H. Upmann 1844

H. Upmann is one of the oldest cigar brands in the industry and can trace it's heritage back to 1844. Following the revolution and nationalization the tobacco industry in Cuba, Upmann's makers moved to the Dominican Republic and continued the brand (although H. Upmann is still a staple in the Cuban market).

This toro came in a sampler that I bought last fall and has been patiently waiting in my humidor since then. It has a nice JAVA wrapper covered in a cedar sleeve that only compliments the aging process. It had a firm draw and produced a light gray compact ash. My first few puffs were exceptionally sweet full of cocoa over a cedar core. The sweetness subsided a bit to reveal nutty notes with the woody base of the flavor continuing throughout. The final 1/3 mellowed even further revealing a smooth mild finish.

The aroma was rich with copious amounts of smoke. This cigar is really a model of full flavored mild cigars.

Wrapper: DR
Filler: DR, Brazil
Binder: DR
Rating: 89

H. Upmann Connoisseur #50

H. Upmann, despite being one of the oldest and most respected brands, has always been hit and miss for me. It is likely just my specific taste and experience but I don't find many that I really like. The Connoisseur #50 toro is one that I did really enjoy.

This one was wrapped in a beautiful dark brown vintage 1996 Connecticut broadleaf. It smoked flawlessly due to the construction that Upmann is known for. The flavor was consistant with an earthy undertone with sweet nutty notes regularly filling out the smoke. The aroma was excellent and rich and woody. Although I generally appreciate a cigar that evolves, this was a very enjoyable, smooth, medium bodied smoke.

Wrapper: Conn
Filler: DR
Binder: DR
Rating: 91