AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet confidence to the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 that announces itself before the first puff. The torpedo’s silken, golden-tan wrapper catches the light like old varnish on a mahogany desk, and the pre-light draw offers a whisper of cedar and toasted almond—a promise of restraint, not spectacle. This is a cigar that understands the virtue of understatement, a trait that has defined H. Upmann for 175 years. In an era of loud, pepper-bomb blends, the Connoisseur No. 1 stands as a deliberate counterpoint: a mild-to-medium smoke that demands attention not through force, but through the delicate interplay of its components. It is the cigar equivalent of a well-tailored suit—unassuming at first glance, but revealing its craftsmanship in every seam.
The first third unfolds with a creaminess that feels almost liquid, coating the palate like warm milk. The retrohale introduces a fine white pepper that tingles rather than bites, while a faint floral sweetness—reminiscent of honeysuckle—drifts through the smoke. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper performs its role with elegance, contributing a subtle satin texture that carries the blend’s opening notes of cedar and almond. As the ash holds firm, the cigar settles into a rhythm of gentle complexity, each puff a reminder that subtlety is not simplicity. The burn is razor-even, a testament to the hand-rolling precision that defines General Cigar’s Dominican operations.
By the second third, the torpedo’s taper begins to concentrate the smoke, and the profile deepens with intention. Cashew and hay emerge, grounding the creaminess with a savory edge, while a light citrus zest—perhaps lemon peel—adds a bright counterpoint. The Dominican fillers, aged volado and seco, begin to assert a mild earthiness that lingers beneath the surface, like a bass note in a string quartet. It is a masterclass in balance: the pepper on the retrohale remains polite, the creaminess never cloys, and the citrus never turns tart. This is where the Connoisseur No. 1 reveals its true character—not as a simple mild cigar, but as a study in controlled nuance.
The final third brings a gentle warmth, as if the cigar is exhaling a satisfied breath. Cedar amplifies, joined by toasted bread and a lingering nuttiness that recalls roasted hazelnuts. The pepper ticks up marginally, but it never threatens the civil, polished finish. The cigar closes cleanly, with no bitterness, leaving a memory of cream and wood on the palate. It is a performance that feels effortless, yet every note has been placed with intention. This is not a cigar for the impatient or the inexperienced; it is for the smoker who has learned that the quietest voices often speak the most truth. The Connoisseur No. 1 is a benchmark of mild-to-medium smoking, a reminder that elegance never goes out of style.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan long-fillers, blended with aged Dominican volado and seco leaves |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic (General Cigar's La Romana / Flor Dominicana facilities) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Finished tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no extended post-production aging formally documented |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with creamy cedar and toasted almond. Upon lighting, a smooth creaminess dominates with delicate notes of white pepper on the retrohale and a faint floral sweetness characteristic of Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrappers. The profile is approachable and refined from the first puff.
Second Third
Complexity builds gently as the torpedo narrows toward its body. Notes of cashew, hay, and a light citrus zest emerge alongside a persistent creaminess. A mild earthiness from the Dominican fillers begins to assert itself without overriding the elegant, soft-spoken nature of the blend.
Final Third
The final third delivers a richer, slightly warmer character with amplified cedar, a touch of toasted bread, and a lingering nuttiness. The pepper on the retrohale ticks up marginally but never threatens the civil, polished finish. The cigar closes cleanly with no bitterness.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably tight and elegant — a hallmark of General Cigar's Dominican operations. The torpedo head cuts cleanly, the draw is effortless, and the burn line stays razor-even with a firm, light grey ash that holds well past an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A light, aged rum such as Ron Barceló Imperial or a delicate single malt Scotch like Glenlivet 12 — nothing that overpowers the cigar's subtle nuance
Wine
A lightly oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy or a Viognier from the Rhône Valley; the cigar's creamy texture mirrors the wine's mouthfeel beautifully
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over or a light Darjeeling first-flush tea — the floral and almond notes in both echo the cigar's character without contest
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a man in his late fifties, a retired architect who now spends his mornings on the porch with a black coffee and a stack of art books. He has smoked for thirty years, starting with full-bodied Nicaraguans that once thrilled him, but he has since gravitated toward blends that reward patience. He is not trying to prove anything—not to his golf buddies, not to the younger smokers at the lounge who still chase strength. He wants a cigar that matches the pace of his thoughts: unhurried, deliberate, and quietly profound. The Connoisseur No. 1 is his companion for those late afternoons when the light turns golden and the world slows down. It gives him a 90-minute window of creamy cedar, cashew, and a whisper of citrus—flavors that do not shout but linger, like a half-remembered melody. He already enjoys the subtlety of an Ashton Cabinet or an Arturo Fuente Hemingway, and this H. Upmann fits seamlessly into that rotation. It is not a cigar for celebration or contemplation of great victories; it is for the quiet satisfaction of a life well-lived, one puff at a time.
Bottom Line
The H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 is a masterclass in understated elegance, offering a creamy, nuanced smoke that rewards the patient palate. It is a must-try for anyone who believes that mild does not mean mundane—and a reminder that true craftsmanship speaks in whispers.
Similar Cigars
Explore all H. Upmann cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5 on our strength scale). This means it delivers a gentle nicotine presence that is noticeable but never overwhelming, making it suitable for morning or early afternoon smoking without causing dizziness or fatigue.
What does H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 taste like?
The flavor profile evolves from creamy cedar and toasted almond in the first third, to cashew, hay, and citrus zest in the second, and finishes with amplified cedar, toasted bread, and lingering nuttiness. Throughout, there is a faint floral sweetness and white pepper on the retrohale, with a mild earthiness emerging in the final third.
How long does H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 take to smoke?
Given its torpedo vitola and 6.0 x 52 dimensions, expect a smoking time of approximately 90 minutes. The tapered head and consistent burn allow for a leisurely pace, but the draw is effortless, so you can adjust your puffing rate without compromising the burn.
What is the best pairing for H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1?
A light, aged rum such as Ron Barceló Imperial is ideal, as its subtle sweetness and oak notes complement the cigar's creamy cedar and nutty character without overpowering them. Alternatively, a delicate single malt like Glenlivet 12 offers a soft maltiness that mirrors the cigar's gentle complexity.
Is H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 good for beginners?
Yes, its Mild-Medium strength makes it approachable for novices, but the price point of $12–$16 per cigar may be steep for those still exploring. If a beginner is willing to invest, they will find a smooth, forgiving smoke that teaches the value of subtlety—though starting with a more budget-friendly Connecticut shade might be wiser.
Where can I buy H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1?
This premium cigar is available at well-stocked tobacconists, specialty cigar lounges, and reputable online retailers such as Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, or Neptune Cigars. Due to its popularity, it may occasionally be out of stock, so check multiple sources or sign up for back-in-stock alerts.
What is the price of H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1?
The suggested retail price is between $12 and $16 per cigar, though prices may vary slightly depending on your location and the retailer. Buying in boxes of 10 or 25 often reduces the per-stick cost.
Is H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 worth aging?
Given that the tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling and there is no documented extended post-production aging, this cigar is best enjoyed within a few years of purchase. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is delicate and may lose its subtle floral notes with excessive aging. However, a year or two in a humidor at 65-70% RH can help integrate the flavors further.
What wrapper does H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which is a silky, golden-tan leaf known for imparting creaminess, mild floral sweetness, and a subtle satin sheen. This wrapper is a hallmark of mild-to-medium blends, providing a smooth, elegant smoking experience with minimal veining.
Where is H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 made?
It is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at General Cigar's La Romana / Flor Dominicana facilities. These factories are renowned for their precise construction and quality control, ensuring a razor-even burn and effortless draw—a hallmark of Dominican production.