H. Upmann No. 2 Cigar - Box of 25

One of my absolute favorites. A medium length cigar that is always consistently smooth and relaxing. For those new to the many excellent Cuban cigars this is a must have. Smoking times vary dependent upon the individual and perhaps on their respective experience of Havanas, but generally speaking 30-45 minutes is a good average. No doubt some will take longer. During the summer time or for those familiar with Cuba. A perfect accompaniment to this cigar is a good Cuban rum. Particularly a 12 year old Santiago.

Reviewed by Pat Hamilton (December 2000) Fast. The one word that best describes the time between my acceptance in the Taste Test and the package's arrival. If I didn't know better I'd swear my friends sent the package first and notified me later. Impressive enough but more so since this took place during the Christmas rush. The cigars themselves were in great shape. The Upmann No. 2's featured a golden reddish-brown wrapper much like those from the H-2000 wrapper. Very few veins were evident except for one of medium size on one cigar. Not a large, ugly, "varicose" if you will, this noticeable vein actually added to the overall beauty of the cigar. In fact, if this one cigar was taken from a separate box as the other two, then that's the box I'd want in my humidor. Construction on all three was great, the caps on a Pyramid from Cuba are exceptional. Only Havana's finest rollers could produce this vitola. The initial aroma out of the package was deep....rich and earthy. I had the feeling they were going to be awesome smokes. But first I laid them to rest for several weeks. Once rested up, both myself and the cigars, we were ready. The pre-light aroma is like it was on arrival, only sweeter. Like a fine steak marinating, the time in the humidor has brought out hidden treasures within. Slightly box pressed, the cigars are firm to the touch with no soft spots. The first cigar I chose was the one with "the vein". Accompanying me was a nice strong pot of fresh French Roast. A clip and a light and a few minutes later volumes of blue smoke. It's amazing the amount of tobacco packed into this cigar could still produce such a nice clean draw. The aromas of a good cigar mixing with those of a good coffee filled the air. Is there a better way to start the day? Initial flavors were strong, spicy, and earthy. This is a bold cigar not unlike a Montecristo No. 2. The spice gives way to a more complex sweet earthiness about midway through with a hint of anis. The ash is medium grey and firm. It doesn't want to let go. The burn is only slightly uneven, more than acceptable. It finishes long and well but the ultimate salute to this cigar came from my wife. She never left the room. She seemed to savor the aromas as much as I the cigar. Cigar two was very much like the first. This time the coffee was Kona and I smoked alone. The only noticeable difference was a slightly flaky ash and uneven burn which was quickly rectified by my trusty Blazer. It never detracted from my enjoyment or the taste which was once again pure Havana Heaven. The third cigar was enjoyed in the evening after a heavy meal and with some Fonseca Vintage Port. Not surprisingly, this added a bit of fruitiness to the flavors. The result was a rich and creamy treat with that long earthy finish. I would recommend this cigar. IMHO, It's equally as tasty as the famed Monte No. 2 and only slightly less full bodied. And a big thank you to C.GARS for the smokes and the challenge!

mild flavoured cigar with a hint of spice, approx 30 min of smoke with good even burn.

Great draw and a wonderful medium flavour which just gets better. Burn was excellent with strong tight ash which stayed firm till half way down. The only problem you will have is finding enough time to smoke it to the nub, this big boy lasted me 45 minutes and I was sorry when I had to finally lay it to rest. So good I immediately ordered another three to lay down and see how much better they can become.

This has been a really wonderful smoke and a great way to spend the best part of a couple of hours on an early weekend afternoon.My own personal experience with cigars has been that the one I smoke ROTT upon delivery usually gives me a pretty good idea of what's to come and I know that I now need to give these at least a month or two to rest and get used to my humidor before smoking another but it's not gonna be easy in this case!!