H Upmann No 2

Description

You know the feeling when you want the sophisticated shape of a torpedo, but you are tired of reaching for the same Montecristo everyone else is smoking. That is the exact moment the H. Upmann No. 2 steps in. It solves the dilemma of wanting a prestigious, tapered format without dealing with the inconsistency or ubiquity of its more famous cousin. This cigar offers a distinct, savory profile that rewards the smoker who is looking for nuance rather than just raw power.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The ritual begins with the cut. Because of the tapered head, you have control over the draw; clip a little for a tighter pull or a bit more for an open airflow. Once you apply the flame, the first thing you notice is not a blast of pepper, but a warm wave of baking spices. Nutmeg and fresh cinnamon sticks are front and center, sitting on top of a very distinct savory note that reminds many smokers of salted peanuts. The smoke itself is thick and heavy, coating the palate with a texture similar to whole milk. It is incredibly smooth right out of the gate, lacking any harsh edges even in younger samples. The aroma in the room is sweet and inviting, signaling that this is going to be a refined session.

Mid-Section: As the burn line passes the first inch, the cigar settles into its stride. The initial spice calms down, allowing a rich, creamy character to take over. You will start to pick up notes of milk chocolate and a woody sweetness that resembles cedar baking in the sun. The construction on these Piramides is generally superior, producing a dark grey ash that holds on for a surprisingly long time. The strength is definitely present, but it does not bully you. It hovers right at the medium mark, giving you enough body to know you are smoking a serious Havana, but leaving enough room to analyze the shifting flavors. A subtle vanilla note, which you might have smelled on the wrapper before lighting, often peeks through here.

Final Third: This is where the H. Upmann No. 2 separates itself from the pack. The intensity ramps up, bringing darker flavors to the surface. The milk chocolate morphs into a more robust cocoa, and the cedar transitions into a deeper oak and leather profile. If you smoke slowly, you are rewarded with a finish that tastes like roasted coffee beans and heavy cream. There is often a delicate floral quality that appears in the final inches, acting as a counterweight to the earthier tones. It keeps the smoke from becoming bitter or muddy. The nub stays cool if you respect the format and take your time, leaving you with a clean, leathery aftertaste that lingers pleasantly.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind H. Upmann

The history of this brand is tied directly to the banking world of the 19th century. Herman Upmann was a German banker who moved to Havana in 1844 and started producing cigars specifically for his most important clients back in Europe. The brand is one of the oldest in the Habanos portfolio and has maintained a reputation for elegance over nearly two centuries. A famous piece of trivia involves President John F. Kennedy. Before signing the embargo against Cuba, he instructed his press secretary to secure 1,200 H. Upmann cigars for his personal humidor. Only after he had his stash secured did he sign the decree. That story alone speaks volumes about the consistency and allure of these blends.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: El Dorado 15 – The deep brown sugar and molasses notes in this Demerara rum latch onto the salted peanut and nutmeg flavors of the cigar, creating a dessert-like combination.
• Whiskey: Macallan 18 Sherry Oak – The dried fruit and ginger spice from the sherry casks provide a brilliant bridge to the baking spices found in the cigar’s first third.
• Coffee: Cuban espresso – A sweet, strong cortadito cuts right through the creamy texture of the smoke, cleansing the palate and highlighting the roasted coffee notes in the finish.

Ideal For

This is a cigar for the enthusiast who values patience and precision. While they smoke well when young, the H. Upmann No. 2 is legendary for its aging potential; hiding a box away for five to eight years transforms it into something truly spectacular. It is perfect for a late afternoon session when you have ninety minutes to dedicate to the evolution of the smoke. If you enjoy the pyramid format but find other brands too earthy or aggressive, this savory, nutty blend is exactly what you need.