Red Meat Lovers
Red Meat Lovers stands as one of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust’s most distinctive releases, a full-bodied Maduro cigar specifically designed to complement the robust flavors of a premium steak dinner. Created by legendary blender Steve Saka and handcrafted at NACSA factory in EstelÃ, Nicaragua, this cigar delivers savory, umami-rich complexity rarely found in premium tobacco. Since its introduction five years ago, it has become one of the most sought-after handmade exclusives on the market, earning consistent five-star reviews from aficionados who appreciate its bold, meaty character and impeccable construction.
Blend & Construction
- Connecticut Broadleaf No. 1 Dark (Maduro) wrapper provides rich, oily darkness and concentrated flavor
- Mexican San Andrés Negro binder adds earthy depth and structural complexity
- Nicaraguan and USA filler blend creates unique savory profile with umami character
- Handcrafted at NACSA factory in Estelà under Master Cigarmaker Raul Disla’s supervision
- 6 x 48 “Beef Stick” format offers generous smoking time with optimal ring gauge
- Full-bodied strength and flavor intensity perfect for post-dinner enjoyment
- Packaged in distinctive boxes of 10 featuring cutting board presentation
Flavor Experience
Red Meat Lovers opens with savory notes of charred meat and umami that immediately distinguish it from traditional cigar profiles. As the smoke develops, earth and dark chocolate emerge alongside leather, oak, and cocoa undertones that add depth without overwhelming the unique meaty character. The middle section introduces crushed red pepper, toasted oak, and cinnamon spice, while slight nutmeg and bacon saltiness create mineral complexity rarely encountered in premium cigars.
The finish delivers black pepper and espresso notes that linger satisfyingly, creating a conclusion as bold as the opening. Throughout, the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and San Andrés binder provide thick, chewy smoke texture that enhances the full-bodied experience. Reviewers consistently describe the cigar as pepper-forward with baking spices and charred woodiness, noting that while it may be one-dimensional in structure, that dimension is executed with precision and purpose. The full strength and body demand respect, making this a special occasion smoke rather than everyday companion.
Culinary Inspiration
The concept for Red Meat Lovers was born during a culinary adventure in Nicaragua where the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust team savored export-grade Porterhouse steaks paired with fine whiskeys and espresso. This experience inspired Steve Saka to create a cigar specifically designed to complement the robust flavors of premium steak dinners, translating culinary excellence into tobacco form. The result is a cigar that honors fine dining tradition while pushing boundaries in flavor development, creating a smoking experience that feels more like extension of a meal than separate event.
Steve Saka’s Craftsmanship
Steve Saka has built reputation as one of the industry’s most uncompromising blenders, consistently delivering what enthusiasts describe as “bangers” that never miss. His work with Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust emphasizes bold flavors, impeccable construction, and innovative concepts that expand cigar possibilities. Red Meat Lovers exemplifies this philosophy, demonstrating Saka’s willingness to explore unconventional flavor territories while maintaining the quality control and smoking performance that define his portfolio. Reviewers consistently praise Dunbarton’s construction standards, noting perfect draw, even burn, and reliable performance from first light to final puff.
Specifications
| Size | 6 x 48 (Beef Stick) |
|---|---|
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf No. 1 Dark (Maduro) |
| Binder | Mexican San Andrés Negro |
| Filler | Nicaragua and USA |
| Factory | NACSA, EstelÃ, Nicaragua |
| Master Blender | Steve Saka |
| Strength | Full Bodied |
| Box Count | 10 |
Summary
- Box Count: 10
- Region: Nicaragua
- Strength: Full
- Binder: Mexican San Andrés Negro
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
- Filler: Nicaragua and USA
What makes Red Meat Lovers unique?
It’s specifically designed to pair with steak dinners, delivering savory, umami-rich, meaty flavors unlike traditional cigar profiles, created by master blender Steve Saka.
What are the primary flavor notes?
Charred meat, umami, earth, dark chocolate, leather, oak, cocoa, black pepper, espresso, crushed red pepper, toasted oak, cinnamon, and bacon saltiness create bold complexity.
How strong is this cigar?
Full-bodied in both strength and flavor, delivering thick, chewy smoke that demands respect and is best suited for experienced smokers.
Who is Steve Saka?
Legendary blender and founder of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, known for bold flavors, innovative concepts, and impeccable construction that consistently earns rave reviews.
What is the ideal pairing?
Designed specifically for post-steak dinner enjoyment, pairing beautifully with whiskey, bourbon, or espresso to extend the culinary experience.
How is the construction?
Impeccable, featuring perfect draw, even burn, solid ash, and reliable performance from start to finish under Master Cigarmaker Raul Disla’s supervision.
Is this an everyday cigar?
No, its full strength and bold character make it a special occasion smoke best reserved for moments when you want something distinctive and powerful.
What does the packaging look like?
Boxes of 10 cigars feature unique cutting board presentation that reinforces the culinary theme and makes this an excellent gift for steak and cigar lovers alike.






Justin White (verified owner) –
I’m so glad they are making this readily available. Such a great size and shape. This cigar smokes like a dream and it is marketed perfectly, great to light up after a big steak dinner. Saka is hands down my favorite blender, the man just doesn’t miss.
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contrerast3 (verified owner) –
Nothing bad to say here. Bold cigar with very unique, meaty flavors. Great cigar to have after a big dinner. Well done per usual by Saka as he seems to only put out bangers.
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Bbezak5233 (verified owner) –
If you love broadleaf this is the cigar to have! Such full flavor. Probably my favorite. Don’t regret this purchase at all. Give this one a try
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Richard Patrone (verified owner) –
This is absolutely what you would expect to get out of a cigar called the red meat lovers. First of all, it does have fantastic Dunbarton quality control which includes the field the burn the packing of the tobacco, etc. I found that this one was relatively powerful from the get-go and stayed that way until the end and I would describe it as medium full No complaints unless you really like mild to medium or Connecticut shade or something like that, this one is very bold and not for the faint of heart
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Alexander S (verified owner) –
Nice mix up of saltiness and mineral. The salty notes is like bacon saltiness, nothing like bacon notes in your cigars – hahaha. The notes developed into a slight charred woodiness and nutmeg. The blend is box worthy.
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davelagerstedt (verified owner) –
This cigar is full bodied in strength and in flavor. As far as tasting notes it was very pepper forward with a sprinkle of baking spices. The smoke was also thick and chewy. I like most of what saka makes and I did enjoy this one, but it is fairly one dimensional
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jasonr75 (verified owner) –
A big, bold stick with excellent construction you’d expect from Saka. Not an everyday smoke by any means but a special treat that deserves a place in everyone’s rotation. Arrived in perfect condition!
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
This is my first time having this cigar. I love a lot of what DTT puts out. But on a lot of recommendations from friends on this I grabbed a 5er. Right at light up I’m getting crushed red pepper, toasted oak and slight cinnamon. It is kind of cool that there is a “meatiness “ to this. I did try this after a steak dinner and it definitely pairs well. I love how they made the cigar to look like a beef stick. The construction on this was spot on. It smoked absolutely wonderfully. This definitely came in at full strength and body for me and super fulfilling. Really glad I I got these at always that oxford killer price!
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Giacomo Mannino (verified owner) –
Very good, but a little too “full” for me. If you are a fan of full flavored “dark” cigars, then I would give this a shot. The box that it came in was really cool though. Basically had a cutting board!
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