No. 5 Limited Edition Cigar of the Year 2019 – H. Upmann 175 Anniversary

Famously established in 1844 by German banker Hermann Upmann, the H. Upmann is among the world’s oldest, most recognized cigar brands. As such, H. Upmann has experienced a fair share of changes over the years, most notably splitting—as with virtually all well-known Cuban marcas—into two separate entities following the confiscation of private industry by the communist-run Cuban government during the 1960s. Outside of Cuba, the brand is now produced by Altadis USA, primarily being rolled in the Dominican Republic, as well as Honduras and, more recently, Nicaragua.

In recent years, an increasing number of Altadis’ legacy brands have been given a Nicaraguan makeover, contracting the blends to be crafted at the flourishing Tabacalera A.J. Fernández factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. In setting out to give due diligence to a milestone of such magnitude, the company turned to Fernández once more. With H. Upmann 175 Anniversary, the cigar features a Nicaraguan puro blend, sourcing the leaves from Fernández’s various farms throughout the country. The blend was then finished with its signature component—a rare Nicaraguan medio tiempo wrapper. This leaf designation is among the highest primings on a tobacco plant, sprouting above the ligero priming on a claimed one out every 12 plants at Fernández’s farms. These leaves are therefore exceedingly dense, requiring a custom fermentation process in order to meet wrapper-grade standards. Reportedly, this involved sandwiching the medio tiempo between broadleaf tobacco, slowing down fermentation to bring out pliability—a process that took upwards of three years before the desired results were achieved.

H. Upmann 175 Anniversary was rolled in a singular Churchill format, offered in 10-count boxes and more limited 50-count humidors. The outcome is a commanding smoking experience that is intensely rich, yet not overbearing, delivering an assortment of flavors through a medium-plus intensity. Rich chestnuts, big mocha character, bitter cocoa, mineral, and brown sugar create a mouthwatering sensation, offering a long, luxurious experience from start to finish.

H. Upmann 175 Anniversary Breakdown

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