Epicurean Stories: The H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Review

Welcome, dear connoisseurs, to my inaugural cigar review, an entry that escapes the mundane laser-sharp dissections of thirds for a more nuanced narrative. If you're in pursuit of bland note enumerations, I dare say, steer your attention elsewhere. A detailed analysis also known as a review is an odyssey, not a sprint. Let me draw the curtain on this stage, setting it upon the illustrious Habano I've chosen to bring in the year 2024, as mentioned in my previous article. A word of caution as I proceed: this cigar, a rare gem, may elicit an insatiable curiosity within you, however,it is definitely not easy to come by. So, light up and lean in, for this is where our story ignites.

H Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011



The splendor of this Habano was unveiled to the public in the year of 2018. Vitola de galera Julieta No.2, or as the aficionados whisper, the Churchill, stretches an impressive 178mm with a 47 ring gauge, a titan that stands proud among other cigars in the cedar castle on your desk. This splendid creation contains leaves from the 2010 harvest, cradled in the fertile nest of Cuba's Pínar del Río province and reaped in the year 2011.

This launch is an affair of exclusivity and grandeur, a symphony of luxury. A mere 5,000 numbered cases are in existence, each a treasure chest of 15 Habanos. They are waiting patiently within packaging that whispers of opulence; an exquisite black lacquer finish box, decorated with gold markings on the lid.

What does the moniker 'Gran Reserva' signify in the world of Habanos S.A.?

Each year, one regular production Habano is chosen to ascend into the esteemed Reserva or the exalted Gran Reserva programs. This designation is not merely a title but a testament to the fine art of aging tobacco. A Reserva is a promise of leaves aged no less than three years, while the Gran Reserva holds within it tobacco matured for a minimum of five years. The former is presented in a box of 20, the latter in 15, each band looking fabulous with silver on black for the Reservas and gold on black for the Grand Reservas. And let me add, they are a vision of absolute splendor.

Now, before the ritual of lighting up, I indulge in a moment of anticipation…ah, yes… the cold draw. This prelude, drawing through the unlit Sir Winston Gran Reserva, unveils a prelude to the symphony of flavors to come. Notes pirouette and cascade on the palate, an ensemble of smooth spices, nutmeg, sweet ginger, and cinnamon, each taking their turn in the spotlight. It is not merely tasting, it is an overture of the senses, a guarantee of the exquisite experience that awaits.

Upon light up, the notes were soft, a gentle overture awaiting the heat that was building up to liberate a richer bouquet. A touch of soft leather and the elegant scent of cedar marked the initiation of this sensory journey. It was a spectacle of evolving flavors, a crescendo of nuances if you will. A blast of roasted delights made their entrance as the thick silky smoke was creating a gentle cloud around me - almonds, walnuts, the whole assembly, each enrobed in the ballet of flavor.

All these flavors were dancing while the taste of sweet tobacco laid the foundation, a constant, harmonious base upon which the symphony played. Retrohaling introduced a character of pepper to let you know that even though the tobacco was carefully aged, strength was still part of its repertoire . Progressing into the heart of the experience, the second act, the sweet tobacco note persisted, now accompanied by the rich, dark notes of roasted coffee, while cinnamon joined with pepper in a duet of spices upon the retrohale.

Nearing the finale of this exquisite Habano, a flourish of new characters entered - a hint of potent espresso, a cocktail of darker roasted nuts, each taking their bow in this grand performance. An impeccable journey from spark to finish, this medium-bodied marvel is a recommendation I recommend to any seeker of a sublime smoke.

And what of the craftsmanship, you ask? Flawless. It was, in every sense, a harmonious blend of construction and taste, a testament to the art of the Habano.

At the beginning, I mentioned an aversion to conventional cigar reviews, bound by rigid criteria. I confess a certain disinterest in segmenting a cigar into thirds, for the simple reason that not all cigars develop their flavors in such predictable patterns. Consider, if you will, the lancero or double corona, each with their own rhythm and pace, potentially revealing their nuances more than thrice.

I propose, instead, a celebration of moments. A cigar evolves, dances, and shifts with its blend, not in prescribed stages, but as a fluid, dynamic narrative of taste, unique to each smoking experience. There lies a certain joy, a deeper appreciation in embracing these 'moments', each draw becoming a chapter in a tobacco told story.

The habit of dividing cigars into thirds is one I try to avoid. I've witnessed enthusiasts, with raised brows, criticize an otherwise splendid cigar for not adhering to this three third rule. Yet, we must remember, each cigar is an organic masterpiece, handcrafted with care and subject to the delightful moods of nature. Variations are not flaws but signatures of their hand-made legacy.

Similarly, I find the critique of combustion, the need for a touch-up, somewhat misplaced. Premium cigars are the culmination of over 200 hands and a year-long labor of love. If, in the complexity of its creation, a cigar requires a moment's attention to realign its burn, then let us do so with grace. After all, we embarked on this journey to savor, to relish, to immerse in the moment — let us not be deterred by every small thing, but rather celebrate the ritual and the story each cigar has to tell. And gentlemen, if you paid a lot of money for an expensive lighter, be happy for the chance to use it more often. 

Davidoff, in its pursuit of perfection, offers three specific notes for each third of their cigars. Over the years, my experiences with Davidoff's offerings have been varied, some have delighted me immensely, while at other times, the aromatic transitions they describe have eluded my senses, or presented themselves in unexpected variations. If you, too, find your experience deviating from the scripted notes, fear not. Your palate is not at fault. Taste is a deeply personal affair, influenced by everything from our past experiences to the day's first meal.

It's crucial to understand that when it comes to savoring a cigar, there is no right or wrong in perception. The diversity in taste is what makes the experience richly individual. If you and a companion embark on the same cigar journey and arrive at different notes, it's a testament to the uniqueness of each palate. Both of you are right in your own tasting.

My respect for Davidoff remains undiminished. Should my cherished Habanos ever vanish, Davidoff is the brand I'd turn to, a reliable companion through the toughest of times.

A word to those new to the cigar aficionado's world: there is no singular 'correct' way to enjoy your cigar. Whether you're pondering the right hold, the proper lighting technique, or the optimal frequency of puffs, know this - as long as your cigar is lit and you're living the moment, you're doing it splendidly. Of course, there are nuances like ensuring an even light and avoiding cutting below the cap, but these are skills honed over time. Beyond these, your cigar moment is yours to define. Embrace your personal ritual and revel in the smoke's embrace.