H. Upmann Cuban cigars are among the oldest names in the world of Cuban cigars. Established in Havana in 1844, H. Upmann has built a reputation for refined, aromatic Habanos with a light-to-medium strength profile. The brand uses tobacco from Cuba's famous Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río, and its cigars are traditionally made by hand with long filler.
For UK cigar smokers, the H. Upmann range offers plenty of choice, from the compact H. Upmann Half Corona to larger formats such as the H. Upmann No. 2, Magnum series and Sir Winston. Whether you're looking for a shorter Cuban cigar or a longer, more leisurely smoke, H. Upmann has a format to suit the occasion.
H. Upmann Cuban Cigars: A Brief History
The history of H. Upmann dates back to 1844, when Herman Upmann, a German banker and cigar enthusiast, settled in Havana and established both a bank and a cigar factory. Although the banking business eventually closed, the H. Upmann cigar brand continued and became established as one of the historic names in the Habanos portfolio.
The brand's famous presentation is also linked to its history. H. Upmann boxes feature gold medals representing awards received at eleven international exhibitions during the 19th century. These medals remain one of the most recognisable features of H. Upmann packaging.
Today, H. Upmann remains associated with traditional Cuban cigar craftsmanship and a style that emphasises aroma, balance and refinement rather than sheer strength.
What Are H. Upmann Cigars Like?
H. Upmann cigars are generally considered light to medium in strength. Habanos describes the brand's blend as having a light-to-medium strength and says that its tobacco comes from the Vuelta Abajo area of Pinar del Río.
This makes H. Upmann an interesting option for cigar smokers who enjoy Cuban tobacco but prefer a more measured smoking experience.
The exact character can vary between individual vitolas, but the range is generally associated with an aromatic and balanced profile. The larger formats can also provide a longer smoking experience in which the character of the blend develops progressively.
Where Does H. Upmann Tobacco Come From?
H. Upmann Cuban cigars use tobacco sourced from Vuelta Abajo in Pinar del Río, Cuba, one of the most important tobacco-growing areas associated with premium Habanos. Habanos states that the brand's vitolas are made entirely by hand with long filler.
For cigar enthusiasts, the combination of Cuban-grown tobacco and traditional hand production is an important part of the appeal of authentic H. Upmann cigars.
Popular H. Upmann Cuban Cigar Sizes
One of the advantages of the H. Upmann range is the variety of available vitolas. Different sizes can offer very different smoking experiences, making it possible to choose a cigar according to the amount of time available.
- H. Upmann Half Corona - The H. Upmann Half Corona is one of the best-known shorter H. Upmann formats. Measuring 44 ring gauge by 90mm, it was introduced in 2011 specifically as a compact way to enjoy the H. Upmann blend. Habanos describes it as smooth to medium in strength, aromatic and balanced.
- H. Upmann No. 2 - The H. Upmann No. 2 is a distinctive pyramid-shaped Cuban cigar. At 52 ring gauge by 156mm, its tapered head and substantial length give it a very different appearance and smoking experience from the Half Corona.
- H. Upmann Magnum - The H. Upmann Magnum line provides several larger formats for smokers who prefer a longer session. The Magnum 46 and Magnum 50 form part of the brand's dedicated Magnum line, while later additions included the Magnum 54 and Magnum 56.
- H. Upmann Sir Winston - The H. Upmann Sir Winston is one of the brand's iconic larger formats. It uses the Julieta No. 2 vitola and measures 47 ring gauge by 178mm. Habanos describes the Sir Winston as a long and pleasant smoke with a light-to-medium strength and delicate aromatic character.
H. Upmann Reserva and Gran Reserva Cigars
H. Upmann has also produced a number of special releases for collectors and enthusiasts.
The brand's first Reserva was the H. Upmann No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2010, introduced in 2014. H. Upmann subsequently introduced its first Gran Reserva, the Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011. Habanos states that the tobacco used for this Gran Reserva underwent at least five years of ageing before the cigars were rolled.
Special releases such as these demonstrate the range of formats and ageing programmes associated with the H. Upmann name.
Want to view our full range of Cuban cigars? Click here.
What Strength Are H. Upmann Cuban Cigars?
If you're wondering how strong H. Upmann Cuban cigars are, the brand is generally positioned towards the light-to-medium end of the Habanos strength spectrum.
That doesn't mean every H. Upmann cigar will taste identical. Size, construction, tobacco ageing and individual smoking conditions can all influence the experience.
For smokers who prefer a more moderate Cuban cigar, however, H. Upmann is a brand worth exploring.
Are H. Upmann Cigars Good for Beginners?
H. Upmann can be an accessible starting point for someone exploring Cuban cigars, particularly because the brand's official strength description is light to medium.
The Half Corona can also be useful for someone who wants to experience a Cuban cigar without committing to a long smoking session. Habanos specifically describes the Half Corona as a format suitable for people beginning to explore Habanos.
More experienced smokers can explore the larger formats, including the No. 2, Magnum range and Sir Winston.
Looking for something a bit stronger? Check Bolivar cigars.
Buying H. Upmann Cuban Cigars in the UK
When buying H. Upmann Cuban cigars in the UK, look for an established specialist cigar retailer and check that the product is clearly identified as a genuine Cuban Habano.
The range can include everything from smaller formats such as the Half Corona to larger cigars such as the No. 2, Magnum and Sir Winston. Availability can vary, particularly for special and limited releases.
For the best experience, consider both the format and strength of the cigar rather than choosing solely by price or appearance.
Why Choose H. Upmann Cuban Cigars?
H. Upmann combines several characteristics that have helped it remain an important Cuban cigar brand for generations:
- More than 180 years of history
- Tobacco from Vuelta Abajo in Pinar del Río
- A generally light-to-medium strength profile
- Traditional handmade, long-filler construction
- A wide selection of vitolas
- Compact options such as the Half Corona
- Larger formats including the No. 2 and Sir Winston
- A history of Reserva, Gran Reserva and limited releases
For UK cigar enthusiasts, this variety makes H. Upmann a particularly versatile Cuban cigar brand.
Click here to view our range of H. Upmann CigarsFrequently Asked Questions
- Are H. Upmann cigars Cuban?
- Yes. H. Upmann is an established Cuban Habano brand dating back to 1844. Its cigars use tobacco from Vuelta Abajo in Pinar del Río, Cuba.
- What strength are H. Upmann Cuban cigars?
- H. Upmann is generally described by Habanos as light to medium in strength.
- What is the H. Upmann Half Corona?
- The H. Upmann Half Corona is a compact Cuban cigar measuring 44 ring gauge by 90mm. It was introduced in 2011 and is designed to offer the H. Upmann character in a shorter format.
- Where is H. Upmann tobacco grown?
- H. Upmann tobacco comes from the Vuelta Abajo area of Pinar del Río, Cuba, according to Habanos.
- Are H. Upmann cigars suitable for new Cuban cigar smokers?
- The brand's light-to-medium strength makes H. Upmann worth considering for smokers who prefer a more moderate Cuban cigar. The Half Corona is particularly compact and was introduced as a format suitable for those beginning to explore Habanos.
