UK Cigar Scene Magazine January Issue 13 | Page 7

H. Upmann No 2 Length 6. 1” Ring Gauge 52 Filler, binder & wrapper - Cuba Manufactured in Cuba Something of a lost cigar, often in the shadow of its famous big brother the Montecristo No 2. Aromatic and with a lighter profile so beloved of Upmann smokers. PANEL BLIND TEST AVERAGE SCORE: 8.19 Justin Seldis, Cigar lover and collector Average Score: 8.71 Strength: “Somewhat Strong” Flavour: “Very good” Aroma: “Excellent” Personal View: “Great Cigar” Comments: “Great looking Piramide. Wonderful wrapper and superb aroma. Once cut it was sweet to the lips but had a lovely toasty tobacco flavour too. Firm white ash from the start and it delivered more and more power as it warmed up. Overall toasty spicy sweetness. Only a hint of ammonia and not one disappointing flavour. Might be a little on the sweet side for some, but it was tempered by some lovely nutmeg and cinnamon spiciness and a long lingering taste in the mouth that seemed to end with a hint of mint. Lovely.” Harry Borovick, Soho based cigar lover Average Score: 7.29 Strength: “Moderate” Flavour: “Very good ” Aroma: “Good” Personal View: “Good Cigar” Comments: “The first puff was raw but with a residue taste of pepper and chocolate. This rapidly smoothed out. The cigar developed nicely throughout and despite an initially average draw it really opened up both in terms of draw and identifiable flavours. If anything, the draw was almost too easy. A tasty pyramid cigar, with peppery and honey notes at the finish. The wrapper on mine was slightly blotchy which despite not being uncommon, did detracted from the aesthetic.” Stephan Von Schilling, London based cigar lover Average Score: 8.57 Strength: “Moderate” Flavour: “Very good” Aroma: “Excellent” Personal View: “This is for me” Comments: “Great cedar flavours which developed into cocoa, honey and toast. Well matured tobacco presumably Cuban with good aroma. A very enjoyable cigar which I highly recommend.” 6