H. Upmann No. 2 Cigar - 1 Single

Date Added: Friday 03 June, 2016 by Staff

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!