H. Upmann Noellas LCDH UPE ABR 13. Review: Skin Comp

[phreedh]

I recently bought a jar of these and they've been resting for about a month. Hadn't tried one yet, so thought I'd have a go for the review competition. I have smoked one 2009 Noellas before and didn't really like it, so wasn't expecting much. I had bought them mainly for the pretty jar.

Construction: Very nice looking, with a ripe and inviting smell. The cold draw was a little too tight for my liking.

At first: Very tasty stuff! Nice! Aromatic with some sweetness. Creamy fruit, like dried apricots in oatmeal porridge. I'd guess Upmann if it was a blind tasting, but that's easy to say when you know what it is. Did feel a bit young, with occasional hints of earth and cedar.

Later on: A bit of a kick, with some mongrel bite. Flavours darken, turning almost autumn like. Like a moist forest bed, with some notes of chanterelle. It's not an easy smoke, takes some work to keep it going but it burns nicely and most importantly the smoke is cool.

At the end: Some sweetness and caramel pops out. Almost tangy like orange and chocolate. After the burn went out (last quarter or so) it turned pretty bland and wasn't very enjoyable.

Conclusion: A nice cigar, with potential for greatness! I really enjoyed the flavours, but would like for it to be a bit smoother with lighter draw. A few years in the depths and then dryer climates before smoking might sort them out. I was planning on selling them off, as I mainly just wanted the jar, but now I think they're keepers.

[Notsocleaver]

Nice review! How would you say it compares to the regular H Upmann PC?

[Professor Twain]

Curious as to where you found the box code. I bought one of these jars in 2011 from a trusted vendor, no box code to be found. Maybe including them is a new feature.

[Optic101]

Nice review and pictures !

[brandoncpm]

Curious as to where you found the box code. I bought one of these jars in 2011 from a trusted vendor, no box code to be found. Maybe including them is a new feature.

under the cedar inside the jar

[phreedh]

As mentioned, the box code is on the cedar sheet lid inside the jar.

I can't say how it compares to the PC, afaik I haven't tried that.

[Pixa]

Curious as to where you found the box code. I bought one of these jars in 2011 from a trusted vendor, no box code to be found. Maybe including them is a new feature.

As they said the box code is on the inside of the cedar circle, but on 2011 jars the box code was only on the master case

[El Presidente]

I really do enjoy the Noella. From the vitola to the array of flavours, it just keeps me interested. I am a sucker for dried fruits in a cigar. The better Noella's I have had taste much like a handfull of "trail mix". nuts, dried fruits. Not intense..just there lingering nicely on the edges with a sponge cake core.

[phreedh]

Yeah, I'm very fond of the size too. Didn't get much sponge cake on this one, to be honest... there were moments, but the core body was much mustier and heavy. If dry boxed or aged, I'm sure the cake/bread aspects will come out.