H. Upmann 1844 — Heritage & History

H. Upmann 1844 is the modern Dominican-born extension of a name that began in Cuba in 1844, when banker Hermann Upmann founded the original H. Upmann brand in Havana. The 1844 line, however, is a General Cigar production, rolled in the Dominican Republic at the company's La Romana and Santiago facilities, with some vitolas also made in Estelí, Nicaragua. It was introduced to honor the brand's Cuban heritage while using entirely New World tobaccos. The line's signature is its versatility across formats—from the mild, Connecticut-shaded Corona to the medium-bodied Maduro Robusto. Unlike many heritage brands that chase a single house style, 1844 deliberately spans a spectrum of wrappers and strengths, making it a sort of 'greatest hits' of General Cigar's blending capabilities. The Connoisseur No. 1 torpedo, with its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, and the Magnum 50, a robusto extra with a Mexican San Andrés Maduro, show how the line can pivot from bright, cedary notes to darker, earthier territory.

Blending Philosophy

The 1844 line is defined by its wrapper-driven diversity rather than a single blending formula. General Cigar's approach here is to let the wrapper dictate the character: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade and Natural wrappers yield a mild, creamy smoke with subtle cedar and white pepper, while the Mexican San Andrés Maduro and Nicaraguan Habano wrappers push the blend toward medium strength with dark cocoa and leather. The fillers are sourced from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, and the line is aged in General Cigar's facilities, with an emphasis on balance over power. The Lancero and Lonsdale formats, for instance, are blended to highlight the wrapper's nuance, while the Gran Toro and Robusto are built for a more robust mouthfeel. This is not a brand chasing strength—it's a study in how different wrappers interact with a consistent, well-aged core of Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers.

Flavor Profile

Across the 1844 range, smokers can expect a core of mild-to-medium body with flavors that shift according to wrapper. The Connecticut-shaded vitolas—like the 1844 Corona or the Natural Toro—open with cedar, light toast, and a hint of white pepper, finishing with a touch of dried fruit. The Habano-wrapped Connoisseur No. 1 and the Torpedo bring more leather and a subtle spice, while the Maduro Robusto and Magnum 50 introduce dark cocoa, earth, and a deeper, almost espresso-like richness. The Lancero, with its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, is the most delicate, offering floral notes and a creamy texture. Strength never exceeds medium, but the medium-bodied vitolas (Gran Toro, Robusto, Maduro Robusto) have a bit more pepper and body, making them a good bridge for smokers looking to move up from milder fare.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the 1844 Corona is the ideal starting point. At $10–$14, it's affordable enough to try without commitment, and its mild-to-medium strength is forgiving. Expect a smooth, cedary smoke with hints of cream and a gentle white pepper finish. The Corona format—5.5 inches by 42 ring gauge—smokes in about 45 minutes, making it a perfect introduction to the brand's Connecticut-shade character without the time investment of a larger vitola.

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 and Santiago de los Caballeros. Some vitolas are also produced in Estelí, Nicaragua, under General Cigar's supervision. The brand is not made in Cuba.

What is H. Upmann 1844 known for?

The 1844 line is known for its broad range of wrappers and formats, from the mild Connecticut-shade Corona to the medium-bodied Maduro Robusto. It's a modern reinterpretation of the historic H. Upmann name, offering a spectrum of flavor profiles rather than a single house style. The Connoisseur No. 1 and Magnum 50 are standout blends that showcase the line's versatility.

Are H. Upmann 1844 cigars strong?

No, they are not strong. The majority of the 1844 line is mild-to-medium in strength, with only a few vitolas—like the Gran Toro, Robusto, and Maduro Robusto—reaching a medium level. Even those are balanced and approachable, not overpowering.

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

The 1844 Corona is the best choice for beginners. Its mild-to-medium strength, cedary and creamy flavors, and moderate price point make it an easy introduction. The smaller ring gauge also allows for a shorter smoke, which is ideal for those new to cigars.

How much do H. Upmann 1844 cigars cost?

Prices range from $6–$9 for the Half Corona up to $14–$18 for the Lancero and Magnum 50. Most core vitolas fall in the $8–$14 range, making them a solid mid-tier value.

What wrapper does H. Upmann 1844 use?

The 1844 line uses a variety of wrappers, including Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Ecuadorian Connecticut, Mexican San Andrés Maduro, Ecuadorian Connecticut Natural, Ecuadorian Habano, Nicaraguan Habano, and Honduran Connecticut Shade-grown. This diversity is a hallmark of the line.

Are H. Upmann 1844 cigars Cuban?

No, they are not Cuban. While the H. Upmann name originated in Cuba in 1844, the 1844 line is produced in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua by General Cigar. They are entirely non-Cuban cigars, using tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Mexico.

Where can I buy H. Upmann 1844 cigars?

H. Upmann 1844 cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those that carry General Cigar brands. They can also be purchased online from major retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and JR Cigars. Always ensure you're buying from an authorized dealer to guarantee authenticity.