H. Upmann

H. UPMANN

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Herman Upmann was a banker from Germany who so loved Cuban cigars that he moved to Havana in 1844 and set up as both banker and cigar maker. His bank closed in the early 1920s but his cigars live on as a fine example of an elegant, light to medium flavoured Havana.

The brand is particularly welcome in the UK as Hunters & Frankau has represented H. Upmann in Britain since the 1850s and, between 1925 and 1937, owned the factory in Havana as well as the worldwide brand rights.

Amongst the best-known H. Upmann sizes are the Magnum 46, Magnum 50 and Magnum 54. As the name suggests Magnums have heavy girths – the number represents the ring gauge of each size. Other important sizes include the Sir Winston, the Connoisseur No.1 and in smaller vitolas the Corona J and Half Corona, which was introduced in 2011.

H. Upmann’s blend is composed exclusively of filler and binder tobaccos grown in the Vuelta Abajo zone and all sizes are ‘tripa larga, totalmente a mano’ – long filler, totally handmade.

The Range

Sir Winston

A magnificent Churchill that comes in a beautiful, varnished box; a fact that does not escape the manufacturers, who put every effort into making cigars that live up to their presentation. For connoisseurs.

No.2

A classic Pirámide that has lived for many years, undeservedly, in the shadow of its better known half- brother the Montecristo No.2. Less punchy in taste, but distinctly aromatic with all the burning qualities that the shape bestows.

Magnum 50

Piloted as one of the highly successful 2005 Ediciónes Limitadas, the Magnum 50 entered the range as a standard size in 2008. A big cigar, just over six inches in length, that delivers a rounded, mellow flavour and aroma.

Magnum 46

This cabinet selection cigar tied in a silk-ribboned bundle first saw the light of day in the mid-1980s. It revitalised the traditional image of the brand with its elegant light to medium taste in a girth that rewards the palate.

Magnum 54

The latest addition to the Upmann 'Magnum' family. Joining the '50' and the '46' this is both the shortest and widest of the three. Released in 2017 its shape seems the epitome of a modern-day Havana.

Majestic

An inexpensive cigar for its size, the Majestic projects an image well above its price bracket. The taste is somewhat more intense than many Upmanns, but if you know what you are buying, you will be rewarded.

Regalias

A tasty mareva with plenty of charm, the Regalias is part of La Linea Retro and is presented in stylish tins of five and dressed boxes of 25. The retro pop-lid pocket cigar cases were inspired by ones much in vogue during the 1970's.

Petit Corona

Still going strong is H. Upmann’s classic, pressed Petit Corona. Light to medium in flavour with all the elegant distinction that only Vuelta Abajo leaves can bring to a Habano.

Coronas Major

H. Upmann was the first brand anywhere in the world to introduce the cedar lined aluminium tube for cigars. This was not the first size to be tubed, but it has been on the UK market since 1937, so it has passed muster with many smokers.

Connoisseur No.1

Virtually a Robusto, but slightly thinner and longer, this cigar merits the title ‘connoisseur’ for its delicate light flavour, great balance and elegant aroma. Once presented without a band, now it sports Upmann’s distinctive red and gold colours.

Connoisseur No.2

This is a unique vitola within the Habanos portfolio and the first to boast a ring gauge of 51. It joins the Connoisseur A, B and No.1 within the H. Upmann portfolio and is adorned with a band that states the cigar name.

Connoisseur A

This is the first time that the Genios vitola has been used outside Cohiba. The Connoisseur A is reserved throughout the world for sale only in Casas del Habano and shops that qualify as Havana Cigar Specialists.

Connoisseur B

This stout cigar serves up all the well-balanced, light to medium bodied aromas that have helped make H. Upmann such a favourite among aficionados and novices alike, ever since it was first launched back in 1844.

Coronas Minor

Another 1937 introduction. A short smoke with a decent ring gauge that offers H. Upmann’s quality and taste when time is at a premium. A reliable size for over 80 years.

Coronas J

Formerly known as the Corona Junior and, before that, the Petit Upmann, this small cigar has the distinction of being the one that President Kennedy bought heavily just before he signed the US/Cuban trade embargo. A great cigar for beginners with a presidential pedigree to boot.

Half Corona

The first 31⁄2 inch (90mm) Havana to be introduced since the Second World War. Its forebear, called the Half-a-Corona, was in its day the best-selling Havana size by far.