Review: '08 H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1

[elderboy02]

Date: 11/15/09

Cigar: '08 H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 (5.0 x 48)

Introduction: This cigar was given to me to be reviewed as the cigar of the month on International Cigar Club. I have never smoked this cigar before.

Pre-Smoke
Appearance and Construction

* Wrapper Color – Colorado
* Wrapper Texture – Course / Oily / Toothy. There were a couple veins showing.
* Smell - Rich tobacco. I loved the smell of it.

8/10

Aroma/Bouquet

* Aroma – Medium
* Pre-light Draw – Earthy and toasty

8/10

Smoke
Burn

* Burn – even / uneven
* Coal – flat / pyramid
* Combustion – complete
* Ash color – grey
* Ash structure – typical

Comments: The burn was even at times and then it got slightly uneven. I am very picky about my cigar burning perfectly and touch a cigar up frequently. Take that for what it is worth. Many people would not touch it up. The coal was mostly flat. It only slightly looked like a pyramid.

9/10

Draw

* Draw - perfect
* Smoke volume – ample

Comments: The draw and smoke volume could not have been better.

10/10

Flavor

* Richness – medium
* Balance – imbalanced
* Strength – medium
* Body – medium

First Third - Salty and hints of nuts
Second Third - Salty, nutty, honey, and woodsy
Last Third - Salty, nutty, honey, and woodsy.

10/20

Finish/Aftertaste
Sweetness – none
Bitterness – pronounced
Acidity: – medium
Saltiness – pronounced
Finish – short

15/20

Summary (your overall impression. How did this cigar leave you?)

This cigar didn't do much for me. I think that in a couple years it will be better. Right now, it is too bitter for me. The flavor of the cigar was very interesting. One puff it was decent, and the next puff it was bitter and harsh. My favorite H. Upmann so far is the Majestic. I would like to thank the folks from International Cigar Club that selected me to be one of the reviewers this month.

10/20

Appearance/Construction 8/10
Burn 9/10
Draw 10/10
Aroma/Bouquet 8/10
Flavor 10/20
Finish/Aftertaste 15/20
Summary 10/20

Total 70/100

 

[Speedbump]

thanks for the pics and the review

 

[USNStoops]

Very nice and thorough review.

 

[petroleumengineer]

Thanks for the review.

Am I the only one that likes to see what others use to nub these suckers? (Nice, by the way!)

 

[Jhard1121]

a very solid review! thanks for telling us about this cigar!

 

[USNStoops]

Am I the only one that likes to see what others use to nub these suckers?

I just like knowing I am not the only one standing around holding onto the cigar like a cocktail weenie with a shiny screw protruding from it. Unfortunately the way I smoke cigars doesn't afford me the chance to smoke many nubs but when I can I always take the chance.

 

[elderboy02]

I just like knowing I am not the only one standing around holding onto the cigar like a cocktail weenie with a shiny screw protruding from it. Unfortunately the way I smoke cigars doesn't afford me the chance to smoke many nubs but when I can I always take the chance.

I got the screw idea from Patrick B. It makes sure the cigar doesn't rotate on you and if you lose it, you are only out 0.03 cents.

 

[cc jefe]

Thanks for the excellent review! Sounds like a good cigar, I might have to hunt these bad boys down...

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Excellant review and pic's Dan! :thumbsup:

(and that's a great idea you got there with that cigar pick my friend!)

 

[tubaman]

H. Upmann cigars are notorious for needing aging. If you are the kind of person that can't wait a few years to age your cigars, they aren't for you. If you have the space and patience to store them for a few years, they will reward you with some wonderful smoking experiences.

 

[daniyal]

Thanks for the review!

 

[KiloWhiskey]

I guess I am kinda lame, but every time I go to a LCDH here in Germany I smoke this cigar with a Rum and Coke. Great cigar!