Let's cut straight to this Honduran-made stick blending five-year-aged tobaccos. The H. Upmann 1844 Anejo Robusto comes in boxes of 25 with its 5"x50 parejo frame, wrapped in oily Ecuador Habano leaf. At $182 per box, it positions itself as a premium daily smoker rather than pure special occasion material. What caught my eye? That Pennsylvania broadleaf binder giving structural integrity to Nicaraguan/Honduran/Dominican filler leaves.
Initial draws release cedar shavings and black pepper - more punch than expected from the medium-full rating. The Pennsylvania binder shows its muscle with tight ash formation. Some smokers report draw resistance here; mine had perfect airflow. Watch for erratic burns if humidity dips below 65%.
At the 1.5" mark, flavors pivot to leather and cocoa powder. The Honduran filler's earthy base emerges, accompanied by baking spices. Smoke output remains moderate - not a fog machine like some Nicaraguan puros. Retrohale cautiously; white pepper lingers in nostrils.
Last two inches introduce coffee bean bitterness balanced by caramelized sweetness. Strength builds noticeably - nicotine-sensitive smokers might stop here. I pushed through to nub territory, rewarded with intensified chocolate notes but accumulating tar.
This añejo lives up to its aged tobacco claims with smooth transitions despite the flavor density. Box purchase makes sense given its consistency across samples. While not replacing my go-to Cuban Upmanns, it's a viable alternative when seeking fuller-bodied New World options. The real test? How it develops with 6+ months rest - that Pennsylvania binder might mellow the peppery edges.
