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Summary verdict (one line): A refined, medium-to-full-bodied cigar that balances old-world savory complexity with modern polish — excellent construction and a very satisfying, steadily evolving smoke.
It is not everyday that a cigar sweep you off your feet in a sophisticated and tantalizing experience. This cigar is not sold in the United States; however, it is only sold in the European union.with relentless and meticulous talent of Abe Dababneh, a significant amount of European sold allocation was acquired and retailed through the one and only Smoke Inn. I was privileged enough to acquire a few boxes, and this is my personal review of this cigar.
Appearance & Pre-light
The Overseas No. 1 arrives looking deliberate and classy: a smooth, slightly oily Colorado-to-Maduro-hued wrapper (depending on the press/batch), with tight seams and a neatly applied cap. The foot shows well-packed filler without obvious voids. Cold draw gives faint toasted-cocoa and cedar aromatics with a hint of black pepper on the lips — an appetizing prelude.
First Third — Opening Statement.
The first third is confident and precise. Initial puffs deliver toasted bread and warm cedar as the dominant framework, with a clear, savory backbone — think light roasted nuts and a subtle coffee-bean bitterness that keeps the profile grounded. Citrus or floral brightness is minimal; instead the smoke emphasizes texture: velvety mid-palate, clean smoke delivery, and a slightly saline minerality that gives the impressions clarity. Strength sits in the medium range and body is medium — approachable but with presence. The draw is effortless and the smoke output generous but not billowy.
Key notes: cedar, toasted bread, light roasted nuts, faint espresso, saline/mineral edge. Strength: medium. Body: medium.
Second Third — Development & Complexity
Moving into the second third the Overseas No. 1 deepens and opens up. The cedar base persists while darker flavors rise — richer espresso, baker’s chocolate, and a savory, almost meaty umami note that adds depth. A very pleasant black-pepper spice cycles in on the retrohale, keeping the palate engaged. Texturally the smoke becomes creamier; nicotine steps up a notch (to medium-plus) but remains balanced by the acidity and minerality that cut through and keep the cigar lively. The spice and bitterness are well-integrated rather than aggressive — this is complexity that rewards attention.
Key notes: espresso, dark chocolate, umami/savory undertones, black pepper on the retrohale. Strength: medium–plus. Body: medium–full.
Final Third — Clarity and Resolve
In the final third the Overseas No. 1 consolidates its flavors rather than becoming muddled. The savory-meets-bitter elements sharpen: bittersweet chocolate and a concentrated coffee roast headline, supported by a persistent cedar spine and a late surge of dry spice. Ashes remain stable, and the finish is pleasantly long with an echo of leather and toasted grain. Nicotine is noticeable but controlled — the cigar finishes with authority rather than overwhelm.
Key notes: bittersweet chocolate, concentrated espresso roast, leather, toasted grain, lingering cedar. Strength: medium–full. Body: full (relative to earlier thirds).
Construction & Burn
Construction: This cigar is very well-made. The roll is uniform, the cap professionally applied, and the filler consistent — no soft spots or overpacking. The cold draw and lit draw are consistently even; the smoke density is satisfying without being thick.
Draw: Easy to ideal. Consistent pull from first to last third with no tug-of-war or gurgle.
Burn: The burn line is razor-straight in most examples, maintaining a tight, light-gray ash that holds an inch or more between touchups. Ash falls predictably in heavy, solid flakes rather than dusting. Combustion is cool and even; the cigar tolerates resting between puffs without relighting issues.
Aroma: The on-the-draw and ash aroma are pleasant and not overpowering — cedar, faint baking spice and espresso are the dominant room scents.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
This cigar pairs nicely with medium-bodied beverages that match its savory-to-bitter arc: a double espresso, robust dark-roast coffee, an aged rum, or a medium-peat single-malt whisky. Because it evolves gradually, sip slowly and give the cigar time between draws to appreciate the shifts from cedar/toast to darker chocolate and espresso.
My Simple Conclusion
The Overseas No. 1 from Steve Saka and Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust is a meticulously constructed cigar that rewards patient smoking. It starts refined, builds elegant complexity in the middle, and finishes with concentrated, satisfying notes of espresso and bittersweet chocolate. If you like cigars that are polished, savory, and progressively expressive without becoming harsh, this one is an excellent choice.
