H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 2 TAP JUN 22 (WSSRW)

[Lamboinee]

Cigar:             H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 2

Vitola/Size:    Bohemios 51 x 5 ¼”  

Wrapper:       Cuba

Binder:          Cuba

Filler:/ :          Cuba

Origin:            Cuba

Box Date:       JUN 22

Fctry Code:    TAP

Weight:          14.34 g

Paired With:  Redemption Wheated Bourbon – 48% Alc/Vol.

Smoke Time:  Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes

Source:          Our gracious host

Pre-Light Impressions: Firm throughout with no soft spots. Attractive wrapper with some sheen and mild tooth. Aroma from foot smells of fresh cut lumber in the lumber aisle of home depot, woods, nuts, dry leaves, and herbaceous hay ready for a cow to eat. Cold draw brings notes of the aroma with an abundance of creamy leather sweetness.

1^st Third: The cigar took the flame from my single jet butane lighter well and opened with a creamy mouthfeel and flavors of generic woods, leather, and hints of white pepper. The creamy mouthfeel and leather flavors progress and stimulate the lower back parts of my tongue making me smack my lips in recognition of Cuban “twang”. Noticeable transitions develop between flavors of wood/cedar, leather, and cream. The cigar shows some "youngness" with notes of sharp minerals and fleeting hints of “postage stamp glue” and slight vegetal notes – all of which I suspect would develop into more creaminess with some additional aging. The 1^st third ends with a transition into heavier notes of leather leading into some rich earthy/mushroom and umami flavors. Although the burn line threatens to go “sine wave disco ball”, it seems to correct itself and I do not administer any lighter adjustments. The aroma is intoxicating. Strength is mild-medium at the close of the 1^st third.

2^nd Third:  Transitions between woods/cedar and creamy leather continue to mingle with intermittent dives into deeper earth and umami flavors. Likewise, the cigar’s “youngness” continues to assert itself sporadically with sharp mineral notes that threaten hints of grass and green hay. The threats are not too distracting and never cross-the-line, thank heavens. A new and welcomed flavor transition appears with vibrant impressions of gingerbread and graham cracker. A hearty Cuban twang continues to make me smack my lips and suck my teeth. Strength reaches medium as the 2nd third draws to a close and I apply one minor correction with my lighter.

3^rd Third:  Flavors are sharper as they focus their impact on the front part of my tongue. Overall flavor transitions continue with the familiar notes of woods, creamy leather, and earth/umami. However, there is hint of ever-present white pepper in the background throughout this final third. Gingerbread and graham cracker make another appearance before the cigar switches into a chalky mouthfeel ending on notes of heavy leather and umami. The entire 3^rd third is dryer in flavor when compared to the previous two thirds. Strength reaches medium + and no burn corrections are required in the final third. Great construction overall.

Score/Rating:  90, B+/A-, demerits for slight harshness/sharpness that showed up sporadically but consistently. Bonus points for outstanding construction/burn. Fireworks almost ignited. I live on the edge. Safety second, always.

 

[TacoSauce]

Includes the mass of the cigar with photographic evidence! Fantastic. Let's shut down this competition and just give @Lamboinee the prize.

[TacoSauce]

At first I didn't notice the written log kept during the tasting. This is a masterclass in cigar reviewing.

[Lamboinee]

1 hour ago, TacoSauce said:

This is a masterclass in cigar reviewing.

Dang, thanks!...you must be new.

 

[Russell]

10/10 for the in depth, well constructed review. 0/10 for not lighting the firework with the nub

[Rushman]

Very well done review.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chucko8]

Nice one. Such a detailed review. Thanks 

[NSXCIGAR]

That clown is scary.

[Lamboinee]

13 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

That clown is scary.

He said you'd say that.