2019 H. Upmann No. 2 (HURWR)

[maverickdrinker]

 

Moving from one end of the spectrum to the other for this review. Was having a great conversation with a few BOTLs regarding the 2018 to current regular production cigars. Consensus is that they are smoking brilliantly and need little time in slumber.

 

In a recent Make A Wish (MAW), my ask for to try a few recent production sticks. A great BOTL fulfilled my wish and here we are. This is a 2019 regular production cigar.

 

The wrapper is a honey chestnut hue. Very smooth to the touch. Construction is excellent. Firm throughout the cigar with a slight give when squeezed. The tapered triple cap is expertly applied and the foot is packed. Aromas of heavy barnyard, leather, cream and cocoa emanate from the wrapper.

 

A quick snap from my cigar scissors and we are ready for ignition. The draw is perfect. Nice airflow with a slight resistance. Earth, leather, cocoa, baking spice and touches of cream come from the cold draw.

 

First Third

Very smooth from the get go. No harshness to speak of. Impressive. Light oak, cinnamon, earth, leather and touches of oolong tea. Well put together flavour profile. Strength is at the lower end of medium bodied.

 

The retrohale is very subtle. Light cinnamon and oak, with touches of earth and leather. Moves easily through the nasal passages.

 

The after finish shows nice complexity, despite its age. Light cinnamon, light oak, with touches of earth and leather that evolves to oolong tea, roasted nuts, and cream. No harshness to speak of.

 

Flavours are a little fleeting due to the lower strength level however, seems to start to build a base. Hopefully, the strength will increase as we move to the next third.

 

Second Third

Flavours have a nice build to it. Very consistent. A little heavier on the oak now. Still melds well with the light cinnamon, oolong tea, earth and leather in the retrohale.

 

The after finish also sees an amplification of the oak and roasted nuts notes, followed by oolong tea, earth and leather. A sourdough bread note has emerged on the back end, and is a nice foil to the cream note. Strength has picked up slightly and allows the flavours to last longer on the palate. Very enjoyable.

 

Final Third

The richness of the light oak continues to grow. Takes a dominant position in the retrohale. Cinnamon, leather, earth and oolong tea act as fouls as they move through the nasal passages.

 

The after finish stays consistent to the previous third. Light oak with cinnamon, leather, earth and oolong tea in the front end. Roasted nuts joins sourdough bread, cream and star anise on backend. Flavours layer in nicely on the palate and has good staying power due to a slight increase in strength. A nice ending.

 

Final Impressions

This is smoking very well, despite its age. Solid and consistent flavour profile. No harshness to speak of. Good balance between strength and flavour profile. Will be curious to see how these evolves over time and if secondary flavours will emerge.

 

Very impressed on how this performed. I can see why the cigar community has embraced these recent vintages. Tobacco is solid. The construction is excellent and flavour profile is approachable right out of the box. Could rival the 2008 to 2014 vintages. Are we in a new golden age? Only time will tell once the current vintages reach the 10 year mark. May have to start trying vitolas across brands to see if this experience is consistent.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk