Description
Indulge in the pinnacle of Cuban cigar artistry with the H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011, a limited-edition Churchill of medium strength that delivers a luxuriously smooth and complex profile. This Gran Reserva, crafted from meticulously aged 2011-harvest tobacco, unfolds with nuanced flavors of orange peel, leather, milk chocolate, and sweet hay, offering an unforgettable smoking experience for the discerning aficionado.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 15 |
|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 15 |
| Packaging Type | Black Lacquered Boîte Nature |
| Ideal For | Collectors, Special Occasions, Connoisseurs |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (proper humidor storage recommended) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Churchill (Julieta No. 2) |
| Length | 178 mm (7 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (2011 Vintage, Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (2011 Vintage, Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban (2011 Vintage, Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium (Mild-Medium, Building to Medium) |
| Body | Medium |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 2 hours 7 minutes |
| Factory | Handmade in Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Founded in 1844 by Hermann Dietrich Upmann, the H. Upmann brand stands as a pillar of Cuban cigar heritage. Upmann, a German banker, arrived in Havana with the intention of using his banking venture to finance the export of premium Cuban tobacco. Soon, the cigars themselves became the primary focus, establishing H. Upmann as a prestigious name in the world of Habanos.
Over the decades, H. Upmann has cultivated a reputation for producing elegant, well-balanced cigars favored by connoisseurs worldwide. The brand’s commitment to quality and consistency has cemented its place among the most respected names in the Cuban cigar industry. H. Upmann cigars are known for their refined character and subtle complexity, offering a sophisticated smoking experience that reflects the brand’s rich history.
The H. Upmann Sir Winston, a Churchill vitola, is a tribute to the iconic statesman and avid cigar smoker, Sir Winston Churchill. Churchill’s fondness for the 7×47 size, which he frequently enjoyed during his visits to Cuba in the 1940s, led to this vitola being named in his honor. The Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 elevates this classic cigar to new heights, showcasing the exceptional quality of aged Cuban tobacco.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The initial puffs of the H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 deliver a burst of bright, citrusy notes, with orange peel taking center stage. Complementing this are nuanced flavors of leather, creamy almonds, celery, sweet hay, earth, and milk chocolate. The retrohale introduces a touch of white pepper and caramel sweetness, adding depth to the experience. The smoke is thick and dense, with a mild-to-medium strength that gently awakens the palate.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses, the flavor profile evolves, with creamy peanut butter becoming a dominant note. The orange peel transitions into a cranberry tartness on the finish, providing a delightful contrast. A symphony of flavors unfolds, including nutmeg, baking spices, leather, milk chocolate, espresso, sweet hay, and earth, creating a complex and engaging experience. The retrohale intensifies the white pepper and caramel notes, adding a layer of warmth and spice.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final third, the flavors begin to meld together, creating a harmonious blend of leather, cocoa nibs, espresso, sweet hay, gritty earth, and caramel. The strength of the cigar increases slightly, reaching just over medium. While some reviewers have noted a minor muddiness in the flavors during this stage, the overall experience remains enjoyable and satisfying. The final third offers a rich and robust culmination to the smoking journey.
Finish
The finish of the H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 is lively and deeply rewarding, leaving a lingering impression of creamy caramel sweetness and subtle white pepper. The aftertaste is clean, mellow, and satisfying, ensuring a memorable and pleasurable smoking experience from beginning to end.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Orange Peel, Leather, Peanut Butter |
| Secondary Notes | Milk Chocolate, Sweet Hay, Espresso Beans |
| Tertiary Notes | Baking Spices, Nutmeg, Earth |
| Finish | Creamy Caramel, White Pepper |
| Aroma | Sweet Orange Peel, Creamy Milk Chocolate, Cinnamon, Leather, Earth, Cedar, Hay, Manure |
Aging and Collector Value
The H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 is not only a remarkable cigar to enjoy now but also a valuable addition to any collector’s humidor. Having already undergone at least five years of aging since the 2011 harvest, the tobacco has developed a silky smoothness and exceptional complexity. Further cellaring can enhance these qualities, allowing the flavors to integrate even more seamlessly and create a truly sublime smoking experience.
With additional aging, any initial pepperiness will mellow, while the caramel, chocolate, and earthy notes will become more pronounced. The cigar’s exceptional quality, stemming from the outstanding 2011 harvest, ensures that it will remain vibrant and flavorful for years to come. For optimal results, store the cigars in a humidor at a consistent 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F). Using Spanish cedar in your humidor can further enhance the flavor marriage and preserve the integrity of this limited-edition treasure. Aim for a total aging period of 7-10 years from the harvest date for the most refined experience.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Rum | The rich caramel and vanilla notes of aged rum complement the cigar’s sweetness and marzipan nuances, creating a harmonious pairing. |
| Single Malt Scotch | The smoky and peaty character of a single malt Scotch enhances the cigar’s leather and pepper notes, adding depth and complexity to the experience. |
| Bourbon | The smooth, oaky flavors of bourbon pair well with the cigar’s creamy texture and subtle spice, creating a balanced and satisfying combination. |
| Espresso | The bold, intense flavor of espresso amplifies the cigar’s chocolate and coffee notes, creating a rich and stimulating pairing. |
| VSOP Cognac | The fruity and floral aromas of VSOP cognac balance the cigar’s citrus and earthy notes, creating a sophisticated and elegant pairing. |
| Dark Chocolate | The bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts beautifully with the cigar’s sweetness and nuttiness, creating a decadent and indulgent experience. |
Authenticity Verification
We guarantee the authenticity of every H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 cigar we sell. Our cigars are sourced directly from authorized Habanos S.A. distributors, ensuring that you receive only genuine products. To further protect our customers, we provide detailed information on how to verify the authenticity of your cigars.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box of authentic Habanos cigars features a holographic seal on the right-hand side. This seal contains a unique serial number that can be verified on the Habanos S.A. website.
- Box Code Verification – Every box of Habanos cigars is stamped with a unique factory code. This code can be used to verify the authenticity of the cigars and trace their origin.
- Factory Stamp – Authentic Habanos cigars are stamped with a factory code indicating the specific factory where they were produced. This stamp provides an additional layer of verification.
- Triple Cap – Habanos cigars are known for their distinctive triple cap, which is meticulously applied by skilled cigar rollers. This feature is a hallmark of authentic Cuban cigars.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 taste like?
The H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 offers a complex and nuanced flavor profile, with dominant notes of orange peel, leather, milk chocolate, and sweet hay. It also exhibits hints of peanut butter, cranberry, white pepper, caramel sweetness, and espresso beans. The cigar’s flavors evolve throughout the smoking experience, providing a dynamic and engaging journey for the palate.
How long does it take to smoke an H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva?
The H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 typically takes approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes to smoke. This allows ample time to savor the cigar’s intricate flavors and enjoy its smooth, creamy smoke. The exact smoking time may vary depending on individual smoking habits and environmental conditions.
Is the H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva 2011 worth the price?
The H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 is a premium, limited-edition cigar crafted from meticulously aged tobacco. Its exceptional quality, complex flavor profile, and rarity make it a worthwhile investment for discerning cigar aficionados and collectors. The cigar offers a unique and unforgettable smoking experience that justifies its price point.
How should I store my H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva cigars?
To preserve the quality and flavor of your H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011 cigars, it is essential to store them in a humidor at a consistent 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F). Avoid fluctuations in temperature and humidity, as these can negatively impact the cigars’ flavor and construction. Spanish cedar lining in the humidor can further enhance the cigars’ flavor and aroma.
