H. Upmann Connossieur No. 1

The H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 immediately fits into a very Cuban, sober, and traditional register. When cold, the nose sets the tone with notes of hay and a clear woodiness, already giving an impression of classicism.

Tasting Notes

Lighting is effortless and the cigar quickly settles in: the first puffs deliver a frank woodiness, slightly toasted, accompanied by a clearly perceptible black pepper that adds relief right from the start. The combustion inspires confidence, with a compact ash of a rather light gray, while the draw, a bit tight at first, gradually opens up during the first third to become more comfortable.

Entering the second third, the smoke becomes more generous and the cigar gains presence in the mouth. The texture remains somewhat dry at this stage, although the overall impression is rounder than at the start. It is also at this moment that the profile thickens: notes of undergrowth appear, deeper, accompanied by a touch of nuts that rounds out the aromatic palette without radically transforming it.

The final third confirms this gentle evolution. The sensations become rounder, the smoke gains creaminess, and the balance improves, while maintaining a clearly woody dominance. The finish warms slightly, without any real slip, and prolongs this impression of a steady tasting, without breaks or big surprises. In the end, the Connoisseur No. 1 offers a classic and fairly linear experience, centered on wood, undergrowth, and nuts, with a hint of spice at the opening. A safe bet for those seeking a Cuban faithful to its codes, more focused on continuity than complexity, with an actual duration of about 50 to 60 minutes.

Pairing

A classic pairing with a dark rum will wonderfully satisfy your palate. Prefer a rather light alcohol so as not to overpower this cigar.