PSP vs HQ

[cardinalfan85]

Just got my first order in today, a sampler of the H. Upmann #2 psp/hq that El Prez posted a couple of weeks ago. I chose this sampler as I wanted to get a baseline for what is great (hq) and what is the cream of the crop(psp).

A question for you folks who know this cigar: 4 of the cigars have a reddish tint and the other 4 are a darker brown, which ones are the PSP? I like the look of the reddish ones better but I thought the darker brown ones might be the psp because the oils make it darker. Either way they all look great, and I can't wait to fire one up!

[willzbar]

I'm curious as well, since I bought that same sampler.

[forgop]

I'd recommend watching the video describing the grading system. That should be able to help you in identifying which is which.

From my experience, the higher quality results in a darker wrapper, more oily, and better aroma.

[TheLiquidGator]

I'd just smoke the buggars. PSP/HQ you cannot go wrong either way.

[cardinalfan85]

Got it. I'll give it another watch and try to pay better attention!

[zrotfus]

Hmm I feel like I'm still learning the ropes around here but I don't think wrapper color will ever tell you the whole story when it comes to PSP vs HQ, or general cigar quality for that matter. I've seen Rob mention that dark wrappers that are thick will not outperform a thinner wrapper that doesn't look as dark and oily. Not to say that your initial judgment on which is which is wrong, just that there's more that goes into it (construction, aroma, etc).

[shlomo]

PSP and HQ is based on looks, feel and odour. While the grading system can help avoid some tight, loose or dull cigars, it is far from a guarantee of a great cigar. Smoke and enjoy.

[SCgarman]

There are roughly 67 shades of wrapper color. A beautiful dark, oily wrapper does not guarantee the cigar will be great. Rob tends to grade the dark oily wrappers the highest. This is a totally subjective matter. Some of the best smokes I have had were just ordinary chestnut brown matte wrapped cigars. Anyway, light one up and enjoy!

[tomj]

I have gotten an hand picked RASS ,HQ BBF, and a PSP BRC from 24:24.I have not smoked any as of yet because I am trying to age them a few years(very hard to do). The Bolivar Royal corona (PSP) looks and smells incredible...well they all do. In my humble opinion you cannot go wrong on any 24:24.

[Lasabar]

HQ and PSP mean a good cigar...

If you want to sleep better at night usually PSP is dark and oily. But either way, HQ on up and the cigar is gonna knock some socks off.

Smoke 'em, enjoy 'em and realize that is the grand scheme of things you will remember the overall consensus of a cigar, not that ONE that was supposed to be PSP.

Either way the Prez delivers the goods better than most so you're in good hands.

[lostsoulcamero]

I think he grades the cigars on themselves knowing which brand and size requires which wrapper and smell

[JohnS]

That indeed was a nice sampler, the LUB May 14 8-pack PSP/HQ H.Upmann No.2 of cigars which Rob had said was smoking really well...in the top 3 this year.

Dark wrappers or pale wrappers, it's dependant on the marca...oils and potential for aging is a big consideration too. As for H.Upmann No. 2, I can't say what is specifically PSP or HQ, I'm just happy to have picked up a sampler pack myself. Mine all had darker wrappers.

[cardinalfan85]

Thanks guys for all the replies. I will most certainly smoke and enjoy them! I see that it's more than just color that differentiates the 2. Maybe someday I won't be such a Noob!

[jdo2110]

Thanks guys for all the replies. I will most certainly smoke and enjoy them! I see that it's more than just color that differentiates the 2. Maybe someday I won't be such a Noob!

I'd want to know as well, so there is certainly no harm in asking!! What I'd want to know more, is what the box codes were.

That's certainly not a guarantee either, but if someone is going to allow me to pick, then I might as well go after what's hot.

I agree with you, the reddish hue on the wrapper would be more appealing to my eye. Let us know how they taste!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Boosted]

I'd want to know as well, so there is certainly no harm in asking!! What I'd want to know more, is what the box codes were.

That's certainly not a guarantee either, but if someone is going to allow me to pick, then I might as well go after what's hot.

I agree with you, the reddish hue on the wrapper would be more appealing to my eye. Let us know how they taste!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The box code stated on that 24:24 post was LUB MAY 14. Edit, I read that wrong, and I thought you were asking what it was.

[earthson]

Make it a game! Smoke one of each, check in again in 3-6 months, then again in 12-18! See if you can guess Rob's call!

[cardinalfan85]

Make it a game! Smoke one of each, check in again in 3-6 months, then again in 12-18! See if you can guess Rob's call!

I'll try!

[deejank]

does anyone know if green watermarks are acceptable for HQ select boxes? I know it doesn't affect taste, just wondering since its based so much on appearance of wrapper

[Fuzz]

Appearance is just one factor. Aroma and construction are also taken into account. I personally don't mind the small green marks or angel's kisses.

[deejank]

Appearance is just one factor. Aroma and construction are also taken into account. I personally don't mind the small green marks or angel's kisses.

Right but is it considered HQ grade acceptable?

[santela]

I think it might be more interesting if you smoke them without knowing which is which, then you can decide if there is an actual difference or not without any bias.

[El Presidente]

does anyone know if green watermarks are acceptable for HQ select boxes? I know it doesn't affect taste, just wondering since its based so much on appearance of wrapper

I have never seen small green watermarks as a flaw in a cigar. You will actually see them from time to time in the photo's.

PSP is representative of the top 5% of what I see in a marque/vitola (over time). Some months have none.

HQ is representative of the next 15% of what i see in a Marque/vitola (over time). Most mastercases have some. Some times there are none.

[topdiesel]

Whenever I open a box from the prez, I am punched in the face with barnyard. That is all I need to know. I honestly can't tell the difference between hq and psp. They are both great.