CNY Review - H Upmann Royal Robusto LUB Feb 14

[Islandboy]

This was my first Royal Robusto, and the first from a recently acquired box. I paired it with another first - Bacardi Gran Reserva Limitada rum, which I found to be very smooth, and of the “not too sweet, not too spicy, just right” variety.

The wrappers on these cigars is nothing short of beautiful, nearing maduro in color, and well constructed.

Being nearly 4 years of age, I had high expectations of smoothness with the HURR. Things started off slowly, which is not necessarily a bad thing in my experience, provided things would change for the better. Draw was absolutely perfect - not too tight, not too loose, which resulted in a pleasantly slow burn rate. Smoke output was tremendously good, but taste in the first third seemed a bit watered down. On a base of cedar, there was a floral or fruity element that eluded me. The retro hale was disappointingly bare. But the smoothness I expected was certainly shining through. At this point, I’m thinking that perhaps its a good thing these only come in a box of 10.

As I enter the second third, I see certain improvement. There’s a building richness to the taste, and I put my finger on the fruitiness I’m tasting - its fig. Nothing vibrant about a fig, just rich, sweet flavor. And a touch of vanilla enters the picture. Still, everything remains smooth and now, more balanced. I’m now thinking 10 per box may be cause for concern.

Roughly halfway, the richness of flavor still building, the fruitiness starts to fade. Darn...I was just getting used to it. But it’s slowly replaced by a creamy milk chocolate element. Or is it a sourdough bready thing I’m tasting? Ever notice how there’s a fine line between the two? I did tonight. Flavors seemed to dance between the two for a while. I’m starting to really embrace the complexity here.

The final third saw a further increase in richness, first of the milk chocolate, then of the vegetal/sourdough flavors. The former was reminiscent of an Edmundo, which happens to share the same vitola with the HURR, and the latter brought lingering memories of the last PSE2 I enjoyed. This cigar is pleasantly complex. I’m now convinced I have far too few of these.

Overall, while not a spectacular cigar, this was brilliant in its own right. Conspicuously missing are the baking spices of the SW and Connie A, but it’s great that this cigar has its own identity and complexity. I have to assume the age has served it well. I look forward to my next one.

Cheers!

Brad

 

[99call]

Great cigars. I've hoovered all mine up way to quickly. Fig is a great flavour note pick on these. I would agree

[Kferguson]

I don't know about you guys, but the one I had yesterday hit me in the final third with a straight black coffee with sugar added to it. I find it funny that Brad also had a pretty lackluster first third because that's exactly what I thought. I had to burn through that Royal to get to the actual robusto, but was impressed afterwards.