#NowSmoking H. Upmann 1844 Classic Robusto

#NowSmoking:  H. Upmann 1844 Classic Robusto Cigar Review

Factory: La Flor de Copan, Honduras
Size: 5” x 52
Strength: Medium-plus
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Honduran

Presented in boxes of 25 cigars

The H. Upmann 1844 Cigars Back Story

Described as a “next-level shade” cigar, the H. Upmann 1844 Classic selection joins the outstanding H. Upmann 1844 Heritage line that includes the H. Upmann 1844 Vintage Cameroon, 1844 Reserve, and the 1844 Añejo. The cigar was blended by the Grupo de Maestros who created the award-winning Henry Clay War Hawk.

“I am very proud of the passion and dedication of the Grupo de Maestros of La Flor de Copan, for crafting a blend that will satisfy seasoned cigar aficionados and those discovering the category alike,” said Rafael Nodal, Head of Product Capability for Tabacalera USA.

When asked about the term “next-level shade,” Altadis U.S.A. Senior Brand Manager Jennifer True said, “There is a perception that shade wrapper cigars are mild with minimal complexity. With an elevated complexity rarely found in Connecticut shade wrapper cigars, the 1844 Classic aims to debunk that perception.” 

H. Upmann 1844 Classic cigars come in the following four sizes:

Corona (5″x44)
Robusto (5″x52)
Toro (6″x54)
Churchill (7″x50)

The Basics At-a-Glance

Construction: The Ecuador shade wrapper on my Robusto had a light blonde color and a soft, silky texture like prime U.S. Connecticut Shade wrappers. Deftly rolled and finished with a triple seam cap, the cigar had a clean appearance with only a few obvious veins. I found no soft spots, and it felt good in the hand.
Cold Draw: Leathery and sweet.
Base flavors: Almond butter, leather, spice, white chocolate.
Aroma: The wrapper had an almost intensely sweet hay aroma. At the cigar’s base, the aroma was more herbal, and the smoke itself was sweet with some light spiciness.
Retrohale: N/A
Burn & Ash: The cigar lit very easily and fairly quickly. The burn was just about perfect throughout revealing a mostly firm grey ash (see photo).

H. Upmann 1844 Classic Robusto Cigar Review – Act I

The first few puffs offer a creamy-nutty taste like almond butter. It also has a fair amount of peppery spice that lingers on the finish. At one-inch, the flavors begin to round out and I’m picking up a vanilla-almond flavor as some spice remains on the finish. The first ash is still intact, too.

Moving along, at little more than an inch in the flavors round out further with a medium body and strength. As the cigar creeps closer to its midpoint the spice had shed its peppery taste becoming more savory, while the finish provides some dryness to the palate. Flavor wise, the profile has settled into a well-balanced mix of almond butter, spice, and a vanilla cream flavor that hints at white chocolate.

H. Upmann 1844 Classic Robusto Cigar Review – Act II

The flavor set shows little change, but some underlying notes of leather are starting to arrive. The smoke is still very creamy, and the body appears to have kicked up a notch. What I’m getting here is a medium-plus smoke with dominant notes of almond butter, spice, leathery notes, and subtle impression of white chocolate.

H. Upmann 1844 Classic Robusto Cigar Review – Act III

Still getting a well-balanced and creamy smoke. Earthier notes and some slight bitterness seem to have crept in, which is not unusual with Connecticut wrappers in the latter stages. However, they’re not getting in the way of the more dominant sweet-spicy flavors.

What whiskey pairs well with the H. Upmann 1844 Classic Robusto?

Our whiskey expert recommends pairing the H. Upmann 1844 Classic Robusto with Eagle Rare Bourbon.

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 90
Age: 10 Years
Color: Deep Gold
Nose: Complex aromas of toffee, hints of orange peel, herbs, honey, leather, and oak.
Palate: Bold, dry, oaky flavors with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa.
Finish: Dry and lingering.

For even more combinations, please see our Cigar & Spirit pairing guide.

Is the H. Upmann 1844 Classic Robusto Worth Smoking?

Tailor-made for cigar smokers at every experience level, in terms of overall performance, this cigar was outstanding. I’ve always been a fan of Honduran tobacco and you can tell the Maestros chose some really prime leaf. Plus, the Ecuador shade wrapper complements them perfectly, and I agree that this particular combo takes the flavor profile to a higher level. What’s also impressive is how the Grupo de Maestros and Rafael Nodal have reinvented the H. Upmann brand. Together they have positioned it perfectly for a new generation of cigar smokers.