12 Robustos of Xmas, Day 5: H. Upmann Connoisseur No.1

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

The 12 Robustos of Xmas, Day 5:
H.Upmann Connoiseur No.1

cigars_ireland_hupmann_connoisseur_thumb I have to admit that I have been ignoring the existence of a Hermoso in the H Upmann range. The Magnum 50 and the 46, the #2 and the Sir Winston have always been, to me, the trademark cigars of H Upmann brand and this is the only of the 12 cigars in this series of reviews that I haven’t smoked before. The Connoiseur No.1 has been in production in more than half a century, from a brand that is one of the oldest in Cuba. Up until 2005, it was presented without a band, changing changing since to the old traditional Montecristo-like band in late 05, to the red from 2006 and finally the newest red and gold from 2007 (which I have found to leave a glitter-like fine dust in the newest cigars!). The cold stormy wind in almost tearing our smoking shed apart, so this one is going to be smoked in a fast pace!

cigars_ireland_hupmann_connoisseur_1

Appearance & Prelight 11/15

cigars_ireland_hupmann_connoisseur_tower The Connoisseur #1 has a light brown smooth and dry wrapper with a yellow/greenish hue. Some veins are present, as well as a few wrinkles and imperfections. The bunch is firm all the way through the cigar, without any soft spots. The prelight draw is good, leaning towards the tight side and very mild aromas of wood are present on th foot of the cigar.

Flavour & Body 24/25

Initially the cigar presents strong flavours of spice and leather. A few puffs later the Connoiseur No.1 develops into a medium to full bodied smoke with complex and intense flavours, Spices, leather, earth and white wood all well balanced, following the tasting profile of the H Upmann marca. From the second third , the leathery flavour becomes more dominant over the rest, making the cigar stronger. It finishes with the same strength and complexity it got in the middle, altering very little, without getting hot or harsh towards the end.

Draw & Burn 22/25

Despite being tightly rolled, the draw on this Connoiseur No.1 is perfect, with the right amount of resistance. Every draw brings ample amounts of thick smoke, with a long and spicy finish. The burn is even and consistent, leaving a long dark grey and firm ash, and a pyramid shaped coal. The only letdown is the wrapper that often cracks and separates from the binder.

Overall impression 33/35

I was very impressed and not surprised by the Connoisseur No.1. A typical H Upmann, it has a full body and intense, complex flavours. It is a cigar that will be more enjoyed after a good dinner and - in case of a similar to today’s storm- in a good, warm shelter. the only downside was the poor quality of the wrapper that did not look good and did not withstand the pace of the burn of the filler and binder. I will definately come back to it, but I will have to choose one with a dark brown and oily wrapper. Bottom line, I really enjoyed this one!

TOTAL 90/100