H. Upmann Connoisseur A Cigar Review

Brand Name: H. Upmann Connoisseur A
Length: 5 1/2 inches (140 mm)
Ring: 52
Score: 4.75/5

General Information

The H. Upmann Connoisseur A Cigar blends Cuban tobaccos from the Vuelta Abajo region. It's a Hermosos No. 4 vitola and offers a medium-bodied smoking experience. It started shipping in October 2013 and is only available at La Casa del Habano shops and Habanos Specialists. It comes in boxes of 25, costing around 12 € each in Europe and ~$15 each.

Appearance

It has a nice big band covering much of the top third, a light to medium brown wrapper. There are a few fine veins, and the wrapper is smooth overall. Appearance rating: 4.75/5.

Construction

Pre-draw is perfect. The cigar smokes well, but the thick wrapper doesn't burn regularly, needing several corrections. Construction rating: 4/5.

Flavor

First third: Cedar, white pepper, damp earth, nutty flavor, sweet aftertaste (possibly honey or caramel), and a dash of salt.
Middle third: Bolder and stronger flavors, more prominent white pepper, balanced flavors, with earth, cinnamon, and leather in the foreground, and cedar in the backdrop.
Final third: Burn issues disappear. Cedar and earth are in the foreground, along with white pepper, caramel, and tea. Flavor rating: 5/5.

Value

At around $15 each, it's not cheap. Draw and burn issues detract a bit. Otherwise, value would be 5/5 due to rich and complex flavors. Value rating: 4.5/5.