The Unstolen Valor is the fifth installment of the Muestra de Saka series following in order, Exclusivo (6 x 52), Nacatamale (6 x 48), Unicorn (6.25 x 60 Perfecto), #NLMTHA (7 x 38). It is also the first time the cigar has not been blended by Steve Saka, although he had the final say on the release cigar. The story goes that Saka asked Raul Disla of Nicaragua American Cigars S.A. to make four blends for a cigar called Stolen Valor. Both men had a different choice on the cigar to be released with Steve having the ultimate say on the one chosen. The name was changed to Unstolen Valor when Saka decided to give credit to Disla for the blend.
For those playing the cigar version of six degrees of separation, Raul Disla is the brother of Esteban Disla who is a partner at Nica Sueno the factory that makes RoMaCraft Tobac.
Cigar Review: Muestra de Saka
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Unstolen Valor (Toro)
The Look: Like the past Muestra de Saka releases these come in 7 count boxes with each cigar in its own individual coffin. The Cuban seed Nicaraguan wrapper is loaded with oils and it has a velvet like appearance and minimal veins. The cigar has no traditional band, but it does have a yellowfins ribbon on the foot that denotes Unstolen Valor over Muestra de Saka. In the hand the cigar is firm with a very hefty weight.
The Notes: The cold draw serves up notes of graham with a hint of mocha while the aroma off the foot is reminiscent of an old barn. Once the cigar is toasted and lit there is a sweetness that reminds me of grape fun dip at times. As we smoke the first third of the cigar, its meaty with notes of driftwood, plums and a touch earth. The cigar activates the salivary glands making it mouthwatering. The retrohale serves up notes pepper and additional driftwood.
The second third sees notes of fudge develop with a plum like sweetness that lingers in the background before fading away at the halfway point of the Unstolen Valor from Steve Saka. The half way point sees the introduction of a chocolate covered espresso bean and an earthy finish that is longer and savory. The retrohale sees the pepper notes linger with driftwood on the initial passing through of the smoke through the nasal passages.
As we finish the 2020 edition of the Muestra de Saka it sees a leather finish develop that lasts long after the cigar is put down. Just about all traces of sweetness have left the building, and the wood notes become a more traditional cedar with espresso beans that are noticeable on the retrohale with a touch of pepper.
The Finish: This might be the best edition of the Muestra de Saka yet and I will give the credit to Raul Disla. The cigar has a different feel, experience and flavor profile then anything in the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust portfolio. What it does have in common is excellent tobacco and construction. Despite its difference it still fits in Steve Saka’s catalog where it is a home run.
Score: 94
Price: $17.99 / $106.99 (Box of 7)
Muestra de Saka Unstolen Valor
Muestra de Saka Unstolen Valor Foot
Muestra de Saka Unstolen Valor Burn
