H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 Cigar - 1 Single

Date Added: Friday 03 June, 2016 by Staff

Reviewed by Joe Gellman

A box of cigars was deposited on my desk a few minutes ago. I was not expecting a shipment from C.GARS Ltd for another week and I was surprised by the delivery. I opened the box and was met by 25 dark, rich, cocoa brown wrapped cigars. It did not take me long to notice that this was the box I had been anticipating for over one-month.

When C.GARS Ltd suggested I buy the box I thought their description of the No. 1s was a bit over ebullient but, knowing them, I simply said "Send it."

While the aroma from the box gave the impression of a young cigar, the oils on the wrappers belied this fact. This box looked better than what I was expecting.

The construction of these cigars lacked a little finesse, all showing veins on the wrapper. While this did not detract from the enjoyment of the cigar, I always like to say what a gorgeous finish a cigar has (in my mind it adds to the smoking experience). The cigar I chose was the roughest looking one in the box.

All the cigars measured approximately 48 x 5; the variance in the length of the cigars was mainly due to the finish of the cap, some being flat, others rounder. Various tome on Cuban cigars measure it from 4 3/4 to 5 7/16 (the last, from Rudman's has got to be a printing error since I seriously doubt Upmann would produce such a long Robusto. The cigar shape is more correctly designated a Hermosos No. 4, and I enjoy this diameter more so that a 50 gauge cigar.

The cap was not a perfect "triple cap" but it was solidly placed. A view from the foot showed a fairly even bunching of the tobacco with some narrow open spaces in the filler. The foot was cut razor sharp.

Although uneven, the cap cut perfectly. It lit as if it was longing for the touch of my flame, and the first puff produced a most pleasant taste. The first impression is that of a hint of toast with undertones of wood. One has to be careful not to draw too hard on the cigar as it has a most excellent flow of smoke.

There is an almost immediate herbaceous taste, subtle yet verging on being open. I noticed a saltiness to the wrapper and an elusive hint of spice, perhaps pepper, but not harsh at all. I placed the cigar down and was able to smell a burnt wood aroma in the room (I quickly picked up the cigar to further enjoy this easy smoking Habano). I spent the better part of the first half of this cigar trying to remember what, in my past, could best describe what me senses revealed. For those of you who have the good fortune of living in an environ where late October is crisp, cold, and not yet laden with snow or torrents of precipitation, I can now pass on a memory that best describes the flavors and aromas of this cigar, for me. __ Kicking up fallen leaves in the street on a Halloween eve; the light spice of the wood, the gentle mustiness in the air and the fireplaces blazing...yes, that best describes this cigar.

The ash was solid and dark gray, crunching to the touch when it finally fell from the end, seeming to want to stay put until cajoled to leave its home. The cigar burned evenly from start to finish, never ran or went out; it almost smoked itself. The entire cigar remained firm to the last, and was cool at all times.

This cigar will never overwhelm you nor interfere with the flavors of a just finished meal. Considering the cost, this vitola is a must for anyone.