H. Upmann Herman's Batch

A new classic in every sense of the word, the H. Upmann Herman's Batch cigar has been over a century in the making. That's because these succulent parejos, filled to the brim with prime filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and two distinct Nicaraguan growing regions beneath a Dominican binder and four-year-aged Ecuadoran Habano wrapper, are designed to replicate the original Cuban-made H. Upmann from 1844. It was then that brand founder Herman Upmann, recently arrived on the island from Germany, launched the first tasty vitola in what would soon become a veritable tobacco empire. Herman's legacy continues to impress to this day. We can't know for certain if those original stogies were as visually appealing as the golden-brown H. Upmann Herman's Batch, but we do know if these cigars taste even half as good as they look then you are in for a real treat. Looking like suede beneath the simple yet elegant gray and gold double bands, the sturdy Habano wrapper is toothy yet soft with a nice little pigtail to finish the cap. Aroma and cold draw flavors of an unlit stick are complimentary, both a little nutty and with a strong cocoa presence. The lit profile flourishes with oak, earth, vanilla, and Turbinado sugar during the cool-burning first half, while the lengthy second is rich with leather, marzipan, café con leche, and cinnamon. A gentleman's cigar even you ladies are going to want to horde, these medium-strength and full-flavored handmades are tastefully packaged in sturdy boxes bearing the likeness of Herman himself. Similar in style to other recent smokes in the old-world style like Monte by Montecristo, you'll want to break out your best aged rum or heartiest ale to ride shotgun whenever you smoke an H. Upmann Herman's Batch. A top hat is recommended, but not required.