Let's talk about this H. Upmann Connecticut Robusto that's been sitting in my humidor for six weeks. At 5"x52 with that creamy Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, it's like the Swiss Army knife of morning cigars - reliable but with a few surprises up its sleeve. Priced around $8.88 per stick in boxes of 20, it's that perfect mid-tier option when you want quality without breaking the bank.
Cold draw gives that signature Connecticut sweetness - think bakery window. Initial puffs deliver toasted almonds swimming in heavy cream, with just enough white pepper to keep it from being cloying. Smoke output's modest but velvety, perfect for that first coffee.
Here's where the Dominican filler flexes muscle. The cream evolves into browned butter territory while cedar notes emerge. Caught faint whispers of honeydew melon at the halfway point - unexpected but welcome. Burn line stayed razor-sharp without touch-ups.
Nicaraguan tobacco comes knocking with roasted coffee beans and dry hay. The sweetness dials back to a wheat cracker finish. Stopped at 1.5" nub - nicotine buildup stays polite but the wrapper started tasting bitter past this point.
The maduro cap (nice touch) held firm through perfect V-cut. Draw resistance walked that fine line between effortless and substantial. Packing density felt uniform - no hard/soft spots. Ash held strong in 1" segments, salt-and-pepper coloration showing good fermentation.
Pair this with oolong tea instead of coffee. The floral notes amplify the cigar's hidden honeydew aspects. Skip if you're craving full-bodied power, but it's a champ for Sunday paper reading or Zoom call smokes.
