The Sobremesa Solita Red is a revamped blend of the Cervantes Fino vitola of the original Sobremesa line. According to Steve Saka, it is supposed to be a “bolder and richer version…still distinctly Sobremesa, but with just that extra bit of pizazz that takes it from being a great cigar to an exceptional one.” I wonder if it lives up to that kind of hype…

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
• Binder: San Andres
• Filler: Nicaragua and US
• Size: Lonsdale 6 1/4 x 46

The Solita Red sports a medium brown wrapper that is slightly toothy and uniform in color. It feels firm to the touch. The cold draw reveals notes of cocoa, leather, and cream, with a good draw.

Upon lighting, the initial flavors are leather, coffee, and earth, with a retrohale that brings black pepper which lingers. The burn is razor sharp with a light gray, firm ash that shows no flaking. The finish has baking spice on the palate with notes of wood, cream, and leather. The ash fell naturally after about an inch.

As the cigar progresses, the pepper in the retrohale fades some. The cigar becomes creamier with notes of leather, and hints of cocoa and coffee that build after the first inch and a half or so. The ash starts to flake more.

In the final third, the flavors transition to cedar, coffee, and cocoa. The finish has a cedary spice to it, with retrohale notes of earth, oak, and pepper. The finish is longer with notes of coffee, earth, and a dark but muted caramel-like sweetness in the background.

Construction was on point with no need to relight or correct. The cigar is medium-plus in body and strength. I have to agree that the Solita Red is a richer and bolder variant, yet still “Sobremesa” at its core. It is definitely not just blowing smoke, but a complex and nuanced blend that fans of the Sobremesa line are certain to love. Highly recommended.