H Upmann Epicure No2 LGR JUL 18 (SMRW)

[Akela3rd]

The clocks have changed and it's the first day of British Summer Time. It snowed a little this morning here in the outer reaches of London... But, it's perked up to a balmy 7°C this afternoon and the sun has warmth when it shows - review time.

Nicely constructed cigar, even feel, good weight, slight sheen on a wrapper that has a hint of rosado when the sun hits it on occasion. Cold draw is good if slightly light and gives hay and cedar. Paired with Pistonhead Flat Tyre, a rather good non-alcoholic lager that tastes more like an IPA.

Dry feel to the smoke on lighting, vaguely cedary with a bit of cocoa, not the creamy experience I was expecting. Settles in the first third and the mouth feel begins to smooth as the cigar warms up. Digestive biscuit, hint of caramel somewhere...

Second third and that dry mouth feel returns, flavours muted and a harsh little touch of pepper on the tongue. Bit of a chameleon this one. Caramel is still there though.

Final third remained muted and only occasionally gave hints of what it should be. Suggestions of cream, maybe nutmeg. 17/18s have been indifferent in this cigar and the newer ones are reputedly better. This is the third or fourth from this box and I've had similar experiences, not bad just not great. I'll sit these out for a while I think and see what happens but I'm not holding my breath.

6/10

 

Sent from GJ 1151