Kimfessions: Aged H. Upmann No. 2 and Cigar Herf With LaoFan

[Connoisseur Kim]

Since I puffed on a Partagás Serie D No. 4 last April, I've had some personal hardships to deal with. One of the main issues is over-humidification, which is among the most common cigar storage-related matters. I've used Boveda 65% packs to store my cigars for years; however, I've consistently run into the occasional mould problem, particularly during the summer. To address the persistent trouble, I started using a Govee H5074 smart thermo-hygrometer to monitor the relative humidity in my tupperdor, and I noticed the RH hovered at 66%-69% all the time, which is caused by a combination of the tupperdor's airtight seal and hot weather. So, I switched to Boveda 58% packs in hopes of reducing the humidity to a low 60%. Thankfully, the stress relief day has finally arrived: having a cigar herf with @LaoFan. The special moment makes me feel it's the right time to grab an aged H. Upmann No. 2 from my cigar collection.

H. Upmann No. 2 is one of the oldest H. Upmann cigars, having been around since the pre-1960s. Unlike other H. Upmann cigars, it's not only closely related to Montecristo No. 2 but also shares the same vitola dimensions with the famous Montecristo cigar. This is because, after Alonso Menéndez and José Manuel “Pepe” García (the founders of Montecristo) purchased the faltering H. Upmann marca and cigar factory from the British distribution company J. Frankau & Co. in 1937, the original five numbered vitolas of Montecristo were also added to the H. Upmann catalogue, and these cigars were released as the Upmann Number Series. The entire line continued to be sold even after the Cuban Revolution; however, in contrast to the Montecristo Number Series, only the Pyramid has remained to this day, as the others were discontinued in the 1980s (H. Upmann No. 3 and No. 5) and in 2002 (H. Upmann No. 1 and No. 4). Since it's considered one of the greatest Cuban Pyramids, and I like H. Upmann cigars, I'm really eager to try it.

This H. Upmann No. 2 starts with a signature H. Upmann wood, leather, and tobacco blast, along with hay, cedar, cream, and the classic Cuban twang. As the cigar progresses, the taste shifts into a smooth yet rich blend of chestnut, coffee, and shortbread; baking spice, vanilla, and berry; butter; and toasted Punch 8-9-8-ish nuts. At the end of the cigar, it transforms into a delicately floral (something I've never experienced from H. Upmann cigars) and subtly sweet profile with a cinnamon note, resembling a mug of aged Keemun black tea. Overall, it's a pleasant, complex, classy, and outstanding cigar, exhibiting all the characteristics that every aged medium-full-bodied Cuban cigar should have. I’ve reviewed aged cigars before, but this 9-year-old Piramide stands out with an even broader spectrum of aromas without losing complexity even after nine years. Additionally, its tapered end, combined with the Colibri V-Cut, not only makes it comfortable to hold but also amplifies the cigar's intensity even more. I can see why many cigar aficionados regard H. Upmann No. 2 as a hidden classic Cuban Pyramid. It's truly a "Magnificent" (4/5) Pyramid, and I’m grateful to @joejack11 and @cliff for this unique opportunity!

Ki One Batch 6 opens with thick layers of raisin, malt, butterscotch, caramel, oak, wood, sourdough, and leather notes at the nosing stage. Then, as I sip this youthful Korean single malt whisky, a mixture of bittersweet, citrussy, oily, and bold cocoa, cacao, chocolate, coffee, blueberry, orange, lemon, chestnut, nut, nutmeg, red grape, vanilla, and honey coats the mouth with faint rubber and plastic notes. At the end, the whisky delivers a subtle and smooth short finish with lingering notes of tobacco, hay, cedar, herb, green apple, and flower, as well as a slight hint of pepper. Although it has some shortcomings, such as a lack of depth and intensity, I'm quite impressed that its sherried character pairs pretty well with H. Upmann No. 2 and is surprisingly refined for such a young single malt whisky. It reminds me of Taiwanese single malt whisky production because the angel's share in Korea is also higher than in Scotland due to the extreme annual temperature range. If further measures to support the Korean whisky industry are introduced, and as distilleries gain more experience, I'm confident we'll see more eye-catching Korean single malts enter the market.

LaoFan is one of the FOH BOTLs I recently got acquainted with. He came to know me from my Kimfessions series and stories shared by other FOH members. During the herf session, he, his cousin, and I have conversations on a wide range of topics, including our daily lives, our favourite Cuban cigars and cigar cutting methods, the challenges associated with cigar storage, how we came to discover FOH, and the cigar scenes in both Korea and China. Despite some differences (for example, I prefer to puff on cigars as long as possible, whereas he's the opposite due to his busy lifestyle), we have lots in common. Firstly, we both relish the company of fellow cigar enthusiasts. Secondly, we're committed to achieving the ideal long-term storage condition for Cuban cigars. Last but not least, we take pleasure in savouring the unique and complex flavours of Cuban puros. I've always enjoyed participating in cigar herfs because cigar tasting becomes more immersive when I puff on cigars together with other cigar connoisseurs, and today's herf session is no exception. We've thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and exchanged thoughtful gifts of cigars with one another. I really appreciate their generosity, and hopefully we’ll be able to meet again in the future!

The cigar herf with LaoFan and his cousin at Ash & Bloom is a memorable and wonderful Cuban cigar tasting experience, much like last year's herf session with @Edicion. Although the number of newly established cigar lounges in Korea has risen sharply, this B&M remains among the best havens for both aspiring rookies and seasoned connoisseurs alike. The cigar lounge continues to flourish, offering a BYOC service as well as an extensive selection of whiskies. Its ambience still retains a charming and classy interior with relaxing jazz music. Regrettably, the owner is absent this time due to a health issue (he underwent dental surgery earlier this year), but thankfully the staff proved to be just as knowledgeable as he is. In addition, the collaborative cigar review makes the aged H. Upmann Pyramid even more unique and captivating. It's always a pleasure to share time with the brethren of FOH, and I'd certainly do the same again if given the chance!

Address: 44, Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: Approx. Mon-Sun 19:00-02:00 (7:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.)
Phone: 010-8975-1591
Cigar Corkage: 20,000 KRW/cigar (has discount of KRW 5,000 per drink)
Cover Charge: Free of charge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashnbloomlounge/

Note.

• The business hours has been changed after the boss had surgery this year.
• This cigar review was held on 11th Sep, 2025. However, it took some time to post the review since I was busy with moving to new home, and I couldn't use internet until last Friday. 

[El Presidente]

[Montezüma]

Awesome!!

[JohnS]

The review was delayed due to your recent move, @Connoisseur Kim? Trust me, it was worth the wait. Outstanding!

[Connoisseur Kim]

9 hours ago, El Presidente said:

 

4 hours ago, Montezüma said:

Awesome!!

Thanks @El Presidente @Montezüma! Dat aged Upmann No. 2 was the pinnacle of aged Cuban cigars, and it reminded me of a 4yr old Monte 4 experience. It didn't have harshness, and it packed tons of refined signature H. Upmann notes througout the end 👍.

47 minutes ago, JohnS said:

The review was delayed due to your recent move, @Connoisseur Kim? Trust me, it was worth the wait. Outstanding!

Much appreciated @JohnS! Moving to new home was not easy, and I had to go back and forth house and cybercafe to complete the writing until internet was resumed. I felt glad that I finally managed to upload a brand new Kimfessions episode today 

[joeypots]

Great review!!

[westg]

Amazing 🤙

[Connoisseur Kim]

2 hours ago, joeypots said:

Great review!!

 

2 hours ago, westg said:

Amazing 🤙

Much appreciated @joeypots @westg! It was the first time I reviewed a Piramide cigar, and I found that I really liked it as much as I do with classic long and skinny CCs (surprisingly comfortable to hold for 52 RG due to the tapered end) 🤙

[MrBirdman]

Always love to hear about FOH members meeting up for an in-person herf! Thanks for sharing Kim.

[Connoisseur Kim]

2 minutes ago, MrBirdman said:

Always love to hear about FOH members meeting up for an in-person herf! Thanks for sharing Kim.

Much appreciated @MrBirdman! It's always good to see FOH members in-person herf since herf sessions are always exciting and interactive. I wish I have more opportunities to hop in cigar herfs with FOH members 👍

[LaoFan]

Was great meeting up for a smoke with the legend @Connoisseur Kim while in Seoul.

La Trova for me, Brock had a BBF, and Kim had the aforementioned Upmann #2.

Ash&Bloom was a dope spot, would definitely recommend. BYOC is a must though if you're looking for Cubans.

As for the Ki One, I'd have to say that for now, I'd stick with Soju while in Korea. While the PX expression wasn't bad, it's got some room for growth.

Brands like Kavalan/Omar are great examples of what Korea can push for with the climate. 1 year in a cask in Taiwan (and probably Seoul too) = 3-4 years in Scotland. They proved NAS could be world class - the Solist Vinho Barrique is a gem. Hopefully Korea follows suit.

Fantastic to meetup with you Kim. Wish you the best of luck with your over-humidification qualms and look forward to the next smoke brother!

몸 조심하세요, 형!

[SUP8333]

Very nice! If you guys are ever in HK hit me up.

[Connoisseur Kim]

12 hours ago, LaoFan said:

Was great meeting up for a smoke with the legend @Connoisseur Kim while in Seoul.

La Trova for me, Brock had a BBF, and Kim had the aforementioned Upmann #2.

Ash&Bloom was a dope spot, would definitely recommend. BYOC is a must though if you're looking for Cubans.

As for the Ki One, I'd have to say that for now, I'd stick with Soju while in Korea. While the PX expression wasn't bad, it's got some room for growth.

Brands like Kavalan/Omar are great examples of what Korea can push for with the climate. 1 year in a cask in Taiwan (and probably Seoul too) = 3-4 years in Scotland. They proved NAS could be world class - the Solist Vinho Barrique is a gem. Hopefully Korea follows suit.

Fantastic to meetup with you Kim. Wish you the best of luck with your over-humidification qualms and look forward to the next smoke brother!

몸 조심하세요, 형!

It was pleasure to see ya too @LaoFan! I also think that Ash & Bloom is one of the greatest BYOC friendly cigar lounges, and great for discovering whisky and cigar pairing due to its diverse whisky lineup 👍. Can't wait to review Trinidad La Trova you gave me as a cigar gift! 

I also agree with Korean single malt whiskies still has room for growth since they're relatively young, and the popularity of single malt whiskies in Korea has only just begun to increasing from 2010s (before that, spirits including whiskies and cognacs were mainly used for binge drinking in a form of bomb shot rather than exploring the flavours). Since the climate in Korea is so unstable that the angel's share is high as Taiwan, I think either NAS or 10-Year Peated whiskies will do a trick too as unlike sherried drams the dominant Peat character pops out at younger expressions, which makes Korean distilleries easy to cope with IMHO (had some young Peated Laphroaig and Bunnahabhain IBs from Or Sileis during travel to Taiwan, and these drams were surprisingly hit the spot). Likewise, I wish they'll follow the same steps of Kavalan did.

I hope we can have herf sessions once again in someday, and the humidity of my CC stash will stay at 62%-63% (it's still at low to mid 64s) soon. Will let you know when I'll travel to China. Take care brother, and may the Cuban cigars be with you. 형도 몸조심하세요!

[Çnote]

Superb.

[Connoisseur Kim]

12 hours ago, Çnote said:

Superb.

Thanks @Çnote! That 9-year Upmann No. 2 was helluva terrific aged Cuban cigar indeed. Wish I have more boxes of Upmann No. 2 in my stash too 

[Connoisseur Kim]

48 minutes ago, SUP8333 said:

Very nice! If you guys are ever in HK hit me up.

Much appreciated @SUP8333! The cigar herf experience at the whiskyphile cigar lounge was surely a fantstic experience 👍. Will let you know when I go trip to HK cuz it's one of the cigar destinations I've wanted to visit.

[CaptainQuintero]

Excellent stuff as usual Kim, always looking forward to reading about your next adventure!

[Chibearsv]

Great review and collaboration with LaoFan.

[Connoisseur Kim]

10 hours ago, CaptainQuintero said:

Excellent stuff as usual Kim, always looking forward to reading about your next adventure!

 

7 hours ago, Chibearsv said:

Great review and collaboration with LaoFan.

Thanks @CaptainQuintero @Chibearsv! The collaboration with LaoFan was absolutely fantastic. Can't wait to do next Kimfessions adventure soon