H. Upmann No.2 TRU Nov 17 Weekend Review Competition

[Islandboy]

This is my first HU2, and it’s a few days beyond June, but I’m pretty sure this qualifies as my most memorable cigar going back a month or more.

I picked up a 6er of these about a month ago. Many of you mentioned a resemblance to the HUPC which piqued my interest, having only recently, and a bit too late, realized just how good the PC is (was).

This young stick is a winner right out of the gate. I‘m wowed by its depth. Yeah, I recognize the resemblance, but this is like a vastly more experienced and balanced version of the HUPC.

Where the HUPC is a vibrant and spunky teenager, this stick is far more complex. It’s got the wonderful burnt caramel thing going on, but way more refined, even at this young age. A cigar I would definitely smoke now rather than later.

Take an HUPC. Now imagine it a few years down the line. It’s gone on a backpacking trip through Europe, immersing itself in the tastes and culture. it’s more worldly. It’s fallen in and out of love along it’s journey, experiencing the sting of love lost a few times. It’s darker, more robust, but still has that sweetness of teen angst. It’s a bit dark in all the right places. It’s earthy...a bit fruity...gathered some really nice spices along the way. It’s vastly more experienced. Instantly it’s a new favorite.

[99call]

Great review, I have the same box code, 

For my money the most evolution and distinct flavour in any current piramide on the market.   

[Bagman]

If this one is your first one, how do you know it is better now then aged

[Islandboy]

2 hours ago, Monterey said:

If this one is your first one, how do you know it is better now then aged

Fair question, for sure. And of course I don’t know. But in general, as my 3 yr old collection grows, I’m noticing the vibrancy of taste with several cigars diminishes with just a few years on them, as they smooth out. I find I liked them better at one year than 2 or 3. A few examples would be Connie A, Sancho Panza beli, and Dip 2 . Of course most others do benefit from age (Cohiba, Qd’O, PL, RASS, etc), but I’ve found most of these have an off-taste when young, so it’s pretty easy to tell. This HU #2 definitely had a taste that completely appeals to me now, so if it ain’t broke.... 

[Bagman]

Can't say I agree with you that cigars diminish in taste with just a few years.    But hey, they are your cigars and you can do what you want.  Enjoy!

[Danimalia]

15 hours ago, Islandboy said:

Fair question, for sure. And of course I don’t know. But in general, as my 3 yr old collection grows, I’m noticing the vibrancy of taste with several cigars diminishes with just a few years on them, as they smooth out. I find I liked them better at one year than 2 or 3. A few examples would be Connie A, Sancho Panza beli, and Dip 2 . Of course most others do benefit from age (Cohiba, Qd’O, PL, RASS, etc), but I’ve found most of these have an off-taste when young, so it’s pretty easy to tell. This HU #2 definitely had a taste that completely appeals to me now, so if it ain’t broke.... 

I've had the same experience with certain cigars. Truthfully, I don't have enough experience with aged cigars to make a scientific judgment, but I've had enough to be sure that older definitely doesn't necessarily equate to better. As I gain more experience, I'll probably get a better handle on things, but in the meantime, if I find a youngish cigar that rings my bell, I will smoke them without pity or remorse 

[Islandboy]

14 minutes ago, Danimalia said:

I've had the same experience with certain cigars. Truthfully, I don't have enough experience with aged cigars to make a scientific judgment, but I've had enough to be sure that older definitely doesn't necessarily equate to better. As I gain more experience, I'll probably get a better handle on things, but in the meantime, if I find a youngish cigar that rings my bell, I will smoke them without pity or remorse 

Yep, I lack experience as well and am still figuring out how the taste of a cigar evolves. One thing I’ve found interesting is how certain cigars that tasted pretty damn good ROTT, quickly move into a period of “no man’s land”, where they just don’t taste right at all, only to emerge a year or 2 later in a better place. Just another element that keeps this game fascinating.

[TheMonk]

Nice review!