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H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon |
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Contributed by and Photos by: CARY STOLARCZYK
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Sunday, 03 June 2007 |
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The Republic of Cameroon is a country often associated with sport. Soccer fans may recall a 1990 World Cup loss to England by a mere goal. Those who follow the Olympics may think of their gold medal in soccer or as being that snow-less country participating in the 2002 Winter Olympics. You heard me right; this African nation sent a cross country skier to Salt Lake City. Cigar smokers, however, know Cameroon for their unique and flavorful wrapper found upon some fine smokes.
The H. Upmann brand has been around long enough to see this country achieve in sport, grow in size and throw off foreign shackles, meanwhile, like the African Republic; H. Upmann has seen its share of owners. The version legally available for American consumption is no longer made in Cuba, as it was in the days when John F. Kennedy was reported to have stocked up before signing onto the embargo. Altadis has taken the time to assure that this international concoction would live up to the 150 year old reputation.
The H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon takes the toothy (read: bumpy) Cameroon leaf and uses it to wrap up an assortment of tobaccos spanning three countries. This marriage made over the equatorial Atlantic leaves one wondering how long it will be until we can pick up one if its Cuban cousins.
THE RUNDOWN
Preferred Cutting Method: Guillotine is the way to go on this one, though when cut with the popular “v” shaped cutter the draw is slightly tougher.
Draw: A good cut should land you a medium effort draw. 4 out of 5 stars
Burn: While some of the sticks looked as if they may rat out a poor light, they recovered quite well. It will, however, go out on you if you aren’t paying attention. 3.5 out of 5 stars
Time per Smoke: Give yourself at least an hour and a quarter on this one, a bit longer if you’re reading information about a central African republic and it goes out.
Flavor: This medium bodied smoke is not the most complex thing in the humidor but its hints of spice and smooth, almost chocolate, finish makes for a pleasant smoke. 4 out of 5 stars
THE VERDICT
If you are worried about the wallet the H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon is for you coming in around $5 (Roughly $15 if you buy them in Chicago). This densely packed cigar puts forth an inoffensive medium body with wonderful lingering flavors. Taken with a cup of coffee you will find added depth and enhanced spiciness. This being said, if you are looking for a smoke to take out on the golf course as you romp through tree lines to find your ball, you may want to look elsewhere as the attention you need to devote to it may aid that slice. Perhaps it is just me on that one.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
• Cary Stolarczyk’s column, “Accidental Smoker,” is published exclusively each month in Lumino Magazine. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
