Beneath The Band: H. Upmann Connossieur Number 2

[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. 

The H. Upmann Connoisseur Number 2 is a 51 × 134 mm (5¼″) Robusto released in 2021. 

I am a fan of the Connie 2. To me it has a touch more mongrel than all bar the Magnum 46, but it does lack the complexity you will find with so many others in the H. Upmann brand. Now, to be fair, they are only now coming on 5 years of age so it will be interesting to see how the original releases have come along. Generally, a Connoisseur Number 1 at 5 years is a glorious cigar. It is complex with a capital "C". I can't say the same with the Connie 2 at this stage. Just my opinion so I would love members input. 

H. Upmann Connossieur Number 2. Let's kick off the discussion!  

 

[Mike Mecklenburg]

These cigars are box worthy for me and one of my favorite regular production cigars. I have had boxes form GEM June 2022 and GRB February 2023 which were very good with flavors of shortbread, cream, nuts and spices when young. I just had one from my EPO August 2024 box and it was good but needs another year before I really dig in. Construction is very reliable, strength is medium/full, and the size is good.  

[JohnS]

I haven't had too many, so I can't comment too much, other than I would agree that the ones that I've had have not been too complex. Now, as to why I haven't had that many - the simple answer is that it's not due to pricing or not that they're not good or worthy; rather, it's really, really hard to look past my H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1 in my humidor and desire or want to go past them. I equally blame Habanos S.A. and Tabacuba for combining to manufacture a Cuban cigar like the H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1 that is satisfying in every way.

 

[Fugu]

Can’t add anything of substance here. Late to the party I’ve been with the Connie2. Remember a vid from the virtual launch “party” in Berlin (Covid-19 times…), where the main descriptor was “mild”. As such, and between the lines, not immediately appealing or exciting to me (perhaps in part due to the “enthusiasm” of the attendees 😅). Haven’t had much so far beyond a very few decent singles, young but showing potential for development. Some boxes aging away. Keen to hear of early adopter’s experiences, as well.

[Li Bai]

I must have had a dozen of those and I quite enjoyed them fresh, I never gave them the chance to age.

That being said, they somehow lacked the Upmann depth I love in Connie 1s, Mag46s , Mag50s and Upmann N°2s, add the fact that we CC smokers need to be pickier as time goes by, they're not a priority to me.

I'd grab a handful if I came across a beautiful box though.

[BlueWS]

Same. One of the few Cubans that held it's ground young at the 6 month mark, but weren't very good between years 1 and 2 (same with JL 2s). I have a June '23 box smoking really well. I love Mag 54s and Connie 2s to me are like Mag 54 Lights. Not as good, but better than average. They're smoking better than the Oct 23 BBFs I have which seems disappointing.