H. Upmann 1844 — Heritage & History

H. Upmann 1844 is a non-Cuban extension of one of the oldest cigar marques in the world, originally founded in Havana by the German banker Hermann Upmann in 1844. The brand gained acclaim in Cuba for its refined, mild-to-medium blends and became a favorite among diplomats and connoisseurs. Following the Cuban Revolution, the Upmann name was expropriated by the Cuban state, while the trademark rights outside Cuba eventually passed to Altadis U.S.A. (now part of Scandinavian Tobacco Group). The H. Upmann 1844 line was introduced as a premium, Dominican-made series, produced at General Cigar’s La Romana facilities in the Dominican Republic. It pays homage to the original year of founding, offering a portfolio of classic and modern vitolas that aim to echo the brand’s historical character—balanced, elegant, and approachable. While the Cuban H. Upmann remains a separate entity, the 1844 line represents a distinct, independently crafted expression for the international market. Production details and specific blend compositions are closely guarded, but the line is widely recognized for its consistency and refined profile.

Blending Philosophy

The H. Upmann 1844 blending philosophy centers on balance, subtlety, and accessibility without sacrificing complexity. Rather than pursuing strength or bold innovation, the line prioritizes smooth, creamy smoke with nuanced layers of flavor—an ethos rooted in the brand's 19th-century origins. Master blenders select premium Connecticut, Habano, and San Andrés wrappers and pair them with carefully aged Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Honduran fillers to create cigars that burn cool, draw evenly, and finish clean. The range is designed to appeal to both newcomers and seasoned smokers seeking a refined, medium-bodied alternative to more powerful offerings. Each vitola is tailored to the blend, ensuring that the smoking experience remains consistent across the portfolio. This commitment to harmony and restraint is what distinguishes H. Upmann 1844 from bolder contemporary lines.

Flavor Profile

Across the H. Upmann 1844 range, the signature profile leans mild-to-medium with a creamy, slightly sweet character. Common tasting notes include toasted nuts, fresh cedar, and light hay, often accented by a hint of vanilla or white pepper. The Natural Toro and Corona introduce delicate floral and citrus undertones, while the Maduro Robusto offers a darker, richer dimension with notes of cocoa, espresso, and dried fruit. Connecticut-wrapped vitolas exhibit a smooth, almost buttery texture with minimal bitterness. The lancero format amplifies the wrapper’s influence, delivering a more concentrated, aromatic smoke. Overall, the brand favors elegance over power—cigars that reward slow, contemplative smoking with layers that evolve gently from first puff to final third. There is no dominant spice or overwhelming strength; rather, a cohesive, refined bouquet that speaks to traditional Cuban-inspired aesthetics.

Best for Beginners

The 1844 Corona (Corona, Mild-Medium, $7–$10) is the ideal starting point for newcomers. Its smaller ring gauge and moderate length deliver a 30–45 minute smoke that showcases the brand’s hallmark creaminess and mild nuttiness without overwhelming the palate. The price point is accessible, and the gentle strength builds confidence for exploring larger vitolas.

H. Upmann 1844 Cigar Lineup

Explore 24 H. Upmann 1844 cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • 1844 Belicoso — Belicoso, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • 1844 Churchill — Churchill, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • 1844 Corona — Corona, Mild-Medium · $7–$10 per cigar
  • 1844 Gran Toro — Toro, Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • 1844 Lancero — Lancero, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • 1844 Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Mild-Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • 1844 Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • 1844 Natural Toro — Toro, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • 1844 Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • 1844 Robusto — Robusto, Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • 1844 Toro — Toro, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • 1844 Torpedo — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Belicoso — Belicoso, Mild-Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Churchill — Churchill, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Connoisseur No. 1 — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Corona — Corona, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Half Corona — Half Corona, Mild-Medium · $6–$9 per cigar
  • Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Magnum 50 — Robusto Extra / Gordo, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Magnum 54 — Toro, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • No. 2 Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Robusto — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Toro — Toro, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are H. Upmann 1844 cigars made?

H. Upmann 1844 cigars are made in the Dominican Republic, primarily at General Cigar’s facilities in La Romana (Casa de Campo). Some blends may incorporate tobaccos from Nicaragua and Honduras, but final rolling and aging occur in the Dominican Republic.

What is H. Upmann 1844 known for?

H. Upmann 1844 is known for its mild-to-medium, balanced smoking experience, classic vitola selection, and smooth Connecticut and Habano wrapper blends. It is recognized as a non-Cuban homage to the original H. Upmann marque, focusing on elegance and consistency rather than strength.

Are H. Upmann 1844 cigars strong?

No. H. Upmann 1844 cigars are not strong. They primarily fall into Mild-Medium to Medium strength categories. They are designed to be approachable, smooth, and easy on the palate, making them suitable for daytime smoking or for those who prefer milder profiles.

What is the best H. Upmann 1844 cigar for beginners?

The best entry point is the 1844 Corona. It offers a manageable size, a low price point ($7–$10), and a classic mild-medium profile with creamy, nutty flavors that are not intimidating for new smokers.

How much do H. Upmann 1844 cigars cost?

Prices vary by vitola. The most affordable are the Half Corona ($6–$9) and 1844 Corona ($7–$10). Mid-range sizes like the Robusto and Belicoso range from $9–$14. The premium Lancero and Magnum 50 can reach $14–$18 per cigar. Overall, the brand sits in the affordable-to-mid-premium segment.

What wrapper does H. Upmann 1844 use?

H. Upmann 1844 uses a variety of wrappers, including Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Ecuadorian Connecticut Natural, Mexican San Andrés Maduro, Ecuadorian Habano, Nicaraguan Habano, and Honduran Connecticut Shade-grown. The specific wrapper depends on the vitola and blend.

Are H. Upmann 1844 cigars Cuban?

No. H. Upmann 1844 cigars are not Cuban. They are a separate brand produced in the Dominican Republic under the rights held by Altadis U.S.A. The Cuban H. Upmann is a distinct, state-controlled brand. The two share a name and historical origin but are unrelated in production, ownership, and tobacco sourcing.

Where can I buy H. Upmann 1844 cigars?

H. Upmann 1844 cigars are widely available at premium cigar retailers in the United States, both in physical stores and online. They can also be found at select tobacconists in international markets that carry Altadis U.S.A. products. Always purchase from authorized dealers to ensure authenticity.