Stogie Reviews: H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon Corona

We’ve made a concerted effort here at StogieGuys.com to review a wide range of cigars since the site was founded in May. A quick glance at our archived reviews page reveals a list of most major brands – as well as a few surprises. But this work in progress is by no means complete, so I headed to one of my favorite B&Ms, Georgetown Tobacco, to fill in a gap or two.

I would not be disappointed I chose an H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon Corona. This five and ½ inches by 44 ring gauge cigar comes beautifully wrapped in a printed cedar strip with three – count ‘em, three – gold and red bands. Very regal. I slid the strip down to uncover a smooth, earthy-brown Cameroon wrapper that was dotted with plume.

(It’s worth noting here that I did not age this cigar after purchase, which suggests these babies are ready to smoke right out of the box.)

Immediately after toasting the foot with a wooden match, the cigar produced a harmonious floral flavor that was pleasing to my entire palate. The combination of Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Peruvian fillers yielded pleasing notes of jasmine.

In the second phase, the taste shifted from floral to fruity with significant hints of citrus and pear. With such pronounced flavor I expected this stick to be a bit harsher, but the taste remained smooth and creamy. Like many cigars, however, this parejo became quite spicy towards the end of the smoke.

On construction, this stogie earns high marks. It lit quickly with a few wooden matches (I was outdoors), it burned evenly, and the draw was easy with a bit of resistance – just the way I like it. My only complaint is that it went out once mid-smoke after I had failed to puff for about three minutes.

Conclusion: At approximately $4.50 apiece, this cigar is a bargain. For well-rounded flavor and great construction, I give the H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon Corona four out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A