H. Upmann Royal Robusto: what a tease!

[cottierm]

Although this message does not qualify as a real review since I made the mistake to smoke this cigar for the first time while working at the same time (big mistake as it is difficult to concentrate on two engrossing activities at the same time), I would like to share this experience with you and I would really appreciate some further comments on this.

As the weather was relatively nice and not too cold last Friday afternoon, I took some work with me and headed to my local LCDH to have a smoke on their outside patio. On my arrival I discovered that they had just received the new H. Upmann Royal Robusto-LCDH Exclusive Release 2011 (Edmundo; 52 x 135). Construction was perfect, wrapper was of a very tempting maduro colour and the first draw sent me in heaven. The subsequent draws of the first third of this cigar gave me a taste of fresh tobacco and a huge amount of toastiness. By the second third the toasty taste had disappeared to be replaced by the typical mellowness-without-sugar of the Upmann brand together with some additional creamy flavours. This very relaxing profile continued up to the end of the cigar with a bit of spice added in the last third. However, the whole experience reminded me of a subdued Connoisseur no. 1 and let me craving for a more substantial smoke (the first time it happened for me)! In conclusion, a real tease! Very good all along but infuriating in the end because I was waiting for more and for a stronger taste.

Try it and let me know what you think of it.

Best,

Michel

[Habanakane21]

Thanks for the review. I have a box coming shortly and I'm anxious to give one a try. Seems right up my alley.

[Hohenthal]

Haven't tried them, but:

in my experience, as opposed to other marcas which often start out vibrant, strong and "loud" and then settle in after a few years,

H.Upmann cigars can seem a bit neutral at first, but if the blend is classic Upmann, they tend to develop more flavour, power and depth after some years.

No guarantee though, but do give them some time to blossom.

Best, Alex

[cottierm]

My dear Shlomo, of course you are right! But my point was more about how this LCDH edition compares with the Connoisseur no. 1. Is this one just a 'variation on the same theme' or really a new interesting short-term addition? I'll try the experiment very soon.

Best,

Michel

A fairly mild, smooth and creamy Upmann that could have been more? Who would have thought?!

Looking forward to trying these soon. From what I hear people telling me though, not sure its my cup of tea. We'll see soon enough!

[cottierm]

Dear Alex,

I totally agree with you in general. However, with this one I am not so sure that its quality will improve dramatically with aging as it is already a well rounded cigar. Of course, I may be wrong and you may be right, and only the time will settle the matter. Thanks for your comment.

Best,

Michel

Haven't tried them, but:

in my experience, as opposed to other marcas which often start out vibrant, strong and "loud" and then settle in after a few years,

H.Upmann cigars can seem a bit neutral at first, but if the blend is classic Upmann, they tend to develop more flavour, power and depth after some years.

No guarantee though, but do give them some time to blossom.

Best, Alex