H. Upmann Connoisseur No.2

There is a particular kind of satisfaction in discovering a cigar that knows exactly what it wants to be. No bluster, no attempts at overwhelming the senses, just a clear and confident statement of purpose delivered with unwavering composure. The H. Upmann Connoisseur No.2 arrives in that spirit—a cigar that seems to understand, with almost British restraint, that true refinement needs no announcement.

When Habanos introduced the Connoisseur No.2 in 2020, it marked a quiet revolution in the H. Upmann catalogue. This was the first Cuban cigar to bear a 51 ring gauge—an unusual measurement that occupies a space all its own, neither conforming to the slender traditionalism of older vitolas nor embracing the robust girth of modern trends. It is, in essence, a cigar that charts its own course, much like the brand itself. H. Upmann's story began in 1844 when German banker Hermann Dietrich Upmann opened a cigar factory in Havana, financing the venture with his own fortune. That banking heritage runs through the brand's DNA still—these are cigars of precision and reliability, the kind a gentleman might reach for when deliberation matters more than drama. The Connoisseur No.2 carries that legacy forward while acknowledging contemporary preferences for thicker formats and longer, more contemplative smoking sessions.

The name "Connoisseur" is neither accident nor pretension. It signals Habanos' intention: this is a cigar designed for those who have developed their palate enough to appreciate subtlety over power. The Vuelta Abajo tobaccos selected for this blend are treated with respect, allowed to express their natural character without being pushed into intensity they were never meant to carry. What emerges is a portrait of Cuban tobacco in its most dignified form—composed, aromatic, and patiently revealing its depths to those willing to pay attention.

First Light

The cold draw offers an immediate invitation: notes of dried fruit and raw almond mingle with a whisper of cedar, promising complexity without aggression. Upon lighting, the Connoisseur No.2 introduces itself with remarkable poise. Hazelnut and toasted wood form the foundation, while a gentle leather quality provides texture and weight. There is sweetness here, but it is restrained—caramelized sugar rather than confection, the kind of sweetness that suggests ripeness rather than addition. The smoke is cool and generous, the draw offering just enough resistance to slow the smoker down, encouraging deliberation.

The Journey

Into the second third, the cigar begins its most rewarding passage. The initial nuttiness recedes slightly, making room for cocoa powder and a honeyed quality that seems to bloom across the palate. This is where the Connoisseur No.2 demonstrates its breeding—transitions occur smoothly, without jarring shifts or awkward silences. A floral element emerges now, reminiscent of dried jasmine or orange blossom, weaving through the more substantial notes of earth and cured tobacco. The burn line remains impeccable, a straight march of ash that speaks to careful construction and properly aged leaf. The strength stays firmly in the mild-to-medium register, allowing flavor to take precedence over potency.

The Finale

The final act brings a gentle deepening rather than a dramatic conclusion. Darker chocolate notes move to the forefront, accompanied by a warming spice that recalls cinnamon bark rather than sharp pepper. The leather quality returns, now more pronounced, providing a satisfying anchor as the sweeter elements gradually fade. There is no harshness in the final inches, no desperate lunge for intensity—just a gradual, dignified wind-down that leaves the palate clean and the mind settled. The finish lingers with echoes of cedar and toasted nut, a parting gesture that invites reflection rather than immediately reaching for another cigar.

Who It's For

The Connoisseur No.2 is ideal for the smoker who has moved past the need for brute strength and seeks instead the pleasures of nuance. It suits the late morning smoke—perhaps after a proper breakfast, when the day's demands are still forming and there is time to pay attention. This is also a cigar for conversation, for the long lunch that stretches into afternoon, for moments when the act of smoking is meant to complement rather than dominate the experience. Those who appreciate the classic H. Upmann profile but desire a modern format will find this vitola answers that particular desire with grace.

Pairing Suggestion

A well-aged añejo rum, particularly one with sherry-cask influence, will mirror the cigar's caramel and nutty notes while providing just enough sweetness to elevate the cocoa elements in the final third.