AshMap
Overview
The H. Upmann Petit Coronas is a cigar that demands to be taken seriously not for its size, but for its pedigree. As one of the oldest vitolas in the H. Upmann portfolio—a brand that predates the Cuban Revolution—this 4.5 x 42 petit corona is a living artifact of Havana’s golden age of cigar making. Rolled entirely by hand at the Partagás factory in Havana, using long filler tobaccos from the Vuelta Abajo region, it is a study in disciplined complexity. The wrapper—a Colorado-hued Cuban-seed leaf grown in Vuelta Abajo—is silky, fine-veined, and carries a subtle sheen that hints at the elegance within. This is not a cigar built to overwhelm; it is built to refine.
From the first draw, the H. Upmann Petit Coronas announces itself with a clean, creamy cedar note that is both familiar and sophisticated. Toasted bread and mild hay form the foundation, while a gentle floral sweetness—reminiscent of dried rose petal—lifts the profile with a distinctly classic Havana character. The strength is mild, deliberately so, inviting the smoker into a contemplative experience rather than a confrontational one. As the cigar progresses into the second third, the creaminess deepens into a smooth nougat quality, accented by light roasted almond and a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. The cedar remains a constant, reassuring backbone, while a faint earthiness—damp forest floor—begins to emerge, yet never disrupts the blend’s inherent elegance.
In the final third, the Petit Coronas reveals its maturity: richer notes of leather and dried grass appear, while the sweetness transitions into subtle cocoa powder and a dusting of espresso. The strength nudges gently toward low-medium but never challenges the palate. The aftertaste is clean, lingering on cedar and cream—a hallmark of well-crafted Cuban tobacco. Burn and draw are exemplary: the construction is tight, the draw open with moderate resistance, the ash holds in dense light grey columns. This is a cigar that does not need to shout to be heard. It is a masterclass in subtlety and restraint—a benchmark by which all small-ring Cuban cigars should be judged. For the aficionado who has learned to listen rather than demand, the H. Upmann Petit Coronas is an essential companion.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban-seed wrapper, grown in Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban long-leaf filler, Vuelta Abajo region, aged at Partagás factory, Havana |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — Partagás Factory (Francisco Pérez Germán) |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 4.5 x 42 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $12–$18 per cigar (Habanos S.A. official retail; market prices vary by region) |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Typically released with minimal aging; benefits from 2–4 years of humidor rest to integrate creaminess and soften any ro |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with a clean, creamy cedar note underpinned by toasted bread and mild hay. A gentle floral sweetness — reminiscent of dried rose petal — lifts the profile and signals classic Vuelta Abajo character. Strength is decidedly mild, inviting and approachable from the first draw.
Second Third
Creaminess deepens into a smooth nougat quality, joined by light roasted almond and a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. Cedar remains a constant backbone while a faint earthiness — damp forest floor — begins to emerge without overwhelming the elegance of the blend.
Final Third
The finish brings richer notes of leather and dried grass, with the sweetness transitioning toward a subtle cocoa powder and espresso dusting. Strength nudges toward the low end of medium but never challenges. Aftertaste is clean, lingering on cedar and cream.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably tight by H. Upmann's exacting standards — the draw is open and effortless with moderate resistance. The burn is even and self-correcting; ash holds firmly in dense, light grey columns typical of high-quality Cuban leaf.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A lightly aged rum such as Havana Club 3 Años or a gentle single malt like Glenfarclas 10 — nothing peaty or heavily sherried, which would overwhelm the delicate profile
Wine
A dry, unoaked Amontillado Sherry or a light Côtes du Rhône blanc — the nutty, oxidative quality of Amontillado echoes the almond and cedar notes beautifully
Non-Alcoholic
A cortado or a lightly brewed Ethiopian single-origin pour-over — the floral and creamy notes in the coffee mirror the cigar's own character without competing
Who Should Smoke This?
The H. Upmann Petit Coronas is for the experienced smoker who appreciates nuance over strength, and for the aspiring aficionado eager to understand why classic Cuban vitolas endure. It rewards patience and attention, making it ideal for a morning break, a post-lunch ritual, or a contemplative solo session. With a 45-minute smoke time, it respects a busy schedule without sacrificing complexity. If you prefer bold, full-bodied blends, this cigar will feel too restrained—but if you value elegance, balance, and the quiet confidence of a well-aged tradition, this is your smoke.
Bottom Line
The H. Upmann Petit Coronas is a timeless expression of Havana’s artisanal heritage—a petite cigar that delivers profound complexity through restraint. It is an essential smoke for anyone who seeks classic Cuban elegance in a refined, compact format.
Similar Cigars
Explore all H. Upmann cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is H. Upmann Petit Coronas a strong cigar?
No. It is rated mild-medium (2/5) in strength. This is a gentle, approachable cigar that prioritizes flavor nuance over nicotine impact, making it ideal for morning or daytime smoking.
What does H. Upmann Petit Coronas taste like?
The flavor profile opens with creamy cedar, toasted bread, and mild hay, accented by floral sweetness. It transitions into nougat, roasted almond, and white pepper, finishing with leather, dried grass, cocoa powder, and a hint of espresso.
How long does H. Upmann Petit Coronas take to smoke?
Approximately 45 minutes. This is a short-format cigar that respects your schedule without sacrificing complexity. It should not be rushed.
What is the best pairing for H. Upmann Petit Coronas?
A lightly aged rum like Havana Club 3 Años or a gentle single malt such as Glenfarclas 10. For non-alcoholic options, a cortado or a lightly brewed Ethiopian pour-over coffee mirrors the cigar’s floral and creamy notes beautifully.
Is H. Upmann Petit Coronas good for beginners?
Yes, its mild strength and clean, approachable flavors make it an excellent introduction to classic Cuban cigars. However, its subtlety is best appreciated by those who smoke slowly and pay attention to detail.
Where can I buy H. Upmann Petit Coronas?
It is available through authorized Habanos S.A. retailers worldwide, including La Casa del Habano stores and trusted online vendors. Due to its premium status and popularity, availability can vary by region.
What is the price of H. Upmann Petit Coronas?
Retail pricing ranges from $12 to $18 per cigar at official Habanos S.A. outlets. Market prices may vary depending on location, taxes, and availability.
Is H. Upmann Petit Coronas worth aging?
Absolutely. While released with minimal aging, 2–4 years of humidor rest integrates the creaminess, softens any youthful edges, and deepens the cedar and almond notes. This cigar rewards patience.
What wrapper does H. Upmann Petit Coronas use?
It uses a Cuban-seed wrapper grown in the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba. The wrapper is Colorado in color—a medium brown—and is silky with a subtle sheen and fine veining.
Where is H. Upmann Petit Coronas made?
It is handmade at the Partagás factory in Havana, Cuba, under the supervision of Francisco Pérez Germán. It is a fully handmade, long-filler cigar (totalmente a mano, tripa larga).