Sobremesa, ‘over the table’, has no precise English translation, perhaps because there is no cultural equivalent in the US. It is an idiom used among the Latin culture to describe the leisurely time spent tableside after you have finished dining, but before you rise. It is the experience of lingering casually with family and friends in conversation, relaxing, drinking, smoking, and enjoying each other’s company.
Sobremesa is one of life’s simplest, yet greatest pleasures.
The Brülée Wagashi” #LI7 is aptly named after the delicious Japanese desert delicacies that rose to cultural import during the Edo Period (1603-1857). Crafted from very simple, yet high quality ingredients, these petite pastries are often served with green tea and renowned for their refined textures and nutty nature with just the right hint of sweetness. Originally reserved for the upper classes, today Wagashi is part of the everyday joy of many Japanese.
Steve Saka Noted in a Press Release:
“This moniker always struck me as a perfect one to describe this tweaked version of our limited production Brulée Blue liga. Not only does its smoke share some common flavor traits with its intricate nuttiness, creamy texture and gentle sweetness, the prensado format of the vitola even takes on the likeness of Yokan, a particular style of Wagashi. This is a very refined liga, one that is meant to be savored slowly and afforded your attention as it will reward you with tastes of almonds, delicate coffee notes, caramel and sweet cream to delight your nose and palate.“
Introduced in 2023 as a Smoke Inn shop exclusive, the Wagashi is the newest addition to the Sobremesa Brûlée family, following the Blue. In 2024 the company did a national release of the Wagashi. The cigar is a collaboration between Cigar Dojo and Steve Saka and is handcrafted at Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
The blend for the Sobremesa Wagashi is a tweaked blend from the original and is described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder: Mexican San Andrés
- Filler: Nicaragua
The Sobremesa Wagashi is expressed in a “Trunk-Pressed” (6 x 50) toro and comes packaged in 13-count boxes with an MSRP of $17.95/cigar.
For this review, I sampled on Sobremesa Wagashi that I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Sobremesa Wagashi is draped in a golden tan wrapper that is fairly smooth to the touch and exhibits minimal veins. The cigar has an oval boxed pressing with just a little extra give on the foot. A well applied pig tail cap finishes the construction.
Three bands adorn the cigar. Each uses a lime green and gold color motif. The primary band displays the company’s logo. A secondary band is paced just below the primary and declares it as a Cigar Dojo collaboration. Finally, a footer band is applied that describes it as a Sobremesa.
Running the Brülée Wagashi along the nose I picked up a baking spice note along the barrel while the foot exudes notes of faint nut and spice.
I used my Guillotina De Saka cutter from Cigar Medics to slice the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that seemed just fine in restriction. Right off the first puff I note an immediate sweetness on the tongue that did not seem like natural tobacco sweetness. This is followed up with notes of earth and cinnamon spice.
Using a lit cedar spill, I ignited warmed the foot with the soft flame the cedar spill and drew in the first puffs of sweetness, nut and spice smoke. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Introductory notes of sweetness, nut and cinnamon spice
- Light grey ash forms on top of a wavy medium thick char line
- The draw is excellent, filling the palate with a full volume of smoke
- Spice pulls back and makes way for a slight cream and caramel note
- The flaky ash fell in a decent chunk revealing a slightly off centered burn cone
- Saltiness adds to the profile entering the second third with a hint of coffee
- Oakiness and more nut moving through the second third
- Maple syrup aroma waft off the foot
- Citrus peel notes enter and formed an increased bitterness
- The salt notes increase moving into the final
- Mild to Medium in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 25 Minutes
Final Analysis
The Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Sobremesa Brülée Wagashi opens with a delicate balance of sweetness, nutty richness, and a hint of cinnamon spice, drawing you in with its inviting aroma. The draw is effortless, delivering a thick, velvety smoke that fills the palate with full-bodied flavor. As the initial spice recedes, it makes room for subtle notes of cream and caramel, which add a smooth sweetness to the profile. As the smoke progresses into the second third, a salty edge emerges, complemented by a soft hint of coffee. Oakiness begins to weave through the flavor, and more pronounced nutty notes round out the profile, adding complexity. As the cigar moves into its final third, citrus peel notes introduce a layer of sharpness and slight bitterness. The saltiness intensifies, becoming a more prominent feature, while the complexity of flavors continues to evolve, keeping the smoke engaging and full of character until the end. This worth a fiver. Though I would say this is certainly a different experience from the original. I rate this a 90.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wavy Burn; (-1) Flaky ash; (-1) Bitter Notes in second third; (-1) Off-centered burn cone
