What do melons and cigars have in common? You may want to say absolutely nothing, but there is one thing. The wrapper leaf for the Sin Compromiso from Steve Saka’s Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust is cultivated and then harvested in a similar way to the renown melons in Japan. These melons grow on a vive where only the best blossom is kept on the plant, thereby getting all of the nutrients that would otherwise go to many blossoms. The same is true for this special hybrid of San Andrés Negro, where only the best leaves toward the top of the plant remain, so they get all of the love from the soil. They are also cured differently, not to mention the filler leaves from a specific plantation in Nicaragua, and the hybridized ligero binder from Ecuador. This cigar is described by Steve Saka as “The best liga I’ve ever done”.
In addition to the Selección No. 2 reviewed here, Sin Compromiso is also made in a Selección Intrépido (5.66 x 46) $15.95, Selección No. 5 (6 x 54) $17.45, Selección No. 7 (6 x 56) $18.45, Selección Espada Estoque (7 x 44) $17.45.
Sin Compromiso Selección No. 2
MSRP: $17.95
Size: 6 x 52 (Torpedo)
Origin: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Wrapper: San Andrés Negro (“Cultivo Tonto”)
Binder: Habano Ligero (Ecuador)
Filler: Nicaragua
Prologue
Dark. It’s really dark. Seriously, though… After removing the cedar sleeve, the surface of this wrapper has a color that reminds me of ebony wood, but the shimmer on the surface from the oil and minerals is a really nice look. The construction looks wonderful, and it feels a bit light for the size. The wrapper smells like charred cedar and the foot has a few aromas like molasses, anise, and some mild pepper. The cold draw is smokey, with an oily feel on the lips right away, and a little pepper and cedar.
Act I
The flavors are unique, yet cozily familiar right away. I get a bit of black pepper, but it subsides quickly to make room for other flavor notes. I get dark cocoa, campfire, and some sort of dark/dried fruit like prune or raisin. The smoke output is very thick, and has a rich texture. Even though the presence of black pepper on the tongue had dissipated early on, it is still present in the retrohale. The nasal passages tingle, but they don’t burn. Still, if you are new to the retrohale, proceed slowly with this cigar.
Act II
The core flavors are still there, but some friends come in to join the party. I start getting hints of anise, old leather, molasses, and a slightly spicier pepper. The mix of sweet and spicy strikes a really nice balance here in the middle. The smoke is still chewy and shows no signs of slowing down. The retrohale is showing signs of that red pepper, almost like a cayenne. Even so, a gentle touch of sugar comes along with that spice.
Act III
The final act of the Sin Compromiso comes with a few more changes. There are some earthy notes that come in to the profile. A light minerality, almost chalky note, comes alongside a bitter coffee, and almost maple kind of sweetness. I only say maple specifically because it tends to go hand in hand with woody notes, and those are still present at the end. The retrohale at this point is only for professionals. Seriously, don’t attempt it unless you’re ready. It has a lot of good aromas going on, but is extremely intense.
Epilogue
For many consumers, retailers, and media, this was the most highly anticipated cigar at the 2018 IPCPR trade show. While I admit I was excited to try it I was patient and waited for a while to review it. That said, I was not at all disappointed. The Sin Compromiso Selección No. 2 is a cigar that I will be purchasing more of. It is genuinely delicious. The flavors have a cohesive balance, yet discernible transitions that make it an interesting smoking experience.
Sin Compromiso Selección No. 2 – How Bout That Cigar?
Rating: How Bout A Box?
Overall Score: 93
PAD: +0.0 (What is PAD?)
Flavor Summary: Wood, Molasses, Pepper, Dried Fruit, Earth
Strength Assessment: Medium-Full
Source: Cigars for this review were purchased by HBT Media LLC