In the world of premium cigars, where tradition meets personal stories, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust is shaking things up again with its Year of Series. This time around, the company is rolling out not one, but two special cigars to celebrate a couple who embody the spirit of cigar enthusiasts everywhere. Meet Michelle and Tom Pauser, a pair from Alaska who've turned their love for cigars into a way of life, and now they're the stars of the latest release set for March.
The idea behind Dunbarton's Year of Series isn't about following the Chinese zodiac like so many other brands do. Instead, it's all about shining a light on folks who are near and dear to the company—real people who live and breathe the cigar community. Last year kicked off with the Year of the Duque, a nod to Chris Duque, a dedicated fan who pitches in at events and trade shows. He got his own cigar as a thank-you for his unwavering support. Now, for the second installment, it's the Pausers' turn, and because there are two of them, the company decided to create two distinct cigars, one tailored to each.
Both cigars share the same size—a classic 6 x 48 toro with a pigtail cap—but that's where the similarities end. Steve Saka, the founder of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, wanted to make these personal. He started by asking the Pausers about their favorite Dunbarton smokes, and their answers couldn't have been more different, leading to blends that capture their individual tastes.
Michelle's pick was the Sin Compromiso line, so her cigar builds on that foundation. It's essentially a tweaked version of the Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka, which already uses top-shelf leaves from the same tobaccos as the regular Sin Compromiso. But Saka adjusted the filler to bring in something extra. As he put it, this change adds "a beautiful sweet, creamier note to its combination of cocoa and coffee notes." The blend breaks down like this: a Mexican San Andrés negro "cultivo tonto" wrapper covers an Ecuadorian habano rosado binder, with fillers hailing from Nicaragua and Pennsylvania. On the surface, it mirrors the Paladin de Saka setup, but that filler tweak makes it stand out, offering a smoother, more indulgent smoke for those who appreciate depth without overwhelming spice.
Tom, on the other hand, leaned toward the bolder side with his favorites: the Mi Querida Black and Mi Querida Triqui Traca. His cigar introduces something entirely new to the Dunbarton lineup—a wrapper leaf that Saka is calling "Capa Camaleón." This is a hybrid born from habano 2000 and Connecticut broadleaf seeds, and it's got a story of its own. Saka recalled his first encounter with it: "When the farmer initially showed it to me, at first blush, looking at the leaf structure, I thought it was Habana seed, but then I noticed some distinct markers in the vein and leaf shape structure that made me think it was some sort of broadleaf. And then I smoked some samples and I was blown away – it truly tastes different than anything I have ever had before. Almost a burnt caramel and saltiness to it that has a distinct twang on the palate."
For Tom's cigar, that Nicaraguan "Capa Camaleón" wrapper sits over a Mexican San Andrés negro binder, with fillers from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. It's got that robust character fans of the Mi Querida series know and love, but with this fresh wrapper adding a unique twist—think savory notes that linger and surprise with every puff.
Production-wise, these cigars stay true to Dunbarton's roots but split between factories to match their styles. Tom's version, echoing the Mi Querida line, gets rolled at Nicaragua American Cigars S.A. Michelle's, tied to the Sin Compromiso, comes from Joya de Nicaragua. Each one carries a suggested retail price of $19.75, putting them in that premium category where quality justifies the cost for serious smokers.
Availability is limited, which adds to the excitement—only 2,700 boxes are being made. Each box holds 14 cigars, split evenly with seven of Michelle's and seven of Tom's. There's even a fun touch in the packaging: Dave Lafferty suggested putting Michelle's on the right side because, as he said, the wife is always right. These are slated to hit shelves in March, giving collectors and fans plenty of time to plan their purchases.
What's really cool is that the Pausers haven't even tried these cigars yet. They're being honored without a preview smoke, which speaks to the trust and friendship at play here. Saka summed up why they were chosen perfectly: "Michelle and Tom are a spectacular couple who are very active online, in particular the SI Social Group, and travel to Lower 48 to attend multiple cigar events each year. They are two of the nicest people in the world, always positive and not only are big supporters of DTT, but many other brands. From hosting cigar dinners in the tundra to sponsoring multiple charities through their passion for cigars, they are truly an inspiration to all and are beloved by all who know them!"
Saka's nickname for this release? "Friend(s) to many." It fits, considering how the Pausers have built connections through cigars. Living up in Alaska, where the winters are long and the nights even longer, they've turned their hobby into a bridge to the wider world. They hop on planes to the continental U.S. for events, chat with fellow enthusiasts online, and even organize gatherings that bring people together over a good smoke. It's the kind of dedication that reminds you why cigars aren't just about tobacco—they're about the stories, the camaraderie, and the simple pleasure of kicking back with something well-crafted.
For guys who've been around the block a few times, cigars like these represent more than a quick puff. They're a way to mark milestones, share laughs with buddies, or unwind after a long day. The Year of the Pausers taps into that, honoring a couple who get it. Whether you're drawn to Michelle's creamy, nuanced profile or Tom's bold, innovative edge, these limited editions promise to deliver experiences worth savoring.
As the cigar industry keeps evolving, releases like this keep things personal and grounded. Dunbarton isn't chasing trends; they're celebrating the people who make the community thrive. If you're a fan of the brand or just curious about what makes a cigar truly special, keep an eye out come March. These might just become the talk of your next herf, blending top-notch tobacco with a heartfelt tribute that resonates long after the ash falls.
