Sobremesa Solita

Sobremesa Solita

Experience the culmination of Steve Saka’s cigar-making philosophy with Sobremesa Solita, a medium to full-bodied Nicaraguan puro that embodies “puro sin compromiso” (cigar without compromise). Crafted at the legendary Joya de Nicaragua factory, this exceptional cigar represents the evolution of the original Sobremesa line, now refined and rebranded as Solita, meaning “little sun” in Spanish, a tribute to the sun-grown Habano wrapper cultivated under Ecuador’s naturally filtered sunlight.

• Premium dark rosado Ecuadorian Habano Grade 1 wrapper with silk-like texture
• Rich Mexican San Andrés Negro binder adds depth and earthiness
• Complex five-tobacco filler blend featuring Nicaraguan varietals and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Ligero
• Expertly crafted at Joya de Nicaragua factory by master torcedors
• Available in four formats with elegant 13-count cabinet presentation
• Delivers notes of Dutch-pressed cocoa, cedar, coffee, and sweet clover honey

Steve Saka, the mastermind behind Sobremesa, brings decades of industry expertise to every cigar. After serving as CEO of Drew Estate from 2005 to 2013, where he created the legendary Liga Privada line, Saka founded Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust in 2015 to pursue his vision of creating cigars without any compromise. His meticulous approach to blending has earned Dunbarton the distinction of being named “Company of the Year” for four consecutive years by Halfwheel Consensus, with numerous cigars rated in the 90s by major publications.

The name “Sobremesa” captures a beautiful Spanish tradition, referring to the cherished time spent lingering at the table after a meal, engaging in unhurried conversation with family and friends while enjoying coffee, spirits, and cigars. This cultural practice, which has no direct English translation, represents the art of savoring life’s simple pleasures. The cigar perfectly embodies this spirit, inviting smokers to slow down and appreciate the moment.

The blend showcases an Ecuadorian Habano Grade 1 dark rosado wrapper, grown in Ecuador’s unique microclimate where persistent cloud cover naturally filters sunlight, creating thinner, more elastic leaves with exceptional smoothness. This exquisite wrapper encases a Mexican San Andrés Negro binder from the Matacapan region, known for its rich, earthy character. The filler consists of five distinct tobaccos: Nicaraguan Condega C-SG Seco, Pueblo Nuevo Criollo Viso, La Joya Estelí C-98 Viso, ASP Estelí Hybrid Ligero, and Pennsylvania Broadleaf Ligero from Lancaster County.

Upon lighting, Sobremesa Solita greets the palate with immediate complexity. The first third delivers rich notes of Dutch-pressed cocoa and toasted cedar, accompanied by creamy coffee undertones. As the cigar develops, dark chocolate emerges alongside Indian Ceylon cinnamon and subtle anise notes. The Pennsylvania Broadleaf contributes a distinctive earthiness that balances the natural sweetness from the Ecuadorian wrapper. The finish presents a lingering sweet clover honey note that perfectly caps each draw, while the retrohale offers white pepper with buttery smoothness.

Construction at Joya de Nicaragua factory ensures impeccable performance throughout the smoking experience. Each cigar undergoes rigorous quality control, resulting in perfect draws, razor-sharp burn lines, and solid white ash that holds firmly. The careful fermentation and aging process creates a smoke that burns cool and even, allowing the complex flavor profile to shine without harshness or bitterness.

Technical Specifications

Summary

• Box Count: 13 (14 for Short Churchill)
• Region: Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium to Full
• Binder: Mexican San Andrés Negro
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Grade 1 Dark Rosado
• Filler: Nicaraguan blend + Pennsylvania Broadleaf Ligero

What makes the Sobremesa Solita wrapper special?

The Grade 1 Dark Rosado Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is cultivated under naturally filtered sunlight due to Ecuador’s persistent cloud cover. This creates exceptionally thin, elastic leaves with a silk-like texture and beautiful cinnamon-brown color that delivers smooth, complex flavors.

Why did Steve Saka rebrand the original Sobremesa line to Solita?

Saka renamed the line to Solita, meaning “little sun,” to better honor the exceptional sun-grown Habano wrapper and distinguish it from newer Sobremesa variations. The rebrand also included switching from 25-count to 13-count boxes for better presentation.

What is the significance of the Mexican San Andrés Negro binder?

The Matacapan-grown Mexican San Andrés Negro binder adds rich earthiness and depth while providing excellent combustion properties. This tobacco perfectly bridges the sweetness of the wrapper with the complexity of the five-tobacco filler blend.

Which Sobremesa Solita vitola offers the best experience?

The Toro (6 x 52) provides an ideal 75-minute smoking experience that allows full exploration of the blend’s complexity, while the Short Churchill (4 3/4 x 48) offers a concentrated 45-minute version perfect for when time is limited.

How does Sobremesa Solita compare to other Dunbarton lines?

Sobremesa Solita sits between the milder Sobremesa Brûlée and the fuller-bodied Mi Querida, offering medium to full strength with exceptional complexity. It showcases Saka’s signature balance of strength and nuance without overwhelming the palate.

What beverages pair best with Sobremesa Solita?

The cocoa and coffee notes pair excellently with espresso or aged rum. The sweet clover honey finish complements bourbon beautifully, while the earthy undertones match well with port wine or imperial stouts.

Is there a special limited edition version available?

The Sobremesa Solita Red, released in February 2025, features a Grand Corona (6 1/4 x 46) format with a slightly stronger blend aged for a full year. This limited production replaces the discontinued Cervantes Fino size.

What makes Joya de Nicaragua factory ideal for producing Sobremesa?

Joya de Nicaragua, established in 1968 as Nicaragua’s first premium cigar factory, brings unmatched expertise and tradition. Their master torcedors and rigorous quality control ensure each Sobremesa Solita meets Steve Saka’s exacting “cigar without compromise” standards.