H. Upmann Connossieur A

Overall Score

1 review for H. Upmann Connossieur A

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    Cigar Inspector

    H. Upmann Connossieur A

    Origin : CubaH. Upmann
    Format : Robusto Extra (Genios)
    Size : 5.5 x 52 (140 x 20 mm)
    Ring : 52
    Hand-Made
    Price : ~$15

    The H. Upmann Connossieur A is quite a recent release: it started shipping to eligible shops in October 2013. It’s a robusto extra or a Genios (factory name), which you might already be familiar with (hint: Cohiba Genios).

    Anyway, the first thing to know about this release is that it’s only available at La Casa del Habano shops and Habanos Specialists. Habanos Specialist is a label created by Habanos SA to distinguish shops that carry a wide selection of Cubans and can offer relevant advice. There are more than 500 Habanos Specialists worldwide.

    The Connossieur A is available in boxes of 25 and is costs around 12 € each in Europe. I picked up a few of those in Prague and was really looking forward to trying them out, H. Upmann being a brand I really appreciate.

    Appearance : [rating:4.75/5] (4.75)
    This is a fine-looking cigar with a nice big band (actually, in person it looks fairly enormous, and covers much of the top third of the cigar), beautiful presentation, and a light to medium brown wrapper. A few fine veins are evident, but it’s a very smooth wrapper overall.

    Construction : [rating:4/5]
    No complaints about the construction before the light up, the pre-draw is perfect. The cigar smokes well overall, my only complaint is about the burn which requires quite a few corrections. Indeed, the wrapper is thick and doesn’t burn regularly. Not a big deal, but it is a slight detractor.

    H. Upmann Connossieur A

    Flavor : [rating:5/5]
    Some serious wood flavors are coming in at the beginning. I’m being hit by plenty of cedar, and a white blast of pepper. In the backdrop is something that tastes like damp earth. There is definitely some nutty flavor coming and going as well. Some kind of sweet aftertaste is present as well, possibly honey or caramel. There is also just a dash of salt, giving it an interesting, unexpected edge. Overall, a very complex beginning!

    The flavors are even bolder and stronger in the middle third, and the cigar is producing plenty of thick, aromatic smoke. The white pepper is even more prominent during the middle third, but overall the flavors seem even more balanced. The cedar has fallen to the backdrop, with the earth coming to the foreground along with cinnamon and leather.

    By the final third, the burn issues seem to have gone away, with the cedar and earth in the foreground. The other flavors from the first and second thirds are present as well, including the white pepper, caramel, and also some tea which started to show up during the second third. Overall the flavors have been consistent from start to finish, but have woven together in an interesting and appealing way, with plenty of change along the way from moment to moment.

    Value : [rating:4.5/5]
    At around $15 each, these are not a cheap buy. At that price, I would have preferred not to have any issues with the draw or burn. Otherwise, I would give the value a 5/5, because the flavors are so rich and complex.

    H. Upmann Connossieur A

    Overall Rating : [rating:4.75/5] (4.75)
    The bold, complex flavors won me over easily, and the presentation was wonderful. I really enjoyed the H. Upmann Connossieur A, and will definitely be trying it again. I can always hope that the construction problems were a one-off, and that the next one will have a perfect burn and draw to match the delectable blend of flavors.

    Helpful?
    0 0
    • FRon

      Definitely comes on well after the first third. Classic cuban

    • Mike R

      Only tried one, but for me it doesn’t justify the price premium over the superb and incredibly affordable Connoisseur No 1.

    • Juha Murto

      It’s so young. Give it couple more years and the construction problems are gone. And the humidity level has a huge affect on construction. Cubans should be kept at 60%-65% humidity level. Thanks for the great review. Cheers!

    • Marty

      As of late, I love anything Upmann! Bought ,and had, my first Sir Winnie and half corona last month. These are definitely next on my radar. Your review has my anticipation anxious!

    • Ross

      Thanks for a top notch review. I’ve had this stick recently and enjoyed it a lot, must be one of the best Cubans I tried this year.

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Cigar Region Cuba
Filler Cuban
Wrapper Cuba
Binder Cuba
Length 5 1/2
Ring Gauge 52
Vitola Corona Extra
Construction Hand Made