H. Upmann 1844 Reserve Toro Review

H. Upmann 1844 Reserve Toro Cigar Review

10/24/22

Let me say Altaldis makes some nice smokes.  Usually, they are a cigar catalogue brand that is a bit overpriced, but delivers a good cigar, not cheap, but usually top notch smokes.  This one is not priced too high, about $7 per smoke when you buy a box.  In today's prices, that is middle priced and maybe cheap compared to the now popular "good" smokes.  

I've been smoking the older version of these for years, along with the Cameroon version.  This one is renewed in 2021.  It is produced in Honduras at the Flor de Maestros factory.  

Sporting a shiny, brown Ecuadorian Connecticut shade grown wrapper and Honduran binderand filler.  I admit I don't see many Honduran tobaccos these days, so, to me, this one is unique.  I usually prefer the more recently popular Nicaraguan tobaccos.  I still have some of the older Dominican filled smokes and highly held those to high standards that H. Upmann deserves.  

Lighting up this Toro, seems plugged.  Smoke it while I gather some wood, keeping it puffing in my mouth.  Pretty mild, cedar and paper tastes as I pull it hard to breath.  It's pulling, but I have to really invert my mouth to get it flowing.  This smoke is fairly new and only been in my humid a month or so.  I have one more and may need to re-review 6months from now.  The cigar feels spongey.  It probably needs age.  I hesitate and hate to review "fresh" cigars.  People always review as harsh or not refined.  A couple months usually smooths them out and makes them way better.  I don't know about this one, it may just be plugged.  

 

I'm smoking it hard and it does have some good sweet molasses and walnut flavors, just got to pull it until it has a slight bite.  Aftertaste is still good though, leaving a caramel and nutty flavor.  

 

I do like a slow smoke, but not like this.  It is tasting good, but I have pull on it like a skinny model sucking in her cheeks to show her jawbones.  I'm still enjoying it.  

 

No more paper taste. Now more medium  in taste.  I admit I don't know Honduran tobacco flavors.  This one seems sweet with a slight bite of spice.  I've been drinking the best tequila for the money, Cavodores, lightly oak aged, with a little fresh lime juice.  I think it matches nice.  It brings out a slight citrus nuance on top of the the oak and cedar flavors. 

Notice no fire tonight.  It's 60 degrees out and I don't really need it. Revisit me Wed night and I'll light her up.  After 25 minutes it dropped the over one inch ash and not much of a cone.  Probably needs 5 more months of aging.  

 

Burn is very consistent, no touch ups, just very slow.  Very flavorful and smooth still. For me, I'm thoughorily enjoying it, just wish it pull more easily.  

 

Building strength, now a cream soda flavor with cedar and woody profile.  I love a long smoking cigar, so I like this one, but just too slow to build up.  I'm an hour in, fully enjoying it, but wish it would hurry up (most cigars I wish the opposite). I will definitely revisit this one 6 months or more when it is ready for me.  

 

Still medium overall, could be more if you pull it hard.  I'm now removing the band.  Smoking a little easier.  Adding more pepper on top of the cedar and woody flavors.  Now tickling my nose with spice leaving caramel profiles on my palate.  Wasn't wanting a two hour smoke on my Monday night, but that what I'm getting.  I can't complain.  Always satisfying with cool rich smoke.  I'm getting my money's worth. 

Yes, I'm feeling it now, finally.  Deeper molasses flavors, losing the strong spice, now more sweetness and nutty profiles.  Very interesting.  Wish this was the weekend, I've got to sleep, but I ain't about to put it out.  

Down to the last inch finally.  Kicking back up the spice, now like a clove cigarette with spicy licorice.  My tongue is filled with a cream soda explosion.  Starting to unravel, but still cool and collected. 

Maybe not for a first time smoker.  It's trying to put me down, but I'm going to get all its got, even if it overpowers me.  The foot is falling apart and unraveling while I retouch it up.  Climaxing with the same, but more complex flavors described, it's a strong finish. 

Definitely a cigar to try again.  Just needs like a few years to age.  Most won't wait, but definitely need a few in your humidor to age for the next time you have two hours to enjoy it.  I will definitely revisit it.  

Overall: 90

Flavor 92, complexity 94, burn 88, experience 90, value 88.