Upmann No. 1

[n-tron]

H. Upmann No. 1

Size: 42 x 6 1/2 inches

Style: Lonsdale

Let me preface this review by saying that I’m a big fan of the Upmann line and I was quite excited to try this particular vitola for the first time. I purchased this cigar at a well-known Tokyo cigar store where I am a frequent customer, so I have no doubts about authenticity or storage conditions. It was a hot summer evening a few months ago, so I chose to enjoy the cigar on the patio overlooking a sparse garden accompanied with a tall glass of shochu on the rocks. The cigar itself looked perfect … smooth, light brown wrapper with a perfectly applied cap. After clipping, I found the draw perfect for a Lonsdale, and I proceeded to light the cigar easily. The first surprise was a real lack of flavor on the first few draws. I was hoping for a nice dose of that typically sweet Upmann tobacco taste, but I got nothing but ever so slightly barnyard-tinged hot air. The cigar was burning perfectly and the draw continued to be excellent, but there was no flavor. Then, about 1/3 of the way in, it finally started to pick up flavor, but I wished it hadn’t. It went from flavorless to harsh and bitter in two puffs. Acrid smoke without a hint of refined flavor. I fought through another third of the cigar but to no avail – no improvement. I reluctantly had to give up on the cigar because it was going nowhere fast … reluctant not only because I had high hopes for the cigar but reluctant because I had paid high Japanese prices for the cigar. It was a such a nice evening that I was unwilling to give up, so I fired up a RASS (also purchased at the same shop at the same time) that was dead-on perfect. Anyway, bottom line is that my first and likely only experience with the Upmann No. 1 was a big disappointment. I’ll stick to by Upmann Lonsdales from here on out.

[habanohal]

I have an 01 box. I would put this as one of the most richest flavors a cigar has. I I pull one out for the day, I try to make it the last one. For whatever I had before doesnt matter for I will always taste them.

[n-tron]

» I have an 01 box. I would put this as one of the most richest flavors a

» cigar has. I I pull one out for the day, I try to make it the last one.

» For whatever I had before doesnt matter for I will always taste them.

I'm guessing I must have sampled a poor example. It's always risky passing judgement on a cigar based on a single sampling. I'm glad other people are having better experiences. I might have to give them another try if I come across them again.