This piramides is one of my favorite cigar sizes. The cigar dates from January 1997 and was gifted from an old collegue and passionate cigar lover, Trae Zammit. Trae opened “The Smokin’ Cigar” shop in Toronto, Canada in March 1997, and acquired a lot of cigars from that period of which he still keeps some boxes as a reminder of where it all started. His walk in humidor is one of the top in the greater Toronto area.
On to the cigar!
ABOUT THE CIGAR – H. Upmann :: Upmann No. 2
BOX DATE: 1997
SIZE: 52 X 6.1 inches.
FACTORY NAME: Piramides
I decided to try a V Cut on this Piramide. If you haven’t tried a V Cut on this shape cigar, go ahead, it’s a fun experience.
1st Part
This H. Upmann is quite full bodied and has very pronounced flavours. I’m picking up some cedar and woody notes on the palette. For a 22 year old cigar, the strength and power is much higher than expected. When I think of H. Upmann’s flavor profile, I imagine earthy, rich tobacco flavours. This Upmann No. 2 is not showing that at the beginning stages. Perhaps due to its’ age, or perhaps the blends were slightly different in 1997.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable cigar.
2nd part
As opposed to what normally happens when enjoying a cigar, the strength intensity has diminished. The cigar evolved a few times, and instead of overthinking it, I decided to simply sit back and just enjoy it. After all, that is the point!
As it progressed, the cedar wood has slowly evolved into roasted cashews. What an interesting H. Upmann.
3rd part
The final chapter of this cigar had a much stronger and satisfying finish than Jon Snow and his dragon filled cast did. It was strong, flavourful and definitely worth the wait for the final build up.
SUMMARY
I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying some aged cigars, mostly between 10 and 25 years old. One of the things I have learned is that depending on what stage you happen to smoke the cigar in its’ ageing process, you will get very diverse experiences. And so, that is one of the reasons why it is recommended when possible, to age cigars by the box. In this case, we can have one from time to time and see how the cigar evolves through its’ ageing process. Sure, we might end up with a couple that are in the dormant stage. However, more often than not, the ones we spark up at the right moment are very rewarding.
The evolution on this cigar was a very dynamic one. It felt like I was smoking a few different cigars. It was unlike other cigars I have enjoyed, with the flavours being very unique as was the evolution going from full bodied to milder and building up again to a full bodied tasty cigar.
SCORE
Construction: 8 on 10.
Flavour: 8 on 10.
Evolution: 10 on 10.
Overall: a solid 8 on 10
PAIRING SUGGESTION:
The cigar has power. If you have the chance to try one, it might be wise to pair it with a powerful drink companion. For Single Malt Whiskey, a Lagavulin, a Bowmore Port Wood Finish would blend nicely and pick up on the different notes of the cigar.
Cocktails? Why not a very tasty and smoky Pencillin.
