According to reports, the Umbagog Bronzeback release was meant as a tribute to the Henry Clay blend from the 80s and 90s, using a lower priming Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over Nicaraguan filler and binder. They are another lower-cost option from Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust, retailing for just below $10 each. I was able to get a couple of these relatively new and hard to get cigars at a recent Dunbarton event.
The first thing you notice is that the wrapper isn’t as dark as other Broadleaf wrappers used by Dunbarton…more of a medium dark brown with a good amount of red in it. It’s still oily, slightly rough, and veiny, with a very earthy aroma. Others have noted that the cigar doesn’t display the sweetness of many Broadleaf wrapped cigars, but it did on the prelight draw, which was excellent.
The reports were right, though…the sweetness didn’t hold up when I lit up the Bronzeback. It was very earthy and quite spicy right from the get-go. There was an underlying touch of sweetness in the mix, but more espresso bean and red pepper. It’s a really nice way of showing the variety in Connecticut Broadleaf, while creating a new release that is sure to be a favorite of Dunbarton fans.
