About the H. Upmann Connoisseur A
H. Upmann was founded in Havana in 1844 by the German banker brothers Hermann and August Upmann, and it remains one of the most storied names in Cuban tobacco. The Connoisseur A joined the historic Connoisseur line in 2013, introduced at the Intertabac fair in Dortmund and reserved as an exclusive for La Casa del Habano franchises and Habanos Specialist retailers. Known in the factory by the vitola name Genios, this Habano measures 140 mm in length with a 52 ring gauge, rolled entirely with long filler leaves selected from the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Rio. It represents a refined, modern take on the gentle elegance that has defined the brand for generations.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans soft and inviting, with buttery cream, light vanilla, and a touch of fresh-baked bread that sets a mellow tone. Through the middle the smoke stays smooth and rounded, as sweet cedar emerges alongside a whisper of grass and the classic H. Upmann cereal character. The final third gains a little more depth, drifting toward toasted oak and warm baking spice while the creamy sweetness lingers on a clean, comfortable finish.
Pairings
- A lightly aged Cuban rum, whose cane sweetness echoes the cigar’s vanilla and cream
- A milky cortado or cafe con leche to mirror the buttery, bready notes
- A delicate Champagne or dry white wine that keeps the palate fresh between draws
Aging and storage
Like many young Habanos, the Connoisseur A rewards patience. A spell of rest in the humidor allows any youthful edge to settle and lets the creamy, cedary core knit together into something more polished. Keep your humidor seasoned to roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity at a steady temperature near 18 degrees Celsius, and the cigar will hold its character beautifully. Stored well, these smoke better with a year or two of additional age.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the smoker who values subtlety. If you reach for a Habano in the morning or after a light meal and prefer nuance to raw intensity, the Connoisseur A fits perfectly. Newcomers will appreciate its approachable, mild to medium body, while seasoned aficionados can savor the layered cream-and-cedar profile that marks a classic H. Upmann.
Frequently asked questions
What is the strength of the H. Upmann Connoisseur A?
It sits in the mild to medium range, staying smooth and creamy from light to finish, which makes it an excellent daytime or post-lunch smoke.
What are the dimensions of the Connoisseur A?
It measures 140 mm in length, about 5.5 inches, with a 52 ring gauge. Its factory vitola name is Genios.
Why is the Connoisseur A considered special?
Released in 2013 as part of H. Upmann’s historic Connoisseur line, it is an exclusive for La Casa del Habano and Habanos Specialist stores, made with long-filler tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo.
Explore more
Browse all H. Upmann cigars, see our H. Upmann price guide, or try the H. Upmann Magnum 56 EDICION LIMITADA 2015 and H Upmann No.2. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.
