H.UPMANN – NOELLAS (JAR OF 25)

Part of the Casa del Habano Series in 2009 (but only released on the market as of 2010), this cigar will please lovers of Cuba past. A replica of the original H.Upmann Noellas (discontinued in the early 1980’s). The jar was devised in the old glass style so popular in Cuba during the 1950/1960’s. Experts believe that glass jars are the best storage container for aging Cuban cigars, with a result much like a Bordeaux wine.

Taste Note
The first third really delivers the classic H. Upmann flavor profile of toasted almonds, peanuts and sweet cedar. There’s also a thick, chewy component to the smoke that’s reminiscent of charred cauliflower. But all these earthy, smokey flavours play second fiddle to the gorgeous buttered toast flavor that fully coats the palate. The second third of this cigar continues to build in intensity with the buttery flavours taking on a slightly more heady, burnt flavor. The nuts and earthy sweetness remain strong. The end of this cigar played out exactly as I knew it would but which would be surprising to anyone who hasn’t smoked a really great H. Upmann before. As I worked through the second to last inch of cigar the buttery, velvet flavours melted away to be replaced with sweet dark cherry and a spicy, in your face, white pepper note on the nose. The nutty characteristics melded together and became a rich, dark chocolate that paired beautifully with the top notes.