Wednesday, September 23, 2009

H. Upmann Reserve No. 2 Belicoso

Cigar: H. Upmann Reserve No. 2 Belicoso
Origin: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium
Wrapper Type: Ecuador Sumatran
Wrapper Color: Colorado
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua / Peru / Dom Rep
Length: 6.12
Ring Gauge: 52

When: 9/23/09, 4:15 p.m.
Where: Mike's Garage
Cut: Double Guillotine
Light: Wooden Matches
Beverage: Jack Daniel's Black Label
Weather: Sunny, 75°

Beautiful fall weather. 75°. Blue skies with a few fluffy white clouds (think "Simpsons"). Gentle breeze. Leaves just beginning to turn, giving promises of a colorful autumn. Time to light this stick!

Pre-light Inspection: Well-made torpedo figurado

First Inch: Mild and creamy with a nice aroma. There is a very cool sensation on the tongue - not sure if it's the shape, the cut, or the actual smoke, but it actually seems colder to the taste.

Ash and burn are absolutely perfect.

This aroma! There's something about it - and I can't really tell you what it is - that speaks to me of the old cigar shop on North Second street in Ponca City; and equally so of my early cigar experiences in the University district of Albuquerque. Maybe it's the combination of this fine stogie with the blue skies and the mild temps and the classic aroma. (Here's to you, Mark Bribach, wherever you are, for introducing me to the rolled Zen that is a fine hand made cigar).

Middle: Outstanding complexities in a smooth and mild cigar. This is one of those sticks you love to hold under your nose to enjoy the fullness of every wafting tendril of aroma.

There's just something about this torpedo shape that entices the palate. Perhaps it is the concentration of flavors from a fat cigar through a smaller cut. ¿Quien sabe? All I know is that I want more of these!

Last half: This cigar never gets overpowering or even strong - it remains mellow and creamy throughout. A testament to the art of cigar making. Long finish with mild spices and unending creaminess. I didn't want to lay it down.

If you want a heavier smoke, go with a Honduran or a maduro. If you want a heavenly, easy, mellow and consistent-to-the-end stick, try this Upmann!

3 comments:

TJ Kear said...

Now you've done it. I have a big craving for the smell of Pinon and roasting green chiles in the early morning air of a cool fall morning.

LG said...

Was there ever really a cigar store on N Second in Ponca City or are you just making that up? You make it sound like a mythical sanctuary where Conoco Executives, Cattlemen, Cops, and noted Theologians could meet over a glass of port and a premium cigar to discuss the things they had in common rather than their differences. That's gotta be a fable.

The cigar sounds delicious it seems there are so few cigars left that have that wonderful toasty sometimes leathery aroma on the wrapper while burning. The old Lone Wolf was one, the Cuban Monte Cristo #4 is another, although nearly impossible to obtain.Your choice of beverage sounds perfect as long as you didn't add a bunch of mixers to it. I have seen smooth granite stones designed to be placed in the freezer and used to cool your beverage without altering the flavor. I'm looking for some to use with Single malts and other premium stuff.

In this economy you might consider including price in your reviews.

Dr. Mike Kear said...

The old Gentlemen's Humidor is no fable ~ as you well know! I do miss those "good old days."

Man, I'd love to have another Lone Wolf... or a Dom Tomas International No. 3... or an Indian Tabac. So many they just don't make anymore.

I sip my Jack neat.

Thanks for reminding me about the prices. This stick was $5.95 from the Jumbo store here in Enid.