The Mi Querida Black was officially introduced at the 2022 PCA Trade Show in Las Vegas in a (7.25 x 54) vitola known as the Mi Querida Black SakaKhan, but some say it was teased out in 2021 when Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust’s crafted a Limited Edition “EM” Maduro for the 50th anniversary of JR Cigars. The Black and the EM both used a black and silver band and they both were the same size vitola. It should be noted that Steve Saka notes that the SakaKhan is a very personal expression of his own passion for cigars.
Now in 2023, at the PCA Trade Show this year, Steve has added a new (5 5/8 x 48) corona vitola to the Mi Querida Black lineup. He calls this one the PapaSaka and it has a similar blend to the SakaKhan, described as:
- Wrapper – USA Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder – Mexican San Andrés Negro
- Filler – Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua
The Mi Querida Black PapaSaka is another limited-edition cigar with only 3,500 boxes of 10 produced in 2023. The line is handcrafted at Nicaragua American Cigars S.A., (NACSA) led by Raul Disla. MSRP is set at $15.95/cigar.
For this review I sampled 3 of the PapaSaka cigars which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Mi Querida Black PapaSaka sports a dark, reddish brown and blotchy/marbled wrapper that exhibits some noticeable veins. It is a little big on the rugged looking side. The wrapper has a nice toothiness and a slight oily sheen. The cigar feels firmly bunched and rolled. It is finished with a well applied button cap.
Like its larger brother, the SakaKhan, a thin black and silver band adorns the cigar that simply states Mi Querida in silver on a black background.
Running the PapaSaka along the nose, I noted the fresh barnyard aroma along the barrel while fresh citrus and pepper notes were detected off the foot.
I used my double blade Xikar cutter to slice the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs which I found to have a fine restriction. The draw offered notes of pepper, earth, and a touch of citrus fruit.
Using my single flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first blast of peppery smoke that certainly opened the nasals. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Pepper shot to nose opens the gates of the journey
- Cream and savory notes quickly join the mix treating the palate to rich and bold flavor notes
- White ash forms on top of a thin char line
- Some oiling develops above the burn line
- Cocoa and sweetness round out the first third
- Ash fell in a decent chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Earthy notes develop with an increase of mouthwatering grapefruit citrus similar to an IPA beer
- The burn has been spectacular and the draw excellent with thick palate filling smoke on each puff
- Espresso notes begin to evolve moving through the second third
- By midway the profile has neatly blended into a cornucopia of flavor sensations tantalizing the palate
- A mild wave forms but nothing to worry about
- Pleasant, toasted oak aroma wafts off the foot
- Moving into the final third the early pepper notes return especially on the retrohale with a softening sweetness in the background
- The aroma has shifted to a molasses note
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 35 minutes
Final Analysis
The Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Mi Querida Black PapaSaka starts off with a burst of peppery sensations that tantalize the nostrils. Swiftly, a symphony of creamy and savory notes dances onto the palate, bestowing a luxurious experience of rich and bold flavors. The initial third delights with a harmonious interplay of cocoa and sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Transitioning into the second third, earthy undertones emerge, accompanied by a tantalizing surge of mouthwatering grapefruit citrus reminiscent of an IPA beer. The evolving experience introduces espresso notes, weaving a tapestry of diverse flavors that seamlessly blend midway through, creating a cornucopia of sensations that captivates the palate. Throughout, the burn remains spectacular, complemented by an excellent draw, producing thick, palate-filling smoke with each puff.
A pleasant, toasted oak aroma emanates from the foot, adding another layer to the sensory experience. In the final third, the early pepper notes make a return, especially on the retrohale, accompanied by a subtle softening of sweetness in the background. The aromatic landscape transforms into a molasses note with a conjoined dark chocolate flavor note leaving a lingering and satisfying conclusion to this journey.
This is worth a box buy for sure as I think this is better than the original SakaKhan. Sometimes vitolas make a difference. I rate this a solid 96.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild wave after the midway; (-1) Flat but centered burn cone
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Extremely complex yet balanced; (+1) Nice oiling above the char line; (+1) Positive experience is the same through multiple samples
