H Upmann No. 2

[Ophidion]

Every time I smoke a cigar I take some quick notes on my phone, take some pictures and focus way more on the cigar than anything else going around me.

So here is my review on the first H Upmann No 2 I've had:

Pre-light:

The wrapper is very smooth with no obvious veins, bumps or any other "abnormalities". The foot is packed but not overstuffed and there are no noticeable differences on the squeeze test. I cut the cigar with my Palio double guillotine and took the first pre-light draw. The draw was fairly loose, but still offered some resistance with slight hints of wet hay and sweet, well cured tobacco. The cold draw didn't offer much in terms of what to expect and the smell that was given off wasn't overly telling as to what I would be experiencing.

1/3:

After toasting the foot and taking another cold draw I still didn't notice much in terms of flavor other than the same flavors experienced in the initial cold draw. Upon taking the first pull I noticed a slight bite of black pepper with a very strong wood finish (almost like a combination of pencil shavings and cedar) with a hint of sweetness on the short finish. There was a slight vanilla note that was backed up with a mild leather body that was only present on the initial pull and didn't stick around much after the exhale. The finish was dry, but still very pleasant.

2/3:

The wood notes dropped the pencil shavings and continued with a slight cedar and the spice has fallen off completely. The vanilla is picking up in steam and there is a semi sweetness that I cant really pin down to any specific flavor other than "semi sweet". The leather body has also picked up and sticks around well after the exhale. The burn and draw are spot on and I haven't had any issues keeping it lit and burning well. At this point the cigar is a solid medium, as in right in the middle in terms of flavor and strength.

3/3:

Incredibly obvious wood notes at this point that has been joined by a solid core of leather. The flavors are intense, but in perfect harmony with the other flavors which at this point are pepper, wood, leather and some of that semi-sweetness. The draw and burn remain very solid and the ash is holding on very strong like a dark grey pillar.

Overall feelings (aww, feelings)

I got very lucky on this box. It is young, but the construction, amount of oils and flavor are already very good and make me think that age is going to make this box incredible.

This is one cigar that was suggested I try from someone who's opinion on habanos I regard highly. I have smoked a few H Upmanns before, the 46, 48, 50 and they have all been great, minus a few plugged 50s. I think the best way to describe this cigar is a brighter, younger brother to the Monte 2. The flavor profiles between the two cigars, I have found, are very similar with the only real difference being intensity of flavors and strength with the Monte 2 being the stronger of the two. Its almost as if the H Upmann 2 is a light roast Costa Rican coffee, while the Monte is a dark roast Colombian.

I highly recommend this cigar if you like the monte 2 and want something with a similar flavor profile that is a little more "exciting".

[Len]

Very Nice! I love the HU2 and MC2 equally, kind of like loving your kids. They're different but love them just the same.

[isa]

Great review, thanks

[cottierm]

Thanks for the review. You will see major improvements in aging in the Upmann no. 2. And although MC no. 2 and Upmann no. 2 are two different beasts, I'm more sided with the Upmann which has always had a tremendous potential down the line.

Best,

Michel

[Ophidion]

I would never have appreciated this cigar had it been in the first few months of my smoking "career". I started out with much stronger Dominican and Nicaraguan sticks and thought that power = enjoyment. Not until I had my first lighter habano did I realize that there was a place for different cigars with different flavors, intensities and complexities. This will definety be a staple in my humidor.

[jacktarnold]

I've really enjoyed HU2s. It is one of my go to cigars. Fantastic review and they only get better with time.

[newyorkcity]

Thanks for the fine review and the pictures. You are right on target about these H Up2's vs. the M2's... Today the H Up2's are clearly better than the M2's for me. They will be truly outstanding in just another year when they are pulled outta my humidor (if I can wait that long!).

[Artur]

Thanks for the review.

Tasted first time HUp2 and I'm really pleased.

[Dbone]

I've been smoking more and more Upmann, although not a No2. I'm not a big fan of the vitola but with all the hype I may just have to jump on the bandwagon. Thanks for the review

[SteveGriff]

Nice review, as it's making me thinking about buying a couple of singles. Possibly a good change of pace torpedo for me.

[Charltonc]

I had a 2001 last week that blew me away. I hear the fresh H. Upmann has been superb lately. I think I need to stock up.

[iGrizz]

Nice review! How does the H. Upmann No. 2 compare to the Monte No.2? Have yet to try the H. Upmann because of cost. Wish they came in boxes of ten or even packs of three.

[Ophidion]

I prefer the hup2 to the monte 2 only because of flavor profile. They each have their place but the hup2 has the consistency.