H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez

H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez

• Strength: 4 / 5
• Size: 6 x 54
• Origin: Nicaragua
• Price (local): $12.15
• Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
• Flavor Text:

With over 170 years of quality production under its belt, H. Upmann may not feel it necessary to collaborate. With a portfolio of cigars that keeps well in touch with a rich Cuban heritage, H. Upmann has kept to its roots very well and has developed a deserved following because of it. Fortunately for cigar enthusiasts everywhere, they’re open to partnering with some of the other bigs in the industry.

Working with blend master AJ Fernandez, H. Upmann has put together a bold yet classic blend that will appeal to all types of palates. This medium to full-bodied cigar is made of Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper surrounding Criollo ‘91 and Piloto Cubano fillers for a sweet but balanced taste that exude delicious hints of cocoa, spice, and roasted nuts. A delicious finish befitting the regal and historic H. Upmann name.

Great news! H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez very quickly received a 90-rating. The review notes, “This well-made robusto has an even draw that offers notes of black cherry and nuts with a sweet vanilla oakiness.”

I got asked recently if I ever give a bad review, and I responded with a "yes, sometimes." Truth be told, I would say one out of every ten reviews I write is a negative one. I generally find something to like about every cigar I smoke, and the same streak of positive reviews is going to apply to today's H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez, just so you know in advance. This cigar is fantastic. 

I enjoyed a few of these smokes over the summer initially in their Robusto form. I remember liking this cigar instantly, and the first few pulls featured a bit of cinnamon and other spice that I really found to be tasty. I wouldn't call it peppery in the least bit, but there were plenty of warm spices upon the first taste of this cigar that I really enjoyed. I remember the Robusto being so flavorful and smooth, and toeing the line perfectly between medium and full to the point that I largely viewed this cigar as a great every day smoke to be enjoyed whenever you would really like to. With a coffee, this cigar shines, as notes of chocolate, nuttiness, wood and spice dance around your palate to combine magnificently with a strong morning cup of coffee. 

I found the woodiness and nuttiness to be on full display once you get into the second two third of the cigar (the first third is highlighted by a warm spicy flavor that is delicious." There is a touch of vanilla in the back drop of this cigar the entire time, and while it is not strong, it's a very subtle hint of flavor that blends together with the notes that are more toward the forefront. Over the life of this cigar, I'd say the strength picks up a tad bit, and it reminds me of the Joya de Nicaragua in a way. To me, they have similar flavors with very different wrappers that give them both a unique and flavorful experience, but the notes seem to hit in the same way. The pepper intensifies a bit toward the end, but nothing outrageous, which causes me to score this cigar as a perfect middle ground between medium and full body smokes.

This is a fantastic cigar, built by the best in the business in AJ Fernandez for a company that has stood the test of time as far as smokes go. It's a bit of a punch, so newbies ought to maybe try other iterations of the Upmann like the Connecticut, but outside of those strictly-mild smokers, this cigar will be a real treat for anyone who is looking for a medium-full cigar that brings with it a lot of good flavor, an excellent draw, and a name with some serious credibility behind it. Give it a whirl.

Happy smoking! CB