Normally, I do not publish press releases. Every cigar blog and website does this better than me.

But I enjoy the products from both Lure Cigars and Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. So, the following describes new cigars from both esteemed manufacturers.

I had a great chuckle when I saw how Steve Saka began his press release: “And now for something entirely different…” My man.

From Steve Saka:

“I present to you a totally out-of-left field idea, instead of doing the same as others I decided that every year, I would create a special cigar to celebrate someone special to us here at DTT and/or our industry. And not just in name, but that I would blend a unique liga that is a homage to their own palate.

“Our debut release of this annual concept cigar was the “Year of the Duque” which was a stellar success and a very tough act to follow, but I am very pleased to continue this new tradition with this year’s release.

DTT 2026 “Year of the Pausers”
“Friends to Many”

6 x 48 Parejo w/ Finished Moña DTT Style Pig Tail
14ct Box – 2 Different Ligas – 7 of Each
MSRP: $276.50 Cabinet / $19.75 Single
Handcrafted at JDN & NACSA – Esteli, Nicaragua
Limited Production – ~2,700 Boxes
Available Late March 2026

Basic Liga Info:

“Michele”
Handcrafted at JDN – Esteli, Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexicano Cultivo Tonto SAN – Grade 1
Binder: Ecuador Habano Viso Rosado
Tripa: Nicaraguan, Pennsylvania Seedleaf
Forteleza – Medium Plus
Notes – Cocoa, espresso, loam, sweet – very creamy
Inspiration Liga was our Sin Compromiso “Paladin de Saka”

“Tom”
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Capa Camaleón
Binder: Mexicano San Andres Negro
Tripa: Nicaraguan, Dominican
Forteleza – Full
Notes – Burnt Caramel, salty, dark chocolate, tangy – will age out beautifully.
Inspiration Ligas was our heavier bodied blends like Triqui Traca and MQ Black

“This year it is a great privilege to honor Michelle Pauser and Tom Pauser aka The Alaskans, but I decided it wasn’t as important where they are from, but who they are as people hence the moniker I chose was “Friends to Many”.

“For the liga honoring Michele, it is a variation of my beloved Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka, but now in a smaller format and with modified filler blend that maintains the higher octane of the PDS, but adds a beautiful sweet, creamier note to its combination of cocoa and coffee notes. Overall, medium plus – this is sublime cigar, many folks are going to love this one.

“For the liga honoring Tom, I went into uncharted territory. It is the very first ever cigar blend featuring a totally NEW wrapper variety I dubbed “Capa Camaleón”. Grown in Esteli, it is a first generation hybridized seed that crosses the classic H2000 Sungrown Cuban Seed with US Connecticut Broadleaf. Why “chameleon”? Because when the farmer initially showed it to me, at first blush looking at the leaf structure I thought it was Habana seed, but then I noticed some distinct markers in the vein and leaf shape structure that made me think it was some sort of Broadleaf. And then I smoked some samples and I was blown away – it truly tastes different than anything I have ever had before. Almost a burnt caramel and saltiness to it that has a distinct twang on the palate. Now I will admit this liga is a bit of a risk given its unique properties. But torpedos be damned, I just went for it. And while this is a fuller bodied liga, that cross of the broadleaf tempers the bite I would normally expect from an Esteli sungrown Cuban seed capa. I think this liga is going to age out beautifully over time.”

From Lou Cross of Lure Cigars:

““The Slim Jim” features a dark and delicious Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over a binder from Esteli and a selection of premium Nicaraguan filler tobaccos, including Jalapa, and Ometepe ligero. The strength of this cigar is medium-full, and that power is matched in flavor. Your palate will encounter notes of dark roast coffee with a hint of sweetness, freshly tanned leather, pleasant baking spices, along with a bit of black peppercorn on the retrohale.

“After the success of the annual release of “The Last Cast,” Lure Cigars wanted to offer another Connecticut Broadleaf cigar in a different format. The thinner profile of “The Slim Jim” in a Lonsdale vitola brings out the signature Broadleaf flavors with a higher wrapper to filler ratio, but don’t let the smaller ring gauge fool you, this cigar offers a lot of smoke with a perfect draw. The name Jim is a family name shared with the late grandfathers, brother, and brother-in-law of the owner.”

“The Slim Jim” is offered in one vitola:
6.5 x 42 – Lonsdale – MSRP $11.00/cigar ($55.00/5-pack)

Quantity Produced: 1,800 cigars
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Esteli, Nicaragua
Filler: Ometepe Ligero, and Jalapa
Limited Release

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS