This corona-sized celebratory stick from H. Upmann comes draped in rare African Cameroon wrapper aged since 2014. The 5.5"x44 parejo costs $5.27 per cigar in 25-count boxes - surprisingly affordable given the vintage branding. When I fired up my third sample (resting at 65% RH since July), the burn started perfectly even while delivering milder nicotine kick than typical Dominican blends.
First Third: Immediate caramelized almond sweetness cuts through initial peppery spice. Wood notes lean toward cedar rather than oak. Zero bitterness despite fast burn rate.
Middle Third: Main event shows roasted coffee beans and cinnamon stick combo. Creamy texture emerges but nicotine remains gentle. Ash held 1.5" before first tap.
Final Third: Leather and baking chocolate take over. Minimal tar buildup at nub compared to most Cameroon-wrapped cigars. Stopped at 45-minute mark with mild tongue tingle.
The oily wrapper glistened under morning light with barely visible seams. All samples maintained razor-sharp burn lines without touch-ups. Draw resistance fell in the medium range - enough tension for flavor concentration without causing jaw fatigue.
Coconut water oddly amplified the cigar's natural sweetness, while espresso balanced it with pleasant bitterness. Skip hoppy beers - they clashed with the delicate spice notes.
