Beneath the Band: H. Upmann Connoisseur A

[El Presidente]

This series to explore whether a particular cigar is humidor worthy. Cost these days is an issue for many so let's see if we can highlight some absolute standouts. This should particularly assist those new to the cigar world.  

To be fair, most of the cigars we have featured to date have scored exceptionally well. Surprisingly well! 

Scoring is: 1-3 (Poor)   4-6 (Average to good)   7-10  (very good to excellent)  Use the Poll. 

You are more than free to comment away!

The H. Upmann Connoisseur A is a 52 × 140mm (5½″) Robusto Extra launched in 2013. 

Now I was absolutely blown away by the release which in retrospect is no surprise. 2013/2014 were hallowed days for H. Upmann. Collectors and those in the know chase down Upmann from this period for their richness and complexity. The Upmann 2's from 2013 and 2014 are legendary but almost the entire marca was firing on all cylinders. H. Upmann Connoisseur A was no different and for a period of time it was up there with the Sir Winston as the best of Upmann. 

The H. Upmann Connoisseur A remains today an excellent cigar but I am not sure if it has ever reached the levels of magic achieved in those first few years of production. 

Let us know your thoughts!

 

H. Upmann Connoisseur A ...Let's kick off the discussion 

 

[riderpride]

I absolutely love these things and gave them top marks across the board. I haven't bought any since the new pricing model was rolled-out, but if I was running low I wouldn't hesitate to snag a box right now. I just might reach for them less often. They might be the missing link between the Mag46 and Sir Winston. 

Cheers!

[Allroz]

I am a big fan of these. An excellent smoke young or aged, these are a staple for me.

 

 

[Chibearsv]

4 hours ago, riderpride said:

I absolutely love these things and gave them top marks across the board. I haven't bought any since the new pricing model was rolled-out, but if I was running low I wouldn't hesitate to snag a box right now. I just might reach for them less often. They might be the missing link between the Mag46 and Sir Winston. 

Cheers!

I agree. One of my favorites as well and one of the few CCs I’d still consider for purchase.  
 

 

[unaslob]

Had my first one a month and a half ago. BRE JUN 18. A little pepper and nice tea notes on the dry draw. Upon lighting the pepper intensified with a creamy texture. One of the most peppery Cubans I’ve had. Pepper gave way to light cream and leathery notes. Construction spot on. If this is typical of the Connie A I better start stacking.  

[riderpride]

1 hour ago, unaslob said:

Had my first one a month and a half ago. BRE JUN 18. A little pepper and nice tea notes on the dry draw. Upon lighting the pepper intensified with a creamy texture. One of the most peppery Cubans I’ve had. Pepper gave way to light cream and leathery notes. Construction spot on. If this is typical of the Connie A I better start stacking.  

Game on!

[Connoisseur Kim]

Connie A is not only one of my fav CCs but also the first H. Upmann cigar which made me hooked into H. Upmann too. The flavour is smooth but complex with tasty chestnut, nut, woody, leather, creamy, and tobacco notes, and I immediately enjoyed this Robusto Extra so much! Wish I have more boxes of Connie A in my stash.

[JohnS]

I have to agree all round. Yes, they are a quality and consistent smoke, a little better in grade in comparison to other regular production H.Upmann cigars. And yes, the initial run in 2013/14 holds fond memories for me. Those H.Upmann Connossieur As were consistently excellent.

[Montezüma]

I prefer the Magnums, by a few margins.

[gormag38]

In my limited experience with them, just a few sticks from 22 and 23, I've found them to be good not great. Perhaps time will continue to change them? Looking at the price on 2424 and I don't know if I would ever shell out the bones for a cab. I would probably park my coin in HU2, SW, Connie B, Mag 46, 54