H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 "USE NOV 11" (XNYRC)

[Gamehawker]

For the first cigar of the new year and the new decade I chose an old reliable favorite of mine an over 8 year aged - H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 "USE NOV 11".

Like always,  I was smoking this awesome cigar while roasting some coffee.

The pre-lit draw was slightly firm and I know it would loosen up when I lit it.  

Once it was lit my prediction was correct and the draw was perfect.  

The first puffs and into the first third of the cigar was like revisiting an old friend with slightly caramel, chocolate, wood and nuts flavors.  The strength was medium.

The second third picked up in a little strength and the flavors progressed into a slight nugget, wood and chocolate.

The final third maintained the same strength and the flavors got a little stronger.

As you can see I smoked it to the very nub and I would rate this cigar as a 96/97.

If this new year and decade turn out to me like this cigar I am a happy man.

I am sooo glad I have over 3 1/2 boxes left of this box code and one full box of box code "PLM MAY 11". ?

 

 

[PigFish]

These were once a favorite cigar of mine back in the 90's. Like many of the reviews I have had the pleasure to read on this forum the past two weeks, this one has got me considering some old choices and cigars once abandoned.

I was buying the crap out of these, and suddenly the late nineties came and I could not find a good one. I just stopped trying altogether.

Thanks for sharing. -the Pig

[HDGSN]

Connie 1s from 2011 contained a seam of tobacco that was utterly sublime. Perfect, delicious, stuff of legends, mythical. Especially the PLM factory rolls. I finished the last of mine in the Summer.

[ElPuro]

I have a couple boxes from USE '11. The first few were mediocre but they've really started to shine in the last 18 months. Good year for #1.