H Upmann. No.2 - EPO AUG23 - Aging

[Gubbins]

Morning All,

I just picked up a box of Upmann No.2s. EPO AUG 23. I've actually never tried a No.2, and just wondering what people’s thoughts are on how long these need to start to shine? I split the box, so only have ten, so want to get the most out of them.

I’ve read they have good legs, and benefit from a decent amount of time down, but do they smoke relatively good young as well? Anyone familiar with this box code/date?

Thanks all.

 

[MagicalBikeRide]

I’ve nothing specific on that box code. For me, these can be ok fresh, but shine after three years and get better with more time. In your shoes, having ten sticks, I’d hide them down the back of the humidor and forget about them for a while.

[Gubbins]

Those were my thoughts. Might potentially dip in when they hit 2 years out of sheer curiosity. Then stick them back away for another year or so.

[JohnS]

As @MagicalBikeRide said, I'd stick them down the back of my humidor and forget about them for a while too.

[Chef]

A third post with the same response is redundant, I know. I would lay them down even more than three years. Closer to 4 to 5 years for me personally. But absolutely nothing wrong with trying one ROTT, or really anytime you want. They’re your cigars.

[BrightonCorgi]

They'll go 20 years no problem.  

[sbsbsb1]

I'll have to check when I get home, but I think I have this same code/date box. Just smoked my first cigar from the box this past weekend, and while very good, they do need more time. Probably will try to wait another 3 years...

[garifo]

I picked up a 5-pack sampler and have already smoked two—both were excellent! I did have them rest in my humidor for 2 months before I tried one. They have the same box code as yours, EPO NOV23. I've set the remaining three aside for now.

 I’ll likely grab a full box sometime this year.

[Mike Mecklenburg]

Per your request, the factory code of EPO is from the H. Upmann Factory in Havana. I have some from EPO May 2022 and a box from EPO April 2024. The 2022 and are very good after 2 years and I won't even think of opening my 2024 until 2026 and that will be just to test them. Previously, I smoke from BRE February 2018 (again the H. Upmann Factory in Havana) and they were very smooth after 3 years.

[Cigarsmoker81]

Light one up in 3 months, at least, and then sleep on them until year 5.

[BrightonCorgi]

I would smoke one annually.

[Gubbins]

4 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said:

They'll go 20 years no problem.  

This is what I wanted to hear! I’ve heard there’s a few Upmanns that can go the long haul. Was thinking about getting a box of Mag 46 for the same reason.

4 hours ago, sbsbsb1 said:

I'll have to check when I get home, but I think I have this same code/date box.  Just smoked my first cigar from the box this past weekend,  and while very good, they do need more time.  Probably will try to wait another 3 years...

Cheers for the useful info. I think I will probably try one at the 2 year mark and then either let them sit until 5 years, or just smoke one annually on some occasion.

1 hour ago, BrightonCorgi said:

I would smoke one annually.

Great idea.

Thanks everyone for the detailed responses, didn’t expect anything less.

[Gamehawker]

If you have the patience I would absolutely forget about them for at least five years, you will be highly rewarded with a great smoke.

 If you wait at least 8 years you will be amazed how good they are. 

I have a sealed box of them with box code "LUB JUL 14" in one of my humidors and I know they will incredible when I finally smoke one. ❤️

[Lucas Buck]

These can be legendary with 20+ years on them. 

[Gubbins]

7 hours ago, Lucas Buck said:

These can be legendary with 20+ years on them. 

Appreciate the knowledge, although, if I can get 20 years out of these, I’ll eat Kirby’s trilby.

8 hours ago, Gamehawker said:

If you have the patience I would absolutely forget about them for at least five years, you will be highly rewarded with a great smoke.

 If you wait at least 8 years you will be amazed how good they are. 

I have a sealed box of them with box code "LUB JUL 14" in one of my humidors and I know they will incredible when I finally smoke one. ❤️

I don’t know how some of you do it. That will be a wonderful day.

[Gamehawker]

7 hours ago, Gubbins said:

I don’t know how some of you do it. That will be a wonderful day.

Well I have to say it is easy because I been buying and aging Cuban cigars for over 25 years. I have a collection of over 2,200 cuban cigars and I only smoke around 3 - 4 cigars a month. I feel lucky that I bought all of them before the 2022 cigarmageddon. 😊

[El Presidente]

H. Upmann 2,  I love.  

My rule of thumb for a young box is when I hit a 93/4 I smoke through the box until one doesn't and then I put then away for another year to 12 months and try again. 

I can't recall ever having an expired Upmann 2. They age beautifully. 

[Chas.Alpha]

4 hours ago, El Presidente said:

H. Upmann 2,  I love.  

My rule of thumb for a young box is when I hit a 93/4 I smoke through the box until one doesn't and then I put then away for another year to 12 months and try again. 

I can't recall ever having an expired Upmann 2. They age beautifully. 

You actually never read my DM’s, do you?… 😔

[El Presidente]

Just now, Chas.Alpha said:

You literally never read my DM’s, do you?… 😔

No

Never

[Chas.Alpha]

Just now, El Presidente said:

No

Never

Rainy yet?

[El Presidente]

Just now, Chas.Alpha said:

Rainy yet?

No

Breezy....yes. 

My plants are calling out for water but I have told them to hang on. 

[Chas.Alpha]

They won’t be requiring much in the near future. 😕

[gormag38]

I smoked through a quarter pack of GEM 21s a couple years back that were great with little time down. Bought another quarter pack that were EPO 22s that were even better; so then I bought a box of EPO 22s. I've only dabbled in my full box but they've been some very good cigars with little time down. (It's been noted that 21/22 were some good runs however.)

With that being said, I've also tried some SUR 12 HU2s that were amazing sticks as well. Still had some legs and aged beautifully. I plan to try and age my 22 box for at least another 3-5 years before delving back in to get some more refined notes. 

Being as you only have 10, I'd wait a minimum of 12-24 months before checking in. I doubt you'll be disappointed. 

[Ayub]

I have just picked this EPO OCT 24 From FOH, El Pres and I am honestly not patient enough to wait, I check into boxes as soon as they arrive and decide when my next attempt will be based on that. 🙃 This one is smoking really great, but I am sure with time it will be magnificent. I'm planning to re-visit after 6 months or so.