HU Connoisseur #1 BRE SEP 17 (49SRW)

[TobaccoRoad]

Today I'm reviewing an HU Connie #1. The date on the box is from Septemer of 2017, I've had the box since early October 2019. The cigar is firmly packed with very little give and after a straight cut I'm not surprised with the resulting tight draw. Not tight enough that I have to use a draw tool but a little tighter than I'd prefer. Barely discernible spice flavor on the cold draw.

First third: Starts out with a slightly underwhelming smoke output and very mild flavors. Mostly leather with some woody notes but the retrohale is very enjoyable. Nutty and sweet with just a hint of pepper as I progress. I like the retro so much, I'm doing it just a little on every puff.

Second third: Draw begins to open up as does the smoke output. Having pacing issues with this one. Feel like I'm fighting to keep it burning sometimes, then when I get it going good it get's too hot. As long as I work to keep it in the sweet spot the flavors are good though. Same as the first third but adding a sort of sweet metallic aftertaste. The retro is still my favorite part of the puff. Trying to go easy so I don't burn my nose out.

Final third: Still fighting the pace. This cigar is fighting me all the way. The flavors and the retrohale get really intense as I get near the band and turn bitter soon after. A little disappointed because the final third has been my favorite on the rest of the cigars I've smoked from this box. This one was really good for the end of the second third and the beginning of the final one, but overall not outstanding.

Conclusion: Sometimes I just don't get in sync with the cigar. Not sure if it's me or the cigar. But that was the case with this one. I've definitely had better from this box.

Score: 7.5 out of 10