H Upmann Half Corona UBM JUL 19 (PSRW)

[djrey]

These littles gems have been a rising star of mine for about a year now. P Shorts were my go to quick smokes for years but only last year did I finally jump on a box of HUHC. About 4 boxes later here we are. Lets see how this one does on this warmish January day. 

Near perfect draw and a nice colorado wrapper hint at a good experience. First puffs provides a charred wood flavor but then the stick immediately settles into espresso and sugar cookies. Medium body at this point. 

Consistent flavors into the final half. Body picks up a touch and holds firm with its core of coffee and bready notes. Some of the sweetness fades away in exchange for some baking spices. Overall very nice for a quick winter smoke. 35 min smoke time. 

88 pts. 

Drink pairing is a Ethiopian single origin espresso shot from my Nespresso. The lighter nature of the blend lets the cigar speak more in this pairing. 

Some may wonder why this will be a 2021 star. It certainly isn't because it is a fancy, expensive limited cigar (couldn't be further). It is a star to me because it delivers time and time again. For a modest price you can pick a box up and know it will deliver. My former short smoke, the P Short, generally takes me 50 min to an hour which can be a bit long sitting outside in 30 F. Because of this winter smoking really take a back seat for me from November to March. The HUHC has solved this. Delivering spades of flavor and enjoyment in a small and value driven package, it is a star for 2021. 

 

 

[Focal_Banger]

Great description! With the warmer weather around the corner, do you still think you will reach for one of these once a week? Also what type of cut did you go with?

[djrey]

1 hour ago, Focal_Banger said:

Great description! With the warmer weather around the corner, do you still think you will reach for one of these once a week? Also what type of cut did you go with?

Indeed! Great smoke anytime of year you need a quick fix. Straight cut here.