This week’s group cigar review is of the H. Upmann Media Noche. This cigar has a really nice looking wrapper leaf and the draw is a little on the loose side. Once lit up, we got a roasted nutty flavor mixed with pepper. The second third is very mellow while the final third increases in body then brings a rich char flavor and lots of pepper. All three sticks had some minor constructions issues which came as a surprise for H. Upmann. Overall,we liked the flavor and transitions but were a little let down on the construction. We think these are worth a try.
StraightUpCigars: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 8/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 7/10
Would I buy a Box: 4/5
Total: 42/50
Terry1: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 17/20
Construction: 8/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 9/10
Would I buy a Box: 4/5
Total: 43/50
IamDarren: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 17/20
Construction: 8/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 9/10
Would I buy a Box: 4/5
Total: 43/50
7:33 PM
IamDarren: just pulled mine out of the cello, getting a nice leathery maduro scent from the wrapper
7:33 PM
IamDarren: gonna use the Screwpop punch on this one
7:34 PM
StraightUpCigars: Good call b/c the draw is loose on mine.
7:35 PM
IamDarren: had to cut pretty deep to get through the cap pack but it cut great and has a perfect draw
7:35 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine has a sweet tobacco smell to it and a nice looking wrapper. No complaints other than a loose draw.
7:35 PM
IamDarren: not getting much on the cold draw, just a hint of spice and sweet
7:36 PM
Terry1: I’m liking what I see. Dark wrapper, a little rustic. Cold draw is like a dusty pecan note. Draw is just right. I’m ready to light up.
7:36 PM
StraightUpCigars: Lighting.
7:36 PM
IamDarren: lighting up now
7:38 PM
StraightUpCigars: Really nutty flavor to start with a hint of pepper.
7:38 PM
IamDarren: agreed, very rich. Leather up front that fades to roasted nuts with pepper on the finish.
7:40 PM
Terry1: Lots of leather and some pepper. Third puff I got the roasted nuts. Very nice.
7:41 PM
IamDarren: how was that new bourbon Terry?
7:43 PM
Terry1: Oh shit I forget to tell you. I thought the Basil Hayden bourbon was alright, very woody. I’ll drink it but I probably wouldn’t buy it again.
7:44 PM
IamDarren: ok, I ended up getting another bottle of Woodford Reserve. Getting addicted to that stuff.
7:45 PM
StraightUpCigars: I’m sipping on some mead tonight. I like it, it’s extremely sweet.
7:45 PM
IamDarren: any particular kind?
7:45 PM
Terry1: I had some honey mead beer at the festival. It was sweet but good.
7:46 PM
StraightUpCigars: Klapojster Mjod
7:47 PM
StraightUpCigars: Says this one has viking heritage versus the typical Egyptian style mead. I can’t really tell you what that means though.
7:48 PM
IamDarren: lol, what is the consistency? I thought that stuff was pretty thick.
7:48 PM
StraightUpCigars: It’s syrupy I’d say. Not really thick, but maybe a bit clingier than your average wine I guess.
7:48 PM
Terry1: You need spell check.
7:48 PM
StraightUpCigars: Lol!
7:48 PM
StraightUpCigars: I had to get the bottle.
7:49 PM
StraightUpCigars: I have had a mead beer as well, Terry. I think I like the real thing better than the beer. I don’t think beer should be this sweet.
7:50 PM
IamDarren: burn is decent, a little wavy but not too bad. Flavor is mellowing out a little. More sweetness and nuttiness and less leather. Picking up a buttery texture.
7:51 PM
Terry1: I’m really liking the flavors right now but I’m having a rough time identifying them. I like your buttery description. Getting more sweetness.
7:51 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine is getting a creamy sweetness too.
7:53 PM
IamDarren: ash was flowering a bit so I tapped it off, about an inch
7:53 PM
Terry1: My burn line is all over the place. It might be the cold.
7:53 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine is uneven, but not so bad I’m going to fix it just yet.
7:54 PM
IamDarren: You guys smoke anything special over Christmas? I was able to squeeze in an Arturo Fuente King B. Pretty good flavor wise. Didn’t blow me away, especially for the price.
7:55 PM
StraightUpCigars: I wasn’t able to smoke a cigar at all. B/n the cold and the travel it was over before I knew it.
7:55 PM
Terry1: I had a Rocky Patel Decade Limitada. Delicious but it was a little strong.
7:56 PM
Terry1: Curious about the new Rocky Decade with the Cameroon wrapper.
7:56 PM
StraightUpCigars: I don’t think I smoked any RP cigars in 2014. I’ve got several to try.
7:56 PM
IamDarren: the Decade line is one of his best I think
7:58 PM
IamDarren: starting to pick up a slightly herbal note… either of you tasting it? Really giving it some more complexity since it mellowed.
7:58 PM
StraightUpCigars: I don’t think I’m tasting that, but I’m getting earthiness now.
7:59 PM
Terry1: That may be what I’m getting. There’s a sweetness that does have an herbal quality, like clover honey.
8:00 PM
IamDarren: yes, maybe that’s what it is. Either way I like where it is headed.
8:02 PM
IamDarren: Either of you guys have an Ave Maria? I found a few in my humi over the break and thought we reviewed it until I looked on the sitemap?
8:03 PM
StraightUpCigars: I had one on vacation but don’t remember anything about it. Must have had too many cocktails.
8:03 PM
Terry1: I’ve had several. I liked it but not enough to remember to buy more.
8:06 PM
StraightUpCigars: Just did a burn correction on mine, seems to have taken care of the issue. The draw has filled in and is perfect now as well.
8:07 PM
IamDarren: nearing the last third on my stick, draw is still great but smoke production has dropped off some.
8:07 PM
Terry1: I corrected mine some time ago and it’s burning fine now. Perfect draw, lots of smoke. The flavors are lightening up thou.
8:09 PM
IamDarren: think I may have just burned though something. The wrapper didn’t want to burn on one side. Now it is catching up and the smoke production is better. Seems to have gotten sweeter as well. Must be getting most of the sweetness from the wrapper.
8:11 PM
Terry1: I think you’re right. The wrapper must be what I’m tasting. I haven’t had Penn Broadleaf too often but the sweetness is unique to me.
8:13 PM
StraightUpCigars: I’m getting a nice rich char flavor and the sweetness is all but gone. Big transition over here.
8:15 PM
IamDarren: crossing into the last third now and im picking up on that char. Coming across as charred oak with a bit more pepper on the finish now.
8:16 PM
IamDarren: Mixing quite nicely with my bourbon and pepsi
8:16 PM
Terry1: I must not have hit that spot yet. Mine is still fairly sweet and creamy with a mild pepper.
8:19 PM
StraightUpCigars: This one has been a bit surprising. I would have expected perfect construction from an Uppmann and did not expect major flavor transitions. I like it.
8:20 PM
StraightUpCigars: I wouldn’t have guessed this was a big name cigar is what I’m trying to say.
8:22 PM
Terry1: I’m liking this too. The subtle sweetness is really keeping my interest. Now I’m really curious about the other two.
8:24 PM
IamDarren: I agree, seems to be blended very well. I love me a good maduro!
8:26 PM
StraightUpCigars: My burn is getting whacked out again.
8:28 PM
Terry1: Still a good burn on mine and I am not getting any of the char or earthy flavors you two have mentioned. It’s been pretty consistent.
8:29 PM
StraightUpCigars: Huh. Mine is about as full bodied a cigar as they come. Each puff is a massive flavor bomb of charred wood with pepper.
8:30 PM
IamDarren: pepper is not too strong on mine. Very balanced. Just a little sweetness now with charred oak.
8:30 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine is dominated by charred wood, with a little pepper. I wouldn’t call mine balanced, but still delicious.
8:31 PM
Terry1: The flavors are getting more intense than the middle third but still getting the sweetness and herbal notes. I’m liking mine but it makes me wonder about the consistency.
8:38 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine is winding down here. Have a little left. Full flavored but not too strong.
8:40 PM
Terry1: I agree. Mine has been a pleasant tasting cigar. Ready to rate when you are.
8:41 PM
IamDarren: im about done as well. Got a bit stronger and pepper picked up right at the end
8:46 PM
StraightUpCigars: Overall, the H Upmann Media Noche is pretty pricey but I enjoyed it and recommend trying it. With better construction that score would have been a few points higher.
8:47 PM
Terry1: Now I think about $5 is a good price for this cigar. I’d recommend it and I know I’ll be buying more. I liked the flavor from the wrapper.
8:47 PM
IamDarren: If you can get them for a decent price I think they are pretty good.
8:48 PM
IamDarren: Might burn better with a bit of aging, since these are a new release it might be a bit young.
8:48 PM
Terry1: Construction was a bit of a problem.
8:49 PM
IamDarren: Im very interested to see how the others compare. I wonder if they are made in the same factory?
8:49 PM
StraightUpCigars: That’s a good point about the age. I’d assume they’re made in the same place, but I dunno for sure.
7:33 PM
IamDarren: just pulled mine out of the cello, getting a nice leathery maduro scent from the wrapper
7:33 PM
IamDarren: gonna use the Screwpop punch on this one
7:34 PM
StraightUpCigars: Good call b/c the draw is loose on mine.
7:35 PM
IamDarren: had to cut pretty deep to get through the cap pack but it cut great and has a perfect draw
7:35 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine has a sweet tobacco smell to it and a nice looking wrapper. No complaints other than a loose draw.
7:35 PM
IamDarren: not getting much on the cold draw, just a hint of spice and sweet
7:36 PM
Terry1: I’m liking what I see. Dark wrapper, a little rustic. Cold draw is like a dusty pecan note. Draw is just right. I’m ready to light up.
7:36 PM
StraightUpCigars: Lighting.
7:36 PM
IamDarren: lighting up now
7:38 PM
StraightUpCigars: Really nutty flavor to start with a hint of pepper.
7:38 PM
IamDarren: agreed, very rich. Leather up front that fades to roasted nuts with pepper on the finish.
7:40 PM
Terry1: Lots of leather and some pepper. Third puff I got the roasted nuts. Very nice.
7:41 PM
IamDarren: how was that new bourbon Terry?
7:43 PM
Terry1: Oh shit I forget to tell you. I thought the Basil Hayden bourbon was alright, very woody. I’ll drink it but I probably wouldn’t buy it again.
7:44 PM
IamDarren: ok, I ended up getting another bottle of Woodford Reserve. Getting addicted to that stuff.
7:45 PM
StraightUpCigars: I’m sipping on some mead tonight. I like it, it’s extremely sweet.
7:45 PM
IamDarren: any particular kind?
7:45 PM
Terry1: I had some honey mead beer at the festival. It was sweet but good.
7:46 PM
StraightUpCigars: Klapojster Mjod
7:47 PM
StraightUpCigars: Says this one has viking heritage versus the typical Egyptian style mead. I can’t really tell you what that means though.
7:48 PM
IamDarren: lol, what is the consistency? I thought that stuff was pretty thick.
7:48 PM
StraightUpCigars: It’s syrupy I’d say. Not really thick, but maybe a bit clingier than your average wine I guess.
7:48 PM
Terry1: You need spell check.
7:48 PM
StraightUpCigars: Lol!
7:48 PM
StraightUpCigars: I had to get the bottle.
7:49 PM
StraightUpCigars: I have had a mead beer as well, Terry. I think I like the real thing better than the beer. I don’t think beer should be this sweet.
7:50 PM
IamDarren: burn is decent, a little wavy but not too bad. Flavor is mellowing out a little. More sweetness and nuttiness and less leather. Picking up a buttery texture.
7:51 PM
Terry1: I’m really liking the flavors right now but I’m having a rough time identifying them. I like your buttery description. Getting more sweetness.
7:51 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine is getting a creamy sweetness too.
7:53 PM
IamDarren: ash was flowering a bit so I tapped it off, about an inch
7:53 PM
Terry1: My burn line is all over the place. It might be the cold.
7:53 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine is uneven, but not so bad I’m going to fix it just yet.
7:54 PM
IamDarren: You guys smoke anything special over Christmas? I was able to squeeze in an Arturo Fuente King B. Pretty good flavor wise. Didn’t blow me away, especially for the price.
7:55 PM
StraightUpCigars: I wasn’t able to smoke a cigar at all. B/n the cold and the travel it was over before I knew it.
7:55 PM
Terry1: I had a Rocky Patel Decade Limitada. Delicious but it was a little strong.
7:56 PM
Terry1: Curious about the new Rocky Decade with the Cameroon wrapper.
7:56 PM
StraightUpCigars: I don’t think I smoked any RP cigars in 2014. I’ve got several to try.
7:56 PM
IamDarren: the Decade line is one of his best I think
7:58 PM
IamDarren: starting to pick up a slightly herbal note… either of you tasting it? Really giving it some more complexity since it mellowed.
7:58 PM
StraightUpCigars: I don’t think I’m tasting that, but I’m getting earthiness now.
7:59 PM
Terry1: That may be what I’m getting. There’s a sweetness that does have an herbal quality, like clover honey.
8:00 PM
IamDarren: yes, maybe that’s what it is. Either way I like where it is headed.
8:02 PM
IamDarren: Either of you guys have an Ave Maria? I found a few in my humi over the break and thought we reviewed it until I looked on the sitemap?
8:03 PM
StraightUpCigars: I had one on vacation but don’t remember anything about it. Must have had too many cocktails.
8:03 PM
Terry1: I’ve had several. I liked it but not enough to remember to buy more.
8:06 PM
StraightUpCigars: Just did a burn correction on mine, seems to have taken care of the issue. The draw has filled in and is perfect now as well.
8:07 PM
IamDarren: nearing the last third on my stick, draw is still great but smoke production has dropped off some.
8:07 PM
Terry1: I corrected mine some time ago and it’s burning fine now. Perfect draw, lots of smoke. The flavors are lightening up thou.
8:09 PM
IamDarren: think I may have just burned though something. The wrapper didn’t want to burn on one side. Now it is catching up and the smoke production is better. Seems to have gotten sweeter as well. Must be getting most of the sweetness from the wrapper.
8:11 PM
Terry1: I think you’re right. The wrapper must be what I’m tasting. I haven’t had Penn Broadleaf too often but the sweetness is unique to me.
8:13 PM
StraightUpCigars: I’m getting a nice rich char flavor and the sweetness is all but gone. Big transition over here.
8:15 PM
IamDarren: crossing into the last third now and im picking up on that char. Coming across as charred oak with a bit more pepper on the finish now.
8:16 PM
IamDarren: Mixing quite nicely with my bourbon and pepsi
8:16 PM
Terry1: I must not have hit that spot yet. Mine is still fairly sweet and creamy with a mild pepper.
8:19 PM
StraightUpCigars: This one has been a bit surprising. I would have expected perfect construction from an Uppmann and did not expect major flavor transitions. I like it.
8:20 PM
StraightUpCigars: I wouldn’t have guessed this was a big name cigar is what I’m trying to say.
8:22 PM
Terry1: I’m liking this too. The subtle sweetness is really keeping my interest. Now I’m really curious about the other two.
8:24 PM
IamDarren: I agree, seems to be blended very well. I love me a good maduro!
8:26 PM
StraightUpCigars: My burn is getting whacked out again.
8:28 PM
Terry1: Still a good burn on mine and I am not getting any of the char or earthy flavors you two have mentioned. It’s been pretty consistent.
8:29 PM
StraightUpCigars: Huh. Mine is about as full bodied a cigar as they come. Each puff is a massive flavor bomb of charred wood with pepper.
8:30 PM
IamDarren: pepper is not too strong on mine. Very balanced. Just a little sweetness now with charred oak.
8:30 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine is dominated by charred wood, with a little pepper. I wouldn’t call mine balanced, but still delicious.
8:31 PM
Terry1: The flavors are getting more intense than the middle third but still getting the sweetness and herbal notes. I’m liking mine but it makes me wonder about the consistency.
8:38 PM
StraightUpCigars: Mine is winding down here. Have a little left. Full flavored but not too strong.
8:40 PM
Terry1: I agree. Mine has been a pleasant tasting cigar. Ready to rate when you are.
8:41 PM
IamDarren: im about done as well. Got a bit stronger and pepper picked up right at the end
8:46 PM
StraightUpCigars: Overall, the H Upmann Media Noche is pretty pricey but I enjoyed it and recommend trying it. With better construction that score would have been a few points higher.
8:47 PM
Terry1: Now I think about $5 is a good price for this cigar. I’d recommend it and I know I’ll be buying more. I liked the flavor from the wrapper.
8:47 PM
IamDarren: If you can get them for a decent price I think they are pretty good.
8:48 PM
IamDarren: Might burn better with a bit of aging, since these are a new release it might be a bit young.
8:48 PM
Terry1: Construction was a bit of a problem.
8:49 PM
IamDarren: Im very interested to see how the others compare. I wonder if they are made in the same factory?
8:49 PM
StraightUpCigars: That’s a good point about the age. I’d assume they’re made in the same place, but I dunno for sure.