Article: H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez
H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez
Cigar Review — Whiskey Gambler
H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez
Ecuadorian Sumatra · Medium–Full Body · 170 Years of Legacy
WG Cigar Review ♠| Origin Nicaragua | Wrapper Ecuadorian Sumatra | Binder / Filler Criollo '91 & Piloto Cubano | Strength Medium–Full | Price ~$7–$10 |
The Setup
H. Upmann has been around since 1844. That's not a typo. Over 170 years of cigar-making history, born from a Havana banking enterprise that put cigars in boxes before anyone else thought to do it. Legacy doesn't get deeper than that. So when they hand the blend keys to AJ Fernandez — arguably the most prolific master blender working today — you pay attention.
What they built together is a medium-to-full body stick wrapped in an Ecuadorian Sumatra that looks the part from the moment it's in your hand. Smooth, slightly oily, with that characteristic tawny-brown color the Sumatra leaf is known for. The band is classic H. Upmann — aqua and gold, clean and regal. Everything about this cigar says it takes itself seriously without being pretentious about it.
Cold draw delivers cocoa and a whisper of black pepper. The construction is all AJ — tight, even, built to burn. Fire it up and the smoke comes immediately, thick and white. This is a cigar that rewards a slow, deliberate pace. Don't rush it.
Tasting Notes
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First Third
Right out of the gate: cinnamon, cedar, and a jalapeño-like spice that's distinctly AJ Fernandez. Black cherry sweetness threads through underneath, balanced by roasted nuts and a touch of herbal complexity. The burn line is razor sharp. Ash stacks firm and white. This is a confident opening — bold enough to command attention, smooth enough to keep you in the chair. |
Second Third
The spice backs off and lets the sweetness breathe. Vanilla oakiness moves to the front, layered with coffee bean and stone fruit. Cedar remains a constant backbone throughout. A creamy quality starts emerging on the retrohale — biscuit-like, slightly sweet. The Piloto Cubano filler is doing real work here. Smoke output stays generous. This is the best third of the cigar. |
Final Third
Leather and richer coffee notes take over as the cigar gets into its final stretch. A molasses-like sweetness surfaces near the band, adding approachability right when the strength starts to climb. Baking spices and dried fruit linger in the finish. It closes clean and cool — the mark of well-constructed tobacco. Burned to the nub. Every bit worth it. |
WG Scorecard
| Draw | ★★★★★ | Textbook AJ Fernandez construction — perfect resistance every time |
| Construction | ★★★★★ | Razor burn line, firm ash, cool smoke from start to finish |
| Flavor | ★★★★★ | Cherry, vanilla oak, cinnamon, coffee — classic and well-layered |
| Complexity | ★★★★★ | Real transitions third to third — profile earns its 90-point rating |
| Value | ★★★★★ | Under $10 for a 90-rated stick — this is a rotation staple, not a splurge |
"Old-world heritage. New-world muscle. One hell of a smoke."
The Verdict
This is what a proper collaboration looks like. H. Upmann brings 170 years of Cuban-legacy prestige and AJ Fernandez brings the blend chops to back it up. The result is a medium-to-full body cigar that hits notes of black cherry, vanilla oak, cinnamon, and coffee in a way that feels refined without being boring. Construction is flawless — that's just what you get from AJ. And for under $10 a stick with a 90-point rating, this belongs in your regular rotation, not just your special occasion box. Pair it with a high-wheat bourbon or a sweeter single barrel. The vanilla and cherry notes in the cigar will meet the spirit halfway. This one earns its spot.
Affiliate Partner — Cigars International
Ready to Add This to Your Humidor?
Cigars International has the H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez in multiple vitolas and quantities. A 90-rated stick under $10 — at these prices, there's no reason not to stock a box.
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