SLR Series ‘A’ & H.Upmann Lonsdale

[Mark Twain]

The SLR Series ‘A’ came from a cabinet of 50 cigars with a box code of 2003. I have smoked through most of this cabinet and I can say that I’m an avowed SLR ****. I find the flavor profile unique and I enjoy smoking most of the sizes in the brand.

The cigar has consistent construction and a slightly rough appearance. I noticed a subdued smell around the foot of the cigar. The smell was fragrant and I could barely detect it over the thick smell of hearty tobacco that I found to be present.

The cigar drew beautifully and I had no need for touchups now that I’m using my blazer lighter. The opening draw produced a redolence of smoke that carried an interesting note of semi-sweetness with it that tasted like wheat grass.

There are complex patterns and flavors that appeared and changed during the smoking experience. I enjoyed most of them and I believe many of the them rested in the vegetal pattern of flavor. I cannot place the other smells and flavors. They were simply too exotic to mention or define in empirical terms.

This was a mild, pleasant smoking experience that demonstrated the quality of the brand nicely. I highly enjoyed the cigar and look forward to

H.Upmann Lonsdale

This came from a dress box with a box code of 2000. I haven’t smoked very many H.Upmann s. I choose the Lonsdale because it happens to be one of my favorite vitolas.

The cigar is beautiful and it has a slight musty smell to it. There is a firm draw, but not too tight to call it plugged. I would just call it a little awkward.

I had burn troubles from the opening light. This never seemed to go away. The wrapper had a char mark on it that looked unappealing. I think this gave the cigar a slightly gummy taste that was unpleasant.

The overall flavor patterns were an amazingly rich assortment of coffee and tobacco. I enjoyed this, however, I did not enjoy the strange taste the wrapper produced. The cigar filler burned faster than the wrapper at the half waypoint. I thought about chucking the cigar, but I kept a slow and steady smoking pace and the cigar settled down and the burn improved slightly.

I would say this cigar was an average performer for a 2000 Habanos. I found no outstanding moments with this cigar.

[bassman]

SLR Serie A has consistantly been one of my favorite cigars. I consider them medium rather than mild. Still have a good suuply of 02s & 03s, so have no idea how the recent ones are. And for whatever reasons, I never liked the 01s.

[The Wise Old owl]

Great reviews, now, tell me about the ashtray! I love it!

[Colt45]

Nice reviews. I've not tried the Upmann, but have been smoking from abox of '02 SLR A.

I like them, but don't love them. In general, I find them having great depth in the body department,

but lacking in the flavor department.

[sleeper]

To my taste, a nicely aged Upmann Lonnie is the best of breed when they draw. Unfortunately, the dowels are abound, especially from '00-01.

[El Presidente]

Thank you for the excellent reviews!

SLR Serie A .....hit an miss for me but few other cigars have such a loyal band of followers. The 06 that I have sampled are stronger in blend which suits me because they maintain the SLR complexity but with a little more hit.

The Upmann Lonsdales from 2000 are very hit and miss. At their best they are cofee and honey Lonsdales of the highest order. At their worst they are so poorly constructed that they can be used as fence posts. Still, you always remember the great ones and it keeps you going back.