INTRODUCTION
Steve Saka introduced the Sin Compromiso line to represent the company’s mantra “without compromise” which is its English translation. Upon its initial release, Saka excluded a robusto format citing that he was dissatisfied with how the blend performed in this format. However, after years Saka was finally able to lock down an adjustment that not only delivers a robusto to the line, but what many say is it’s the best size. The Sin Compromiso uses a San Andrés Negro “Cultivo Tonto” wrapper which is known for its unique characteristics since it is harvested using traditional methods such as how the Japanese harvest fruit. Hoshigaki is the method of peeling the fruit and hanging them on bamboo where the fruit is then subject to massaging and manipulation through its maturation process which promotes a powdery sugar to crystallize on its surface. When applying these methods to tobacco the result is a rich meaty maduro wrapper that is only found on a scarce amount of cigars.
UNDER THE LID
When I remove the Sin Compromiso Seleccion No. 4 from its cellophane the light reflects off the glossy smooth cedar sleeve that dresses the dark maduro wrapper. After I remove the cedar a thick and oily San Andres wrapper is uncovered. The Seleccion No. 4 has a rustic feel with tight and visible seams and apparent veins. The cigar is evenly packed and has a slight give when applied pressure. The aroma off the wrapper is sweet cedar due to the sleeve, hay, earth, and cocoa. The foot of the cigar is all the same with an addition of a vanilla and slight anise.
- Wrapper: San Andrés Negro “Cultivo Tonto”
- Binder: Hybridized Ecuador Habano “Thin Ligero”
- Filler: Nicaragua and United States Pennsylvania
- Vitola: 5.00 x 54 Robusto Extra
- Factory: Joya de Nicaragua, S.A.
- Released: May 21st, 2024
- Box Quantity: Regular Production
- MSRP: $18.00 box of thirteen is $235.00
PERFORMANCE NOTES
FIRST THIRD
After a straight cut the Sin Compromiso Seleccion No. 4 had a smooth draw with perfect air flow. The cold draw is earthy, has a sweet cedar, and a slight baking spice paired with cashews. After first light the Sin Compromiso starts with an espresso covering my palate. There is a petrichor type flavor that leaks to the sides and a black pepper lingering front palate. The back of my throat to center palate has a creamy nuttiness similar to the umami sensation after chewing on a walnut. The retrohale is creamy with a peppery texture through the nose. The aroma has a charred hickory sweetness followed by a vanilla that develops a floral note through the finish. The beginning of the Sin Compromiso Seleccion No.4 is medium body medium strength. There is a rich chocolate that develops midway through the first third that blends the flavors together. The finish is an enjoyable hickory chocolate that has a slight red spice that is mellowed by a late development of oak and a velvety sweetness. The first third produced great construction on all three samples. The ashes were loose which only impacts the aesthetic of its photos, not the experience smoking the blend.
SECOND THIRD
The second third starts where the first left off with special attention given to the hickory spice. The spice has intensified and lingers on the palate as well as through the nose. Pennsylvania tobacco I find always has a distinct hickory BBQ sweetness and spice that makes it stand out in every blend. The smoke production has increased resulting in volumes of smoke off each draw. There is a savory clay and oakwood that develops mid finish that sets the stage for the espresso and chocolate that appears late finish. Overall the Sin Compromiso is a very creamy cigar which offers a lot of bold flavors. The body and strength remain at a medium and all three samples performed wonderfully on the second third.
FINAL THIRD
The final third of the Sin Compromiso No. 4 ticks up to a medium + overall and focuses on the bolder notes of the blend. A dark earth, oak, and espresso covers the palate with a warm anise developing in the background. The finish is a smooth clay and charred meat. The black pepper is assertive but does not become hostile to the palate or nasal passage. Overall, the Sin Compromiso delivered in the subtle savory department while holding back until the final third to tick up and reward the smokers who kept smoking the nub with a blast of rich aromas that made me not want to put it down.
Core Flavors: Earth, Clay, Espresso, Baking Spice, Vanilla, Hickory and chocolate.
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium
Complexity: Medium +
Smokin Experience
If I had to sum up my experience with the No. 4, I would say it’s in between the Sin Compromiso blend and its upper shelf Paladin blend. From the presentation to the performance of the cigar, the Sin Compromiso No. 4 is a high quality blend that will be appreciated by both aficionados and new consumers alike. Going into the winter months the extra tick of body and smaller format will allow for a preferred smoking experience outside while also being a great smoke inside by the fire.
Purchase recommendation: Five pack
Smokin Facts
- The Sin Compromiso blend was subject to over three years of crafting to become a cigar Saka will say is one of the best he’s ever created.
- Joya de Nicaragua is a prestigious brand who crafts extraordinary cigars. However, I really think all of the products Saka has produced through them really put them in the public eye as of late.
- I love how Saka was able to separate himself from his success with Drew Estate by setting a new path through Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust. He established that he is armed with the skill to craft marcas that are sought after across the world.
- If Saka is reading this, I think the Smokin Tabacco studio could use a Sakasquash. Just saying.
Smokin Wrap
Cigars Smoked for the Review: Three
Average smoking time: 1 Hour and 46 Minutes
