H. Upmann Cabinet Selección - "old school"

[notyeraveragechick]

Well, folks, I'm finally figuring out the CL system, and where I should be posting my reviews!!!:imconfused:

We picked up a few Cabinet Seleccions at an Altadis event on April 26, at The Tobacco Company in Lemoyne, PA. This one has been sitting on my side of the humidor since. I figured it was a good time to kick back on Mother’s Day eve, and see what it had to say.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
Toro 6 x 54

Beverage accompaniment: Columbian coffee w/ Coffeemate coconut creamer

This is a nice firm cigar with a nice smooth wrapper. I opted to cut this cigar. In retrospect, I might have punched it. It was just large enough to practically fill the Xikar and when I snipped it I roughed up the cap a little. Not a big deal, it happens….
I toasted the end and drew to complete the light. It put out a nice volume of smoke and the draw was absolutely perfect.

The first taste was an earthy oak essence. The burn was not perfect to start but not extremely uneven, so I was hoping it would level out in a bit. About ¾ in. into this cigar, it started to turn into the creamy, smooth smoke that I had heard about. The burn started to even out and the ash was nearly white. Once past the inch mark, it still had the oak undertone, but was creamy and as I continued, it added a hint of butter to the repertoire. The ash was still holding, but it cracked half way up and I thought for sure it was going to fall any second. I waited until there was a little over an inch of ash before I finally decided to not risk ashing my keyboard. Surprisingly, it took some effort to nudge it off. I might have waited a little longer had I known.

About 1/3 of the way in to it I began to pick up a very subtle hint of cedar. By the time I got half way, it was changing between butter and cedar, but still maintaining that earthy oak undertone.

I determined that my choice of beverage probably should have been black coffee. Although I adore the coconut flavor, it didn’t compliment the cigar as I had hoped.

The draw was still perfect. There were still large plumes of smoke and the burn had totally evened out. This is supposed to be a medium bodied cigar. It was definitely medium, bordering on full. Not a heady smoke, I was feeling it more in the gut. The ligero had begun to kick in and a little spice was apparent.

As I neared the end of the cigar it gradually built in intensity. I could really feel it in my stomach, and my nose started to run. Even so, I couldn’t put it down; anticipating each draw. I took it down to around my usual one inch mark at finish.

All in all, I’d say this was a very “old school” type of smoke. It was very consistent in its characteristics and excellent construction right to the end. The earthy oak and cream flavors maintained from start to finish, complimented by the subtle butter/cedar overtones.

No doubt about it, once you finish one, you’ll definitely know you’ve smoked a satisfying cigar.

[CaptainJeebes]

nice review
thanks

[notyeraveragechick]

Thanks, Capt!

[Damsel-cl]

Great review sister!

[tekeeladude-cl]

Nice review. I haven't had this particular one, but I have had the Montecristo [SIZE=-1]Cabinet Selección. If you get a chance, you should try the Monte. It's classified as a full-body cigar but it's so smooth you'll think it is much milder.
[/SIZE]

[6clicks]

Well done Diane. Great review.

[notyeraveragechick]

Originally Posted by tekeeladude

Nice review. I haven't had this particular one, but I have had the Montecristo [SIZE=-1]Cabinet Selección. If you get a chance, you should try the Monte. It's classified as a full-body cigar but it's so smooth you'll think it is much milder.
[/SIZE]

Had one tonight, as a matter of fact! Definitely a must to revisit! Very smooth, very tasty!

[notyeraveragechick]

Originally Posted by Damsel

Great review sister!

Thanks! muuaaahh!

[notyeraveragechick]

Originally Posted by 6clicks

Well done Diane. Great review.

Thanks, George!