H. Upmann 1844 Classic Toro – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Last April, Altadis U.S.A. announced a new H. Upmann that was shown off at that years Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) tradeshow. The H. Upmann 1844 Classic is described as a “next-level shade.” They say this means a medium-bodied cigar blended with an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper and Honduran binder and fillers.

H. Upmann 1844 Classic is produced at La Flor de Copan in Honduras and was blended by Grupo de Maestros. The Classic joins the other H.Upmann’s in the 1844 line including: H. Upmann 1844 Vintage Cameroon, 1844 Reserve, and the 1844 Añejo,

H. Upmann 1844 Classic is presented in 25 count boxes that reflect the heritage of the brand and the champagne-colored cigar bands. It comes in four sizes: Corona (44 x 5) – $7.10; Robusto (52 x 5) – $7.40; Toro (54 x 6) – $7.70; and Churchill (50 x 7) – $8.00.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Factory: Flor de Copan S.A.
Blender: Grupo de Maestros
Number of reviewers: 4 – Kevin J. (maninblack77) Lauren S. (Lauren S.) Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $7.70
Age: 11 Months
Release Date: June 2021
Contributed by: Altadis U.S.A

Initial Impressions – H. Upmann 1844 Classic Toro

Appearance: 95

“A truly eye-catching Connecticut shade wrapper adorns this Toro. Seamless and a gorgeous shade of yellow, almost a sunrise type of color.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Aroma: 92

“Strong notes of barnyard, grass, and butterscotch are revealed when I take in the aroma.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

First Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“This third is highlighted by light oak tannins, graham cracker, and hints of sweetness on the palate. The retrohale is a little different, it has a darker and spicier character. Showcasing white pepper and green coffee beans. The smoke is creamy and the finish is medium in length.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“Classic cedar and leather notes open this blend with just the slightest bitter aftertaste that I often get with Connecticut wrappers. Luckily the bitterness doesn’t last long and fades by the first inch. A nice white pepper spice and a slight floral note are very prominent on the retrohale. A wide-open draw and perfect burn are launching this cigar off right.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Second Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“As I smoke through this third the profile is overtaken by a cinnamon tingle on both the palate and in the sinuses. This pushes the tannins to more of a background note. The smoke is still very creamy but the body has jumped up to medium.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

” Cigar shifts gears a bit as the black pepper tapers off, leaving the easy-going cinnamon in its place with a bread note. Also getting more and more cedar with each puff. As all this comes together, it almost reminds me of cinnamon raisin bread but there isn’t that sweetness you would expect.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Final Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“This blend has remained a solid medium throughout and though the spice level picked up a bit in the final third the strength didn’t. Leather and a sweet almond butter flavor finish this blend. The floral and cedar notes are still hanging in the background and the white pepper remains very prevalent on the retrohale. The burn and construction have also remained stunning to the last puff.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

“Well, I was looking for some sweetness and it was hiding in the final third and it’s coming out in full force. Nothing like a tasty almond biscotti to finish things off.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Overall Impressions – H. Upmann 1844 Classic Toro

Draw: 94

“An easy draw from start to finish creates an ample amount of silky smooth smoke.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Burn: 96

“The burn line was perfect the entire cigar and never required a touch-up.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Construction: 93

“Perfectly rolled and bunched made for a tight firm ash. It held on for an inch at a time.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 93

“Add this to the growing list of Connecticut shade cigars that disappoint me. Far too one-dimensional and just flat-out boring for me to recommend this to anyone, even for a morning cigar. I know it sounds harsh but it just wasn’t doing anything for me. I’m a bold cigar Smoker so maybe someone else would appreciate it.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“I don’t know how much the absolutely perfect construction played into my enjoyment of the blend but it was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. The nice leather and cedar start that settled into a creamy almond butter flavor with a solid white pepper spice on the retro made this a cigar I would revisit regularly, especially as a morning stick for me.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

“There will be room for this cigar in everyone’s humidor. For someone that likes a creamy cigar with your morning coffee this it is. If you are looking for a cigar to end the evening that won’t give you a huge nicotine buzz choose this one. I will look for it, once I know what it is so I can enjoy one on the course with great friends. It is a cigar for all occasions.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“This cigar treated me well. It offered up an experience like that of a 3-course meal. Subtle notes kicked things off as an appetizer would. Midway was the main course with full notes across the board and into the finish of a dessert. To top it off, I had very few issues with burn, draw, and construction. I was left a happy camper when all was said and done.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 84

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

H. Upmann 1844 Classic Toro – Blind Cigar Review