For those that follow us on facebook and Twitter you’ll know we’ve been quite busy over the last couple of weeks and one of the highlights has been a visit to Orrery in Marylebone, London. We’re always on the lookout for new places to light up a fine cigar and we believe in Orrery we’ve stumbled across another London gem. And it’s not just us that think that either as Cuban Cigar import specialists Hunter and Frankau and Dalmore Whiskey were there on hand for our visit to supply some of their finest.
Situated 5 minutes from London’s famous Baker Street station Orrery has found itself in the heart of Marylebone village. On arrival we headed to the second floor of a converted stable block, to the terrace area. This great area has been modelled by floral designer McQueens and offers wonderful views over St Marylebone Church gardens – an ideal spot to enjoy a cigar and whiskey (as well as some exceptional food – but thats for another review!)
After years of neglect, the original Burtons Stable Building was renovated in 1997 to provide space for a long, slim restaurant with banquette seats flanking one wall, and a lovely view through large arched windows opposite.
So to the evening itself… on show was a cigar from one of the oldest Habanos brands still in production. H. Upmann was founded in 1844 by two brothers from a German banking family who had emigrated to set up a branch in Havana and ended up opening a cigar shop to take advantage of a business that was booming – very lucky for us as the brand to this day produces some exquisite cigars and high up on the ‘favourites list’ of Cut The Cap is the H. Upmann No. 2.
Don’t just take our word for though – it achieved a top ten ranking in the Cigar Aficionado Magazine’s ‘Cigar of the Year’ awards in 2010, scoring a hugely impressive 94/100, earning it 9th place.
When lighting up we were rewarded with a nice easy draw which delivered an initial light smoke. We paired the first part of the cigar with a Dalmore 15 year which had matured in matusalem, apostoles and amoroso sherry casks, giving some winter spice, orange zest and most importantly for the cigar chocolate notes. We say this as it complemented the nutty and coffee elements of the No. 2 perfectly. As the cigar opened up into the second third we began to get the a much creamier smoke and paired it with the Dalmore Cigar Malt which really was a match made in heaven. The smooth whiskey had a fantastic combination of flavors including caramel, shortbread and coffee which enhanced the favours of the cigar a great way. We didn’t want this cigar to come to an end but as we reached the the final third we made our last pairing of the evening with the Dalmore 18. This offered a fruity sweeter taste thanks to the notes of vanilla and orange zest and worked as the perfect balance to the earthy, spicy finish of the cigar.
It was a brilliant night had by everyone involved and we know Cut The Cap will definitely be doing the following again… Smoking a H. Upmann No. 2, drinking Dalmore Whiskey and visiting the Terrace at Orrery!
And because we know you want to know – here are the vital statistics:
Brand: H. Upmann
Stogie: No2 / Piramides
Length: 6 1/8″
Ring gauge: 52
Wrapper: Cuban
Binder: Cuban
Filler: Cuban
Strength: Light to Medium
Price: £419/box of 25, £16.99 single cigar at HumiBros.com (Click here)