UK Exclusive | Umbagog Bronzeback Rothschild | Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust

Umbagog Bronzeback Rothschild

Blended by Steve Saka • Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust • Released April 2024

Named after Umbagog Lake State Park in New Hampshire — a favourite fishing haunt of blender Steve Saka — the Umbagog line was born from a practical idea: repurpose aesthetically imperfect but high-quality Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers left over from Mi Querida production. The result was an honest, no-nonsense workhorse cigar built for the outdoors.

The Bronzeback takes its name from the smallmouth bass — Saka's fish of choice — and represents a deliberate, bolder variation on the original blend. It uses a specific priming of Connecticut Broadleaf called "2LS" (leaves from roughly the lower-middle of the stalk, just below the Mediums). This priming produces a distinctly different hue and character: less sweet, significantly more peppery, and with a rougher-edged grit that sets it apart from typical Broadleaf cigars.

It is also a personal tribute to the classic Henry Clay cigars of the 1980s and 1990s — cigars Saka loved — which used a similar wrapper style. The goal: bring back that spicier, more aggressive Broadleaf expression in a modern, high-quality format. Presented in simple, rustic 10-count paper-wrapped bundles from Nicaragua American Cigars S.A. (NACSA) in Estelí, Nicaragua — no fancy boxes, just exceptional tobacco.

In December 2024, it was named #1 Cigar of the Year by The Barrel Burner.

Blend & Specs

• Vitola: Rothschild (Parejo) — 5 × 48
• Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf "2LS" (USA)
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan
• Strength: Medium to Full
• Production: NACSA, Estelí, Nicaragua
• Release: April 2024 (regular production)
• Presentation: 10-count paper-wrapped bundles

Tasting Notes

Bold, earthy, and pepper-driven — noticeably less sweet and more aggressive than most Broadleaf cigars or the original Umbagog. Reviewers consistently describe it as "in-your-face" yet balanced for the price.

• Earth, wood, cedar, coffee, espresso
• Dark chocolate and bitter cocoa nibs
• Black pepper and mixed spice — prominent on the retrohale
• Dry nuttiness, leather, and a unique dry "Cracker Jack" or starchy character with limited caramel sweetness
• Touches of fruit, baking spice, or herbal notes in some smokes

Progression

• First Third: Earthy and woody with burnt black pepper, limited caramel sweetness, and that signature dry Cracker Jack character. Coffee and chocolate emerge quickly.
• Second Third: Coffee becomes more prominent alongside increasing pepper and wood. Chocolate and fruit linger in the background.
• Final Third: Earth and spice dominate — black and red pepper, toasty notes, with coffee and cocoa lingering to the nub.

Construction

Generally excellent draw and smoke output. Burn may require an occasional touch-up in the first third but performs reliably overall. Smoking time: approximately 45–60 minutes.

Pairing Suggestions

Best enjoyed with a peated Scotch, aged rum, cold brew coffee, or a robust espresso. A hearty daily smoker equally at home outdoors or in the humidor room.