Blind Cigar Review: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust | Mi Querida Ancho Largo

Cigar Info

At this year’s IPCPR Trade Show, Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust was showing off a total of 3 new lines and two line extensions. The most prominent new line is “Mi Querida”, loosely translates to “My Mistress”. This offering from Steve Saka is his answer to his fans asking for a broadleaf cigar, more in line with what is was known for at Drew Estate than his Sobremesa line. Mi Querida is made at Nicaraguan American Cigar S.A. (NACSA), a factory that was previously known for making budget cigars, but Steve has taken under his wing recently in an effort to product “Opus” quality cigars in the new few years.

Guest Panelist

Today we welcome guest panelist Barry Stein of The Cigar Authority as a part of this review. Barry Stein has been in the Cigar Industry since 1996 when he first stepped into a cigar shop he would eventually become partners in. When his work as a private investigator became too much, him and his business partner sold the cigar shop in 2003. Missing the cigar industry from an insider’s perspective he started a website in 2008 at the encouragement of Sam Leccia. From 2008 until 2012 he had one of the hottest cigar sites around.

In 2012, he began to work for Miami Cigar & Company overseeing social media and working in marketing and advertising. Missing the Northeast, he returned to his roots where he does social media and web work for Two Guys Smoke Shop, maintains TheCigarAuthority.com where he posts breaking news and reviews. He has also joined the team as an on-air personality for our broadcast on the United Cigar Radio Network. Today he will be reviewing the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust | Mi Querida Ancho Largo with us.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Nicaraguan American Cigar S.A. (NACSA)
Blender: Steve Saka
Number of reviewers: 5 – Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Jeff R. (JR) Eric (smalls29) Barry (Barry2Guys) ( Derek (StogieNinja)
Price: $9.45
Age: 2 Months
Release Date: July 2016

Initial Impressions – Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust | Mi Querida Ancho Largo

Appearance: 93

“This cigar is sporting a dark brown maduro shade wrapper that has plenty of tooth and several large veins running head to foot. The seams are tight but easily visible, and the cap is even and tight. This wrapper feels dusty and dry to the touch and the cigar is generally light in my hand, particularly for the size of cigar.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Aroma: 89

“The aroma of the cigar offers some notes of mocha on the foot, while the cold draw is very earthy with a touch of marshmallow sweetness.” –Barry (Barry2Guys)

First Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Medium-full spice. It burned a bit uneven but did not take away from the overall experience. Lots of tasty pepper with some earthy undertones. The ultra white ash is a tell tale sign that this blend had its fair share of healthy natural minerals.” –Jeff R. (JR)

“WOW. What a great start. The smell of baseball glove leather has carried over to a wonderful taste. A a ball player I would chew on a glove string and the flavor of this cigar reminds me of chewing on the string. The leather taste is a sweet taste to me. The added bonus is the undertone flavors of wood and spice. I can’t put my finger on the exact wood I am tasting but it is wonderful.” –Eric (smalls29)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“As the cigar progress the white pepper on the aroma begins to subside, although it still exists on the retrohale. The cigar still comes off as unbalanced due to the drying of my palate. However, some notes begin to emerge that attempts to salvage this cigar.” –Barry (Barry2Guys)

“The cigar’s intensity has backed off a bit, and there’s just a touch of harshness and herbal bitterness, which may be the result of youth. Pepper has receded, but the cocoa, baking spices, particularly the cinnamon, and stewed fruit remain. The smoke is thick and heavy, and there’s almost no sweetness. It is still very enjoyable, though the herbal bitterness/harshness is a distraction.” –Derek (StogieNinja)

Final Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The pepper-spice combo is free of harshness and the ever-so-slight sweetness is refreshing. Blowing the smoke thru the mouth is medium but if you want to step up the body; try blowing some smoke thru your nose as well, giving you that full-flavor adventure. The wrapper (probably a Broadleaf) has held up strong with zero issues.” –Jeff R. (JR)

“Into the final third, the bittersweet cocoa has given way to a rich chocolate which takes center stage. There’s black pepper, red pepper, stewed fruit, and cinnamon in the background. This is the best third yet, as the herbal bitterness and harshness have completely disappeared.” –Derek (StogieNinja)

Overall Impressions – Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust | Mi Querida Ancho Largo

Draw: 91

“The draw on this cigar was really just right for me…slight resistance with plenty of airflow.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Burn: 89

“Burn was stable, with no major issues. It wavered, but did not need touching up. The slight harshness in the middle third was distracting, but I think with some additional downtime that could be eliminated. Overall great performance.” –Derek (StogieNinja)

Construction: 91

“The cigar performed very well but didn’t look as fine as many other premium handmade cigars.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 91

“This was a rough looking, rustic cigar that performed very well when out to the flame. The initial flavors were interesting but unfortunately didn’t last until the end. Really it was a pretty good cigar that a lot of people will enjoy smoking. It certainly is something I’d be willing to try again to see if the final third finishes differently.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“The characteristics of the wrapper help amplify the overall flavor profile. The wrapper, binder, and filler are all in sync. I found this blend to be enjoyable & on point.” –Jeff R. (JR)

“Even though my ratings dropped each third, this was still a very good cigar. The smell and taste of leather was the most enjoyable aspect of the smoke. The memories of my days on the baseball field smelling a well work glove and the reminder of chewing on a glove string were awesome. As the undertones of wood and spice to it and this made for an enjoyable experience. I just wish it could have maintained the flavors throughout and would definitely enjoy this cigar over and over again.” –Eric (smalls29)

“I have a feeling I know what factory this cigar comes from, but once I find out what it is, I don’t see smoking another one.” –Barry (Barry2Guys)

“Even with the slight harshness and herbal bitterness in the beginning, this was an excellent cigar, and I haven’t said that about a dark cigar in a very long time. I would love to smoke more of them after some additional downtime! The final third was among the best I’ve smoked for BMP. Looking forward to the reveal, and to grabbing a few to put down for a while!” –Derek (StogieNinja)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 63

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust | Mi Querida Ancho Largo