M. (Angel)

“The performance is great with a nice creamy smoke and great construction, I just wasn’t wowed by the profile. The strength is very mild and a little bit of sweetness or profile transitions would have went a long way.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“This cigar hit me really well. It was on the sweeter side, but just barely. There was a good amount of complexity, and the flavors fit together perfectly. With the strength being moderate throughout, I could see this being an excellent anytime smoke. Very enjoyable, I would definitely rotate these in on a decently regular basis.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“This is a really attractive cigar to begin with, and after the first few puffs, I realized I was in for something good. This cigar gave me ample transitions and a significant change in power from beginning to end, which fit my day perfectly. I’d gladly smoke more of these whether it be a hot day or cold day. I’ll happily recommend this cigar to my smoking friends.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 57

To view the complete scores and notes, click here

Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Umbagog Bronzeback – Blind Cigar Review