H Upmann Propios EL 2018 BRE ABR 20 (12DCRC)

[karp]

Cigar is firm and construction seems good. I used a punch and the draw was perfect: not too loose and not too tight... just enough to slow things down.

First third - coffee and shortbread, and some sweetness. The ash is very white against the dark wrapper. Is this a good sign or a bad one? I have heard it makes no difference but it looks nice. Is this a maduro? Looks like a maduro, but am not sure… In any case, the first third is pleasant, with good Upmann flavours. Second third becomes more leathery, and the shortbread flavour is joined with almonds. Strong almond is dominant, plus some other flavour that I can’t put my finger on - some kind of solvent, like smelling a marker… Maybe I’m crazy, but it’s very faint. Last third is mainly almonds which have now become toasted almonds, strong shortbread, and coffee. I taste some mineral toward the end, maybe due to the maduro if this is a maduro, which I think it may be.

60 min or so total time. Great cigar = 4.5 / 5 points. I like the size of the vitola - it has rich flavours in a small package. Overall I would place this closer to an Upmann Connie 1 / no 2 than a Connie A in terms of flavours. The almond / shortbread core reminds me of marzipan Xmas treats so perfect smoke for the holidays.

Cheers!