Legacy lines like H. Upmann can sometimes pose a challenge. How do you maintain the tradition of such an iconic brand while keeping it fresh and engaging? To solve this conundrum, Altadis U.S.A., which owns the U.S. distribution rights for the many non-Cuban versions of H. Upmann, turned to cigarmaker A.J. Fernandez to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the H. Upmann brand, a historic smoke created in Cuba by German banker Hermann Upmann.

Letting Fernandez formulate a blend to celebrate the momentous anniversary turned out to be a good move, as this Churchill is quite spectacular. The tobacco in the cigar is all Nicaraguan, culled from Fernandez’s farms, including a wrapper that Altadis claims is medio tiempo, a high-priming cluster of tobacco leaves that grows atop the plant. But these leaves don’t always sprout, making the tobacco prized for its rarity and strength.

The H. Upmann 175th Anniversary Churchill is a limited-edition cigar, available in 10-count boxes or a commemorative humidor. In the box, each Churchill sits in its own dignified slot, and all are beautifully adorned with a gold band that looks as though it were struck by the U.S. mint.

The flavors are as opulent as the presentation, each puff rich with chocolate, dried cherry and salty leather notes that continue to pay dividends on the finish.