AshMap
H. Upmann — Heritage & History
H. Upmann is one of the few cigar brands with a banker’s pedigree: founded in 1844 by Hermann Upmann, a German banker who set up shop in Havana and began rolling cigars as a sideline to his financial business. His office on Calle San Miguel doubled as a factory, and the brand’s early success was tied to his ability to ship cigars to Europe in cedar-lined boxes—a practice that became a hallmark. The brand survived the Cuban Revolution by splitting: the Cuban state retained the name for Habanos S.A., while the Upmann family’s international rights were eventually acquired by General Cigar, which now produces the non-Cuban line in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The Cuban side, rolled at the Partagás factory, includes the Sir Winston (a Churchill named for the British PM), while the non-Cuban portfolio offers the 1844 Reserve and Banker series—both nodding to the founder’s dual life. Few brands can claim such a bifurcated legacy, and fewer still have a cigar named after a prime minister who reportedly smoked 10 a day.
Blending Philosophy
H. Upmann’s blending approach is defined by restraint and balance, favoring Connecticut Shade wrappers (Honduran or Ecuadorian) and Dominican fillers that yield a mild-to-medium profile. The 1844 Reserve line, for example, uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers, aged to soften edges rather than amplify strength. The Banker series steps up with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, adding a touch of white pepper and leather while keeping the core creamy. The Cuban side, by contrast, adheres to Habanos’ traditional Vuelta Abajo tobaccos, with the Magnum 46 and 50 showcasing a slightly more earthy, cedar-forward character. Construction is consistent across both: a triple-cap, even burn, and a draw that never fights back. The brand’s philosophy is not about intensity but about layering—each component is chosen to complement, not overpower, the next.
Flavor Profile
Across the range, H. Upmann cigars deliver a core of cedar and cream, with variations depending on wrapper and origin. The 1844 Reserve (Churchill, Robusto, Toro, Torpedo) opens with mild cedar and a hint of honey, evolving into toasted nuts and a soft leather finish. The Banker line, with its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, adds white pepper on the retrohale and a darker cocoa note, especially in the Toro. Cuban offerings like the Magnum 46 and Sir Winston are more earthy, with dried fruit and a subtle baking spice that deepens in the final third. The Petit Coronas (both Cuban and non-Cuban) are brighter, with more pronounced citrus and grass, while the No. 2 Torpedo sits in the middle, offering a balanced mix of cedar, leather, and a faint espresso bitterness. Strength ranges from mild-medium in the 1844 Reserve to medium-full in the Banker Toro, but the signature is always smoothness.
Best for Beginners
Start with the H. Upmann Half Corona (Cuban, if available) or the 1844 Reserve Robusto. The Half Corona is mild-medium, priced around $8–$12, and smokes in 30–40 minutes—perfect for a first experience. Expect cedar, a touch of cream, and a gentle finish of nuts. The 1844 Reserve Robusto, at $10–$14, offers a longer session (45–60 minutes) with similar mildness, making it an easy introduction to the brand’s balance.
H. Upmann Cigar Lineup
Explore 19 H. Upmann cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:
- 1844 Reserve Churchill — Churchill, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
- 1844 Reserve Robusto — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
- 1844 Reserve Toro — Toro, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
- 1844 Reserve Torpedo — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
- Banker Corona — Corona, Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
- Banker Robusto — Robusto, Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
- Banker Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $12–$16 per cigar
- Connoisseur No. 1 — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
- H. Upmann 1844 Reserve Robusto — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
- H. Upmann 1844 Reserve Torpedo — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
- H. Upmann Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
- H. Upmann Petit Coronas — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $12–$18 per cigar (Habanos S.A. official retail; market prices vary by region)
- Half Corona — Half Corona, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
- Magnum 46 — Gordo / Toro, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
- Magnum 50 — Toro, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
- Magnum 54 — Toro, Mild-Medium · $9–$14 per cigar
- No. 2 Torpedo — Torpedo (Belicoso), Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
- Sir Winston — Churchill, Medium · $45–$60 per cigar
- Sir Winston Churchill — Churchill, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are H. Upmann cigars made?
It depends on the line. Cuban H. Upmanns (e.g., Magnum 46, Sir Winston, Petit Coronas) are rolled at the Partagás factory in Havana. Non-Cuban versions (1844 Reserve, Banker, Connoisseur) are produced in Santiago, Dominican Republic (General Cigar’s La Romana facility) and Estelí, Nicaragua (STG Estelí, sometimes in collaboration with Altadis USA or Plasencia).
What is H. Upmann known for?
H. Upmann is known for being one of the oldest cigar brands (founded 1844) and for its dual Cuban/non-Cuban existence. The Cuban Sir Winston is a legendary Churchill, while the non-Cuban 1844 Reserve and Banker lines are praised for their approachable, balanced profiles. The brand also pioneered cedar-box packaging for export.
Are H. Upmann cigars strong?
Mostly no. The majority of the lineup is mild-medium, including the 1844 Reserve, Magnum 46/50/54, and Petit Coronas. The Banker Toro is medium-full, and the No. 2 Torpedo is medium. Only the Banker Toro approaches a fuller strength, but none are overpowering.
What is the best H. Upmann cigar for beginners?
The H. Upmann Half Corona (Cuban) is ideal: mild-medium, short smoke (30–40 min), and affordable at $8–$12. If you prefer a longer session, the 1844 Reserve Robusto offers the same gentle cedar and cream profile for $10–$14.
How much do H. Upmann cigars cost?
Non-Cuban lines range from $8–$16 per cigar: Half Corona and Petit Corona at $8–$12, 1844 Reserve and Banker at $10–$16, Magnum 46 at $10–$14, Magnum 50 at $14–$18. Cuban Sir Winston can reach $45–$60, while Cuban Petit Coronas vary by region ($12–$18).
What wrapper does H. Upmann use?
The non-Cuban lines use Honduran Connecticut Shade, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Ecuadorian Connecticut (Natural), Ecuadorian Habano, Dominican Republic Olor/Cuban-seed, and Cuban-seed Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade. Cuban lines use Cuban Vuelta Abajo—Habano wrappers. The 1844 Reserve typically uses Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, while Banker uses Ecuadorian Habano.
Are H. Upmann cigars Cuban?
Some are, some aren’t. Cuban H. Upmanns (e.g., Magnum, Sir Winston) are made in Havana at the Partagás factory. Non-Cuban H. Upmanns are made in the Dominican Republic (General Cigar’s La Romana) and Nicaragua (STG Estelí, sometimes with Plasencia). The brand split after the Cuban Revolution, so both exist legally under different owners.
Where can I buy H. Upmann cigars?
Cuban H. Upmanns are available at La Casa del Habano stores and authorized Habanos retailers worldwide (not in the U.S. due to embargo). Non-Cuban H. Upmanns are widely sold in U.S. cigar shops, online retailers like Cigars International or Famous Smoke, and at General Cigar’s website. Always check for authenticity, especially for Cubans.