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

[Gubbins]

Would be keen on a thread to hear people’s general opinions across the Connie series as a whole.

I think I’ve tried a couple of the Connie 2s which were nice, but none of the others. It's apparent that the Connie 1s are a lot cheaper than the others, as well as smaller with no extra expense on the standard H Upmann band. They appear to get bigger and flashier as you go through the series, but I’ve never known much about the difference in blends.

Definitely a series that interests me and would be keen to see some polls on best flavour / bang for buck / humidor worthy / construction etc that pits them against each other.

As well as some general comparisons to other Upmann series.

[JPark3]

I have some January 2025 Connie 1s and, while needing some rest, the future is looking bright based off of the two I've had. So far construction is superb and a very smooth, creamy taste.

[Ford2112]

I would take a Connie 1 over the A. Just has a bit more oomph.

[El Presidente]

7 hours ago, Gubbins said:

Would be keen on a thread to hear people’s general opinions across the Connie series as a whole.

I think I’ve tried a couple of the Connie 2s which were nice, but none of the others. It's apparent that the Connie 1s are a lot cheaper than the others, as well as smaller with no extra expense on the standard H Upmann band. They appear to get bigger and flashier as you go through the series, but I’ve never known much about the difference in blends.

Definitely a series that interests me and would be keen to see some polls on best flavour / bang for buck / humidor worthy / construction etc that pits them against each other.

As well as some general comparisons to other Upmann series.

Will post something up along those lines 

[Gamehawker]

I prefer to smoke them with some age to them. About 4+ years, but the cigars from my box "LUB ENE 14" is still smoking incredibly 94+ 😍

[rcarlson]

I've got the better part of a UBM OCT 19 box of the A's. They are just plain awesome. Connie Kim nailed the description.  

[Connoisseur Kim]

6 hours ago, rcarlson said:

I've got the better part of a UBM OCT 19 box of the A's. They are just plain awesome. Connie Kim nailed the description.  

Much agreed buddy! They never fail to satisfy me much like other tasty CCs. Hope I'll be able to have recent Connie A boxes, and try Sir winnies too as it's one of my wishlist CCs 👍