2015 was the first IPCPR for Steve Saka’s new company Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust (DTT). Without taking any samples of his first release Sobremesa into the trade show, Saka exceeded expectations selling much more product than he anticipated. Even this year, with more product, and samples on hand, Saka seemed a little cautious on whether he could duplicate 2015. However, once again Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust exceeded expectations. Our observations were that the DTT booth was one of the most busy ones at the show.
Following this year’s trade show, Saka appeared on Episode 196 of Stogie Geeks and gave us his thoughts on this year’s IPCPR Trade Show.
Mi Querida
Mi Querida was the featured new product by DTT. It was Saka’s long awaited Connecticut Broadleaf release with his own company. Not only did the product sell well at the show, but six weeks later, retailers were clamoring for re-orders.
Sobremesa Line Extensions
Sobremesa added two new line extensions. The Sobremesa Elegante en Cedro and the Short Churchill. Elegant en Cedro is a 7 x 50 Double Corona with a cedar sleeve. Meanwhile the Short Churchill is exactly what it is – a 4 3/4 x 48 vitola. Saka has been on the record stating the Short Churchill has become an everyday smoke for him now that the supply of his beloved Liga Privada Unico Serie Dirty Rat has diminished.
Saka calls these line extensions ““Poco Mas Intensa” as they are tweaked blends of the original Sobremesa that are meant to provide a bolder smoke.
Other Releases
There were several other releases showcased by Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust. They were released in limited quantities to beat the August 8th FDA Deadline. For the time being, they will remain more limited in distribution and availability.
Todos Las Dias
Translates to “everyday”, this is a Nicaraguan puro intended to be smoked everyday.
Sin Compromiso
Translates to “Without Compromise”. This is a more premium offering.
Muestra de Saka
This translates to “Samples of Saka”. The intent is to make a specific blend in a specific vitola (very similar to Unico Serie concept). A coffin offering was showcased at this year’s trade show.
Umbagog
Named after a lake Saka enjoys fishing on. Umbagog features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that lacked the aesthetics to be used on Mi Querida. It will be sold in packs.
We covered the four more limited offerings in detail back in August.