Today, we review the Umbagog Bronzeback Robusto by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. Bronzeback is an extension of the Umbagog line. The story with Umbagog goes back to the production of Mi Querida. During the quality control process, Master Ligador Steve Saka felt that some of the Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers he used were not aesthetically up to Mi Querida’s standards. While the wrapper wasn’t as pretty as Saka would like, the tobacco was still good. Rather than discard the wrapper, Saka decided to use it for another cigar. He chose to call it “Umbagog” and sell it at a lower price.
Bronzeback builds on the base of the Umbagog line. The difference is that it is finished with a “2LS” Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper using similar components to the original Umbagog. 2LS is a designation for the leaves typically situated between the 1/3 and 1/2 mark on the stalk. These leaves sit beneath what is called the “Mediums.” Saka says this leaf not only has a different hue but also a different flavor profile. Bronzeback debuted in a 5 x 48 size. In 2025, Saka added a 5 x 52 Robusto size to Bronzeback.
Umbagog is named after a lake in New Hampshire on which Saka enjoys fishing. The Bronzeback is a type of Smallmouth Bass. Saka got the inspiration for Umbagog Bronzeback from a 1980s/1990s brand that used the 2LS wrapper. It became a personal favorite of Saka’s and led him to bring this Broadleaf expression back to market.
SPECIFICATIONS
In addition to the 2LS Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, the Bronzeback features all Nicaraguan tobaccos. Production comes out of the NACSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, where Dunbarton does a good amount of its Connecticut Broadleaf production.
- Wrapper: 2LS Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: Nicaragua American Cigars S.A. (NACSA)
- Robusto: 5 x 52
PERFORMANCE
The Bronzeback Robusto opened up with a mix of milk chocolate, marshmallow, white pepper, earth, and mineral notes. Initially, there were no dominant flavors, but soon the milk chocolate and marshmallow notes emerged, with the marshmallow evolving into a more prominent mixed-fruit note. This fruity essence took center stage as the primary flavor. Additionally, there was a hint of white pepper on the retrohale. As the cigar entered its second half, the mineral and earthy notes became more pronounced, ultimately becoming the dominant flavors.
Meanwhile, the fruit, chocolate, and pepper notes remained secondary. As the cigar moved into the final third, the pepper notes closed in on the mineral and earth but did not make it to the forefront. The cigar finished with a soft, cool nub.
The flavors of the Bronzeback Robusto were on the upper end of the medium range. The strength and body of the cigar balanced each other nicely. The burn required minimal touchups, and the draw had a pleasant touch of resistance.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Final Thoughts
The Umbagog Bronzeback Robusto comes in at a price point under $11.00, and in today’s market, that is a good deal. I really enjoyed the first half of this cigar. In the second half, the flavors became more earthy and mineral-like, and while not bad, they were more ordinary. In fairness, this is a good line extension to the 5 x 48 Bronzeback. Sometimes, line extensions don’t generate the same amount of excitement as the original release. In this case, this thicker version still scores a solid 89 points. It’s a cigar I could see myself buying and smoking again from time to time.
Summary
- Key Flavors: Earth, Mineral, Milk Chocolate, Fruit, Pepper
- Burn: Excellent
- Draw: Excellent
- Complexity: Medium Plus
- Strength: Medium
- Body: Medium
- Finish: Very Good
Rating
Value: Buy One
Score: 89
REFERENCES
Photo Credit: Cigar Coop
