H.Upmann Reserve Maduro

By Daniel T. | January 28, 2010

Up for review today is the H.Upmann Reserve Maduro.  I purchased a few of these while on a trip in Florida and they have been aging in my humidor for a few months now.  I picked it up for a mid-day smoke since it’s Maduro wrapper and sweet aroma appeared to my senses.  I usually have low expectations for most of the cigars that “borrowed” the names of original Cuban manufacturers, especially those from Atladis.  I’ve simply not had an real standout cigars from them but I keep my options open. 

The “Reserve Maduro” is not to be confused with H.Upmann’s “Maduro”.  There isn’t too much information on the Reserve but from what I can tell, they have more age on them a slightly different blend in the filler.  Released in late 2008, the purpose of the cigar was to combat the many new Maduro cigars being released to the market at the time. 

A few notes about my reviewing style before we get into the actual review.  You will notice that I don’t review the cigar in thirds.  I write down my 5 categories (Construction, Burn, Ash, Smoke, and Tasting Notes) and add notes to each category as I smoke the cigar.  I usually mention the location on the cigar where I make my note using inches.  This doesn’t restrict my reviews to thirds or quarters.  If you have any comments please post them below or contact me using my contact information at the bottom of this review.  Now on to the cigar: 

Cigar: H.Upmann Reserve Maduro

Drink: Diet Coke

Vitola: Robusto (5 x 52)

Wrapper: Mexican

Binder: Honduran

Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan

Price: $5.50-$6.50

Burn Time: 1.5 Hours

 

Construction:

-Fairly even around although the foot looked box pressed

-Fairly firm with a small spring back after squeezing

-Double cap, top layer looks poorly applied

-Medium brown wrapper, not too dark

-Some medium sized veins, not too large

-Was an easy cut but was a little messy inside, lots of loose tobacco

-Nice oily sheen to the wrapper

-Draw is very tight, had to recut below the cap.  Draw better now but still a bit tight

 

Burn:

-Toasting was a little uneven, the filler did not want to light

-Very wavy burn

-Very slow burning, needed some extra draws to keep lit

-Needed a touch up around the 2 inch mark

-Had to relight at half-way mark, went out while resting

-Was fighting to keep it lit near the last 2 inches

 

Ash:

-Medium Gray in color

-Some brown tones to the ash

-Not too strong, usually had to ash around 1 inch

-Not too much flaking

 

Smoke:

-Medium mouthful of smoke

-Lots of resting smoke, lightly aromatic

 

Tasting Notes:

-Dry aroma smells or chocolate and coffee

-Dry draw brought the same flavors and a little sweetness

-Initial draws are mild with creamy chocolate and coffee flavors, a tad of nutmeg was in there too

-Very mild bodied both in mouth and on retrohale

-Retrohale had no bite to it, just a sweet creamy finish

-Picked up some buttery  and creamy flavors about an inch in

-After about two inches the coffee and chocolate flavors tapered off

-Retrohale gained some bite past the halfway point and is still creamy and sweet

-Got a bit harsh near the last 2 inches

-Last inch was very harsh and not enjoyable, put it down a little early

 

Final Thoughts:

-Very mild, good as a morning smoke or a beginners cigar

-Flavors were very light and no finish

-Two distinct flavor dimensions, too bad the weren’t more prominent

-For the price, there are many other better Maduro cigars on the market