AshMap
Overview
The H. Upmann name carries a legacy that predates the modern cigar renaissance by more than a century. Founded in 1844 by Hermann Upmann, a German banker with a profound appreciation for the leaf, the brand became synonymous with Cuban excellence, producing some of the most coveted vitolas in the world. In recent years, its non-Cuban iteration has pursued a more democratic path, and the 1844 line — reintroduced with a Nicaraguan soul — represents the most deliberate effort yet to honor that heritage while speaking a new dialect. The No. 2 Torpedo is the vitola that best articulates this ambition.
Clad in a Nicaraguan Habano Colorado wrapper — medium brown, lightly toothy, with a subtle sheen that catches the light like burnished leather — the cigar announces its intent before the first draw. That wrapper, cultivated for its balance of flavor and aesthetic, encloses a binder and filler blend drawn entirely from Nicaragua, with long-leaf tobaccos from Jalapa and Estelí. The combination yields a medium-bodied smoking experience that never overreaches; it is confident without being aggressive, layered without being exhausting. The opening notes of toasted cedar, light cream, and white pepper give way to a second third that introduces golden raisin, dark cherry, and a softening baking spice. The finish tightens into espresso and cocoa nib, with a clean nutty residue that lingers with restraint.
What elevates the No. 2 Torpedo beyond its price tier is its construction. Hand-rolled at Altadis USA's General Cigar-affiliated factory in Estelí, the torpedo head cuts cleanly, the draw offers just enough resistance, and the burn line holds steady through all three thirds. There is an honesty to this cigar — it does not pretend to be a Cuban No. 2, nor does it try to overpower with brute strength. Instead, it delivers a coherent, well-paced narrative of flavor that rewards attention but does not demand it. In a market flooded with $15-plus torpedos that underdeliver, this H. Upmann stands as a quiet rebuttal: thoughtful blending, careful construction, and an accessible price point are not mutually exclusive.
The 1844 No. 2 Torpedo is not a cigar for the purist seeking a Cuban simulacrum. It is, however, exactly the cigar for the modern aficionado who values balance, consistency, and value. It is a cigar that wears its heritage with credibility, not nostalgia. And in an industry often preoccupied with rarity and price, it reminds us that a great smoke can also be an honest one.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers from Jalapa and Estelí, medium-aged |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.125 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Minimal declared aging; benefits from 3–6 months humidor rest post-purchase |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The torpedo cap opens with a clean, focused draw delivering toasted cedar, light cream, and mild white pepper on the retrohale. A subtle earthiness grounds the profile early, with a hint of roasted almond emerging mid-way through the first third.
Second Third
Complexity builds as dried fruit — specifically golden raisin and light dark cherry — layers over the cedar backbone. The pepper softens into a warm baking spice note, and a mild leather undertone adds texture and body to the profile.
Final Third
The final third tightens into a more concentrated expression of espresso and cocoa nib, with the cedar reemerging as a structural anchor. Strength remains firmly medium, never threatening to overpower, and the finish is clean and medium-long with a pleasant nutty residue.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently solid for the price point — the torpedo head cuts cleanly and the draw is open with just enough resistance. Burns evenly with a firm, slightly wavy ash that holds 1 to 1.5 inches before releasing; occasional minor touch-ups may be needed in humid conditions.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum with moderate sweetness — Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva complement the cedar and dried fruit notes without overwhelming the cigar's medium profile.
Wine
A medium-bodied Rioja Crianza or Malbec from Mendoza — the fruit-forward, lightly tannic structure mirrors the cigar's dried fruit and leather mid-palate beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic
A well-pulled cortado or a medium-roast single-origin Colombian pour-over; the milk sugar and acidity in the coffee echo the almond and cocoa nib finish.
Who Should Smoke This?
This torpedo is for the aficionado who understands that a medium-bodied cigar can be just as compelling as a powerhouse — sometimes more so. It suits the newer smoker looking to explore complexity without being overwhelmed, as well as the seasoned palate seeking an accessible, well-constructed everyday option. Occasion-wise, it fits a 75- to 90-minute window: a relaxed weekday evening, an unhurried weekend afternoon, or a quiet moment with a good book and a cortado. It is not a party cigar or a special-occasion statement; it is a companion for when you want the smoke to complement the moment, not define it.
Bottom Line
The H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo is one of the most undervalued torpedos in the sub-$15 category — a thoughtfully blended, consistently constructed medium smoke that delivers genuine complexity without pretension. It will not replace your Cuban No. 2, but it will earn its place in your rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all H. Upmann 1844 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo a strong cigar?
No. It is classified as medium strength, rated 3 out of 5. The nicotine presence is firm but never overbearing, making it accessible for moderate-experience smokers while still providing enough depth for seasoned aficionados.
What does the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo taste like?
The flavor profile evolves through three distinct thirds. The first third offers toasted cedar, light cream, and mild white pepper with a subtle earthiness. The second third introduces dried fruit notes — golden raisin and light dark cherry — layered over a cedar backbone, with softened pepper evolving into warm baking spice and mild leather. The final third tightens into espresso and cocoa nib, with the cedar reemerging as a structural anchor and a clean nutty finish.
How long does the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 75 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace. The 6.125 x 52 torpedo format burns evenly and at a moderate tempo consistent with well-constructed Nicaraguan puros.
What is the best pairing for the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo?
An aged rum with moderate sweetness — Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — complements the cedar and dried fruit notes. For wine, a medium-bodied Rioja Crianza or Mendoza Malbec mirrors the dried fruit and leather mid-palate. For non-alcoholic options, a well-pulled cortado or a medium-roast single-origin Colombian pour-over echoes the almond and cocoa nib finish.
Is the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo good for beginners?
Yes. Its medium strength (3/5), balanced flavor profile, and consistent construction make it an excellent choice for newer smokers ready to explore complexity. The torpedo cap requires a clean cut, but once lit, the draw is forgiving, and the evolution of flavors provides an educational smoking experience without punishing the novice palate.
Where can I buy the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo?
It is widely available through major online cigar retailers, brick-and-mortar tobacconists, and select premium cigar shops. As an Altadis USA General Cigar product distributed nationally, it is not difficult to source. Availability may vary by region, so checking with your local shop or trusted online vendor is recommended.
What is the price of the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo?
The price range is $10 to $14 per cigar, placing it firmly in the everyday premium tier. Boxes of 25 offer the best value, typically bringing the per-stick cost toward the lower end of that range.
Is the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo worth aging?
While the blend is released with minimal declared aging, it benefits from 3 to 6 months of humidor rest post-purchase. Beyond that, the medium-bodied profile with dried fruit and mild leather notes may continue to soften and integrate, but this is not a cigar designed for long-term cellaring. The sweet spot is within the first year of ownership.
What wrapper does the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo use?
It uses a Nicaraguan Habano Colorado wrapper. The leaf is medium brown (Colorado color), lightly toothy with a subtle natural sheen, selected for its balance of flavor, appearance, and structural integrity.
Where is the H. Upmann 1844 No. 2 Torpedo made?
It is hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at Altadis USA's factory affiliated with General Cigar. All components — wrapper, binder, and filler — are Nicaraguan, with the filler blend drawing from the Jalapa and Estelí growing regions.