There’s a saying that “A Classic never gets old”… and the @hupmann_usa Vintage #Cameroon is a true Classic. The cigar is elegantly wrapped with 3 gold and red bands as well as a thin cedar sleeve that protects the cigar’s outer leaf. Self-described in the name, the Vintage is wrapped in an aged Cameroonian tobacco leaf that holds the Nicaraguan binder and a perfect trifecta of Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Peruvian whole leaf filler. The H.Upmann displays the characteristics of the Cameroonian leaf and its bumpy or “toothy” exterior.
This cigar really has the quintessential details of a good stick; robust aroma, sturdy construction (not flaky), and obvious leafy texture. The scent is of caramel with slight earth and cedar finishes. Lighting the Vintage was easy enough as I usually do with 2 or 3 matches bundled together but the ventilation was slightly tight. The smoke was light but the flavor inhaled was filled with notes of dark fruit and some spice. This contrast of the sweetness of the dark fruit and the spice is an interesting mix that has me nodding my head side to side trying to figure out if I’m a fan.
The earth and cedar that I mentioned were in the aroma are now apparent in the flavor of the cigar. A great nuttiness comes in and envelops the cigar as well. It’s leaving no stone unturned when it comes to flavor. Now, if you are not a fan of cigars that never quite “settle in their saddle” and are quite complex, this may not be the cigar for you. But if you like getting a little bit of everything then the #Vintage satisfies.
The flavor concedes to the spice and cedar notes but with an additional “burnt” espresso or coffee bean kick. What was originally noted as being light and smooth is now heavy and rugged. It almost takes on a full body cigar’s profile with less than 2&1/2 inches remaining. H.Upmann has created a cigar that doesn’t shrink. It can be paired with your stiffest, smokiest rum or whiskey and still be the main event….that is quite an achievement for a medium bodied smoke. I would grade this a solid A-/B+ cigar. I do wish there were just 2 or 3 dominant notes to highlight.
