Smoking the D-List

[neal875]

In a world full of endless reviews and commentary on the Cohiba Robusto, Magnum 46, Lusitania and other Cuban A-Listers, I thought it would be good to give props to some of the unsung heroes that rarely get any ink--but probably ought to. Cigars that taste great, have typical Cuban construction and draw profiles, and are worthy (in my opinion, of course) of some experimentation on your part. They are not replacements for our beloved A-List, but each will be good enough to take their rightful place alongside any superstar residing in your humidor.

Welcome to the D-List.

I will write about these much neglected and often ignored winners as I continue to experience them, but the catalyst for this topic emerged tonight when I lit up a January, 2008 H. Upmann Corona Major in tube.

Now, this is a cigar that won't be getting a video review on someone's deck anytime soon, but I am telling you that it really should. Toothy wrappers envelop some perfect burning, smooth drawing and delicious tasting contents that are unmistakably Upmann. And anyone who smokes the brand's more upscale accomplishments will be reminded of this almost immediately. Although pre-2004 or 2005 versions could be described as being on the milder side, I've noticed that production from the last two to three years is far closer to medium or even medium-full (especially in the last half.) The cigar's surprisingly complex flavor profile is highlighted by a strong tobacco taste accompanied by light sweetness and biscuit with increasing levels of spice as you burn through the stick. Oh, and for those who like really bountiful plumes of smoke: Game on.

Bottom line, these are just delicious.

Earlier versions were machine made and often had funky construction which really caused the cigar to burn way too hot and harsh. But, most of the handmade examples (all of them are now handmade) have been really well rolled with no higher percentage of plugging issues than there are with the A-Listers. And, while most cigars like a bit of age on them, the Corona Major absolutely needs a bit of time to get things going. The longer the better, but no less than 18 months for these to begin to come into their own (again, typically Upmann) . If you smoke them young--don't whine about the performance--you've been warned.

Finally, the Corona Major is priced to be not only Recession-friendly, but also full on Depression-friendly. So, no matter where you live or how much your business is getting financially crushed, this is the smoke for you to enjoy all the way through the next full economic recovery.

So, the next time you're looking for an incredibly surprising and economically responsible cigar that doesn't taste like it's as cheap as it is--give a few of these a try in the rotation.

More from the D-List as events warrant.

I'd be interested in reading any experiences that you are having on the D-List, as well.

[anacostiakat]

Good review!

Useful information!!

Thanks!!

[canucks6024]

agree 100% with the argument and the review

[El Presidente]

A great reminder

We really do need to do a review series on the "Cheap and Cheerful"

Along with the H Upmann Corona major I have half a dozen other cigars I would include. However, I should ask FOH members what "C&C" cigars they would like us to review?

[neal875]

A great reminder

We really do need to do a review series on the "Cheap and Cheerful"

Along with the H Upmann Corona major I have half a dozen other cigars I would include. However, I should ask FOH members what "C&C" cigars they would like us to review?

Rob:

I would love to know which half-dozen your list would consist of?

[dicko]

this is my most smoked stick up to this point! fits nicely price wise and 40 minutes is a good time for a super newbie like me

probably because i have bought from a couple of sources (and subsequently mixed them up in the humidor - newbie trick) i keep getting one being awesome, the next being not as good (always draw & burn wise, not flavours)

agree with flavour profile - for me medium full with definite spice (thinking straight pepper) and tobacco with pleasant woodiness. couple have been 'green' but i think that was me getting too excited about getting the humdidty up when i purchased my humidor (ive slowly got it down since) and their youth.

also have enjoyed the monte 4.

Rob, I've heard good things about the bolivar tubos (is it 2 and 3?) and would also like to know if the tubed partagas corona is of the same quality as its bugger budget members of the family?

cheers

[tigger]

However, I should ask FOH members what "C&C" cigars they would like us to review?

I used to smoke a fair number of the RyJ No. 2. Cheap, and pretty tasty, especially with a couple of years on them.

As I've only smoked a few cigars each week in recent years, I tend to go less on the cheap. Be interesting to see opinions on these though...

[thechenman]

Nice review and a great concept. You're right that a lot of the more budget priced Cuban cigars don't get anywhere the same amount of press. Good going...

[PigFish]

A great reminder

We really do need to do a review series on the "Cheap and Cheerful"

Along with the H Upmann Corona major I have half a dozen other cigars I would include. However, I should ask FOH members what "C&C" cigars they would like us to review?

Quality cigars just off the beaten path has been my credo here from the start.

Wait a minute now. There can't be such a thing as a well priced good tasting Habanos! H SA won't hear of it!!!

H. Upmann? What was that cigar again? You mean there is a cigar called H. Upmann? What we need to do is repackage it and make it expensive, put it in a glossy tube or box! Gotta' be cutting that bottom 20% you know; not good for business!!!

I'll but that Upmann is in the bottom 20... right with the RG and SP's; can't be smokin' those now! -LOL

ONLY MONTECRISTO OR COHIBA FOR ME

[Mr.T]

This is a great idea! I think some great D-smokes go unnoticed.

It reminds me of the time my uncle brought a box of Partagas Mille Fleurs to the US when he came to visit and I smoked a couple off the bat which were very pleasant 40 minute smokes. I then tucked the box away in a drawer and forgot about them; I went back to the A-list smokes. Anyways, I came across them two years later and decided to light one up....and they were absolutely fantastic. It may seem odd, but they were really good.

Thanks for sharing

[perfectform]

In my opinion Partagas and RyJ Mille Fluers are very underrated cigars for the price. But the Diplomaticos No. 4 is the king. Vastly underrated cigar. To me, they blow every Monte 4 I've had out of the water, excluding the Reserva. I'm biding my time to crack the next box.

[mkz]

Bolivar PC, Diplomaticos 4, Punch PC, Punch PP, Partagas Aristocrats.... great value!!!

[El Presidente]

I'll but that Upmann is in the bottom 20... right with the RG and SP's; can't be smokin' those now! -LOL

ONLY MONTECRISTO OR COHIBA FOR ME

Actually, Upmann Corona Major AT is Upmanns Number one selling cigar. I am pretty sure globally it sells more that all RG and SP combined.

R&J No 2 AT is R&J's No 1 selling cigar.

As for my top 6 cheapies this is what I like from time to time. You do have to keep an eye on construction (not new).

Partagas De Luxe AT.

R&J Belvederes

Jose Piedra Cazadores

Quinero Brevas

Por Larranaga Panetela

Por Larranaga Monte Carlo

[dicko]

Actually, Upmann Corona Major AT is Upmanns Number one selling cigar. I am pretty sure globally it sells more that all RG and SP combined.

R&J No 2 AT is R&J's No 1 selling cigar.

As for my top 6 cheapies this is what I like from time to time. You do have to keep an eye on construction (not new).

Partagas De Luxe AT.

R&J Belvederes

Jose Piedra Cazadores

Quinero Brevas

Por Larranaga Panetela

Por Larranaga Monte Carlo

thanks rob!! wondered about a couple of these to try.

bought a box of JLP cremas (part of my blowing of k-ruddys chuck away) and have had most now, had 2 or 3 very average ones but the rest have been simple but very tasty. great stick for a night when going harder on the bevy

[PigFish]

Actually, Upmann Corona Major AT is Upmanns Number one selling cigar. I am pretty sure globally it sells more that all RG and SP combined.

R&J No 2 AT is R&J's No 1 selling cigar.

As for my top 6 cheapies this is what I like from time to time. You do have to keep an eye on construction (not new).

Partagas De Luxe AT.

R&J Belvederes

Jose Piedra Cazadores

Quinero Brevas

Por Larranaga Panetela

Por Larranaga Monte Carlo

What is the Upmann percentage of total production? I am sure things have changed and as one not privy to the such information all I can reference is the 2003 MRN Encyclopedia, indicating that the Upmann line was a paltry 3.3% of total cigar exports in '01. Biggest seller of a 3.3% line does not sound like much to me; sounds to me like a line that should be cut!!! Gotta' cull that dead wood you know!

All I can say Amigo is that now that I got you taking my part... stay the course will you??? Oh... and welcome to the fight. -LOL

PS: I am not as easy on the nerves of your retriever, Cohiba, but you knew that already! -

-

[El Presidente]

What is the Upmann percentage of total production? I am sure things have changed and as one not privy to the such information all I can reference is the 2003 MRN Encyclopedia, indicating that the Upmann line was a paltry 3.3% of total cigar exports in '01. Biggest seller of a 3.3% line does not sound like much to me; sounds to me like a line that should be cut!!! Gotta' cull that dead wood you know!

All I can say Amigo is that now that I got you taking my part... stay the course will you??? Oh... and welcome to the fight. -LOL

PS: I am not as easy on the nerves of your retriever, Cohiba, but you knew that already! -

-

I haven't got last years figures but for the half year they (Upmann) were around 4% of total. Upmann actually sells less than Quintero (not by much .1% in it).

Quintero and Jose Piedra combined sell almost to the same level as Montecristo (total). Jose Piedra sell more than Cohiba

HSA might say.......We produce something for everyone