Among the storied vitolas that have survived decades of shifting tastes, the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 stands out as a quiet benchmark for classic Cuban character. First appearing before the 1960s, this handmade parejo has never left the brand’s regular catalog, offering smokers a reliable, medium‑strength experience in an elegant 5‑inch format.
Heritage and History
The Connoisseur No. 1 can trace its lineage to a time when H. Upmann was building its reputation on hand‑rolled excellence. Its presence in the brand’s portfolio has been uninterrupted since those early years, a testament to its balanced profile and consistent construction. Despite the rise of newer releases and limited editions, the cigar has retained its place in the line‑up, appealing to both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers seeking a taste of vintage Cuban craftsmanship.
Technical Specifications
- Vitola: Connoisseur No. 1
- Factory name: Hermosos No. 4
- Ring gauge: 48
- Length: 127 mm (≈ 5 inches)
- Weight: 10.86 g
- Construction: Handmade
- Status: Ongoing regular production
The cigar is typically packaged in a slide‑lid box holding 25 units. In 2014, a short‑run of varnished semi‑boîte nature boxes containing 10 cigars was introduced as a limited‑edition option, but this format was discontinued the same year, making those small boxes a minor collector’s item.
Band Designs and the Spelling Curiosity
The visual identity of the Connoisseur No. 1 has undergone several revisions. Early production, prior to roughly 2005, was shipped without any band at all. After that, the cigar received the standard H. Upmann “B” band, later transitioning to the “C” band. A notable shift occurred in 2021 when a bespoke band bearing the exact phrase “Connossieur No. 1” was introduced, granting the vitola its own distinct emblem.
Coinciding with the 2021 band, a gold ribbon inside each box also displays the “Connossieur” spelling. Interestingly, the outer labeling on the box still retains the traditional “Connoisseur” spelling, creating a subtle mismatch that has drawn attention from collectors who enjoy tracking such quirks.
Special Festival Release
During the 2014 Habanos Festival in Havana, a one‑off batch was crafted specifically for the event. These cigars were packaged in 10‑count boxes and featured a special Festival XIII band alongside the standard “B” band. After the festival concluded, additional boxes from the same production run entered the global market, although those later releases lacked the exclusive festival band, leaving only the standard H. Upmann markings.
Tasting Notes and Ratings
Feedback from the enthusiast community paints a picture of a well‑balanced smoke. Aggregating 75 user reviews yields an overall score of 3.84 out of 5. The cigar is praised for its elegance and harmony between strength and flavor, delivering a medium‑bodied profile with notes of cedar, honey, and a faint hint of cocoa. Its construction ensures an even burn and a smooth draw, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable choice for both casual and ritualistic occasions.
Whether you are drawn to its historical staying power, its evolving visual branding, or its consistently smooth flavor, the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 remains a classic that endures through the ages.
