Upmann Connie A (2017/18) 12DCRC

[slowsmoke]

After being thoroughly disappointed by the first cigar out of my xmas sampler, a JLS2, I put a few into a “dry box” for the past week to see if it helped.  I say “dry box” because lately the ambient humidity around here is high 50’s/low 60’s, barely less than my humidors, but whatever.  It actually seems to have helped a bit.  Draw was tighter than I prefer, but not bad, so I went for it.  Paired with a Ferrari brut champagne, cheap but reliable and tasty.

My experience with Upmann thus far has been ok, not great.  Tried a few Connie 1, a No. 2, and several HUHC.  This was my first Connie A and I had high hopes.

First third was all wood, probably the woodiest cigar in recent memory.  Maybe cedar, but mostly just generic wood.  Some nuts, some leather.  All flavors I like.  Very smooth.  Required a few touchups to prevent a canoe.

Second third, lots of leather.  Still some wood, still some nuts. The canoe fixed itself.  I love watching that happen when sitting outside at night, the dead side of the wrapper starts glowing and comes to life.

The final third was all the same flavors, toned down.  Plus some charred wood, which I’m not wild about generally, but it was not at all bothersome here.  Total smoking time was about an hour and 20 minutes.

Overall, the cigar was very simple, but very enjoyable.  I understand now the descriptions such as classy, balanced, never gets out of shape.  It was well behaved, never bitter or harsh, and probably my favorite Upmann so far.  I smoked it down to the nub.

All that said, I was left wanting a little more.  I really like a good long finish, and I didn’t get it here.  Perhaps this cigar was too young, but I think more likely I’m just accepting that the Upmann profile is not at the top of my list.  I would never turn this cigar down, but I don’t see myself buying a box.

[99call]

great review, hats off