I've spent quite a bit of time lately revisiting the h upmann connoisseur a, and it's one of those cigars that just feels right in your hand from the moment you clip the cap. If you're a fan of Cuban tobacco, you probably already know that the H. Upmann brand carries a certain weight of history, but the "Connie A" (as most of us call it) feels like a modern classic that bridges the gap between old-school traditions and what modern smokers actually want.
It's not just another release; it's part of the La Casa del Habano (LCDH) and Habanos Specialist series. That usually means a bit more care goes into the tobacco selection, and in my experience, it definitely shows. I remember the first time I saw one in a shop—the chunky 52 ring gauge and the elegant gold and red band just screamed "luxury" without being too loud about it.
The Look and Feel of the Genios
The h upmann connoisseur a comes in a vitola known as the Genios. For those who don't spend their lives memorizing factory names, that's roughly 5.5 inches by a 52 ring gauge. It's a stout, commanding size. It feels substantial. When you pull one out of a slide-lid box of 25, the first thing you'll notice is the wrapper.
Usually, these have a beautiful Colorado-to-Colorado-Maduro shade. It's that deep, reddish-brown that looks almost oily under the right light. It's smooth to the touch, too—minimal veins, no rough patches. It doesn't look like a "rustic" cigar; it looks like something that was rolled by someone who really gave a damn about their craft.
The pre-light aroma is usually where I get excited. If you take a deep sniff of the foot, you're going to get hit with a mix of sweet hay, a bit of cedar, and what I can only describe as a "barnyard" scent. I know that sounds weird to non-smokers, but to us, that earthy, rich smell is the hallmark of well-fermented Cuban leaf. The cold draw—after a clean straight cut—usually offers just the right amount of resistance, giving off hints of honey and toasted nuts.
Lighting Up: The First Third
Once you get a flame to it, the h upmann connoisseur a doesn't waste any time. The first few puffs are surprisingly creamy. H. Upmann is generally known for a lighter-to-medium profile, but the Connie A has a bit more "oomph" right out of the gate.
The initial flavor profile is dominated by a lovely sweetness. Think of it like shortbread or light vanilla bean mixed with a soft cedar note. There's almost no spice on the tongue at this stage, which makes it incredibly approachable. If you're someone who likes to retrohale (blowing the smoke through your nose), you'll pick up a very delicate white pepper, but it's never sharp or aggressive. It's smooth, elegant, and honestly, pretty relaxing.
What's impressive is the smoke production. For a cigar this size, you want thick, velvety clouds, and this stick delivers. It fills the room with an aroma that's actually quite pleasant—toasty and sweet, rather than acrid or heavy.
The Evolution in the Second Third
As you move into the middle of the h upmann connoisseur a, the flavors start to deepen. This is where the cigar really finds its stride. That initial creaminess stays as a foundation, but now you're getting more of that classic H. Upmann "toasted" character.
I start picking up notes of roasted almonds and maybe a bit of cocoa powder. The sweetness shifts from that light floral/honey vibe into something a bit more like dark brown sugar. It's not a "sweet" cigar in the infused sense, obviously, but the natural sugars in the tobacco are really singing here.
The strength also ticks up a notch. It moves firmly into the medium category. It's not going to make your head spin, but you'll feel the body of the smoke becoming denser. The construction on these is usually top-tier, too. I've rarely had to touch one up with a lighter. The burn line stays relatively straight, and the ash—a light grey, almost white—holds on for a good inch or two before you need to tap it off.
The Final Stretch: Finishing Strong
By the time you get to the last third, the h upmann connoisseur a has fully woken up. The flavors get darker and more intense. That cedar note from the beginning turns into a more robust oak flavor, and the nuttiness becomes more like charred walnuts.
There's a bit more leather here, too. It's a complex finish. Some cigars get bitter or "hot" toward the end, but if you take your time and don't puff too fast, the Connie A stays remarkably cool. You can really nub this thing—smoke it right down until it's burning your fingers—because the flavor remains balanced.
In the final couple of inches, I often notice a bit of a salty-sweet combo, almost like salted caramel, which is a fantastic way to end a smoke. It leaves a long, lingering finish on the palate that makes you want to just sit there and reflect on the experience for a few minutes after you've put it in the ashtray.
Why Aging Matters for This Stick
If you happen to buy a box of the h upmann connoisseur a, my best advice is: don't smoke them all at once. While they are fantastic fresh (especially compared to some other Cubans that need years to settle down), these things evolve beautifully with a bit of age.
I've had some that were three or four years old, and the "edges" just seem to round off perfectly. The tobacco becomes even more integrated, and that honeyed sweetness becomes the star of the show. If you have the patience, tuck a few away in the back of your humidor and forget about them for a year. You'll thank yourself later.
That said, if you're at a lounge and see one in the humidor, don't feel like you have to wait. They're smoking wonderfully right now. The quality control on the Connie A seems to be higher than your average production cigar, likely because of its LCDH status.
Pairing Suggestions
What should you drink with an h upmann connoisseur a? Since it's a medium-bodied smoke with a lot of creamy and nutty notes, you have a few great options.
- Coffee: This is probably my favorite pairing. A flat white or a latte complements the creaminess of the cigar perfectly. If you prefer black coffee, go for something with a chocolatey profile rather than a bright, acidic African bean.
- Rum: A nice aged Cuban rum (like Havana Club 7) is the traditional choice for a reason. The molasses sweetness of the rum plays off the toasted notes of the cigar beautifully.
- Bourbon: If you want something with a bit more kick, a wheated bourbon works well. The mellow sweetness of the wheat won't overpower the delicate flavors of the H. Upmann the way a high-rye bourbon might.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the h upmann connoisseur a is a cigar for people who appreciate nuance over raw power. It's not a "nicotine bomb" that's going to floor you. Instead, it's a sophisticated, layered experience that rewards you for paying attention to it.
It's the kind of cigar I reach for on a Saturday afternoon when I have an hour and a half to myself. It feels special, but it's not so precious that you're afraid to light it up. Whether you're a long-time collector or someone just looking to try one of the best examples of what a modern H. Upmann can be, you really can't go wrong with this one. It's consistent, flavorful, and just a plain old joy to smoke.
If you see them in stock, grab a couple. Or better yet, grab a box. In the world of Cuban cigars, where things can sometimes be hit or miss, the Connie A is a remarkably safe bet that consistently over-delivers. Just make sure you have enough time to really sit back and enjoy it—you won't want to rush this one.