H. Upmann

In 1844, two German bankers named Herman and Auguste Upmann did something clever: they opened a bank in Havana, and to ship cigars back to their European clients, they started making their own. The cigars were originally meant as gifts—a little Cuban bonus tucked inside the bank transfers. But the cigars became so popular that the banking side eventually disappeared, and H. Upmann the cigar brand outlived H. Upmann the bank by more than a century.

That origin story tells you everything about this brand. H. Upmann was never about showing off. It was created by educated men who appreciated subtlety, quality, and refined pleasure. Today, H. Upmann remains the thinking person's Cuban cigar—medium-bodied, nuanced, and endlessly sophisticated. The kind of cigar you reach for when you want to contemplate rather than be overwhelmed. Kennedy smoked them. Generations of European aristocracy smoked them. And now, they're waiting for you.

Complete Guide to H. Upmann Product Lines

Magnum Series - Modern Excellence

The Magnum line represents H. Upmann for the contemporary smoker—larger ring gauges delivering the signature H. Upmann refinement in modern formats.

• H. Upmann Magnum 54 - 5.4" x 54. One of the most celebrated modern Cuban cigars.
• H. Upmann Magnum 50's - 5.1" x 50. Robusto format, quintessential H. Upmann.
• Magnum 52 Year of the Tiger - Special Asia Pacific regional edition.

Sir Winston - The Prestige Line

Named in honor of another famous H. Upmann enthusiast, the Sir Winston vitola is one of Cuba's most impressive formats.

• H. Upmann Sir Winston - 7" x 47. Grand churchill format with refined character.
• Sir Winston Gran Reserva 2011 - Ultra-aged prestige release.

No. 2 - The Classic Torpedo

H. Upmann's interpretation of the torpedo format, beloved for its balanced complexity.

• H. Upmann No. 2 - 6.1" x 52. Classic torpedo with medium body and refined character.
• No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2010 - Ultra-premium aged torpedo.

Connoisseur Series

Created for the knowledgeable smoker who appreciates subtlety.

• H. Upmann Connoisseur A (25) - Full box of refined excellence.

Casa del Habano Exclusives

• Royal Robustos Casa del Habano - LCDH exclusive robusto.

Añejados - Factory Aged

• H. Upmann Robustos Añejados - Factory-aged for enhanced smoothness.

Tubes Presentation

• H. Upmann Monarchs Tubos - Classic format in protective tubes.

H. Upmann Size and Strength Comparison

H. Upmann Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

H. Upmann delivers what connoisseurs call an "intellectual" smoke—subtle complexities that reveal themselves over time rather than announcing themselves immediately. This is the brand for those who appreciate nuance.

Primary Flavor Notes

• Cedar and light wood - The aromatic backbone of every H. Upmann.
• Almonds and hazelnuts - Distinctive nuttiness that defines the brand.
• Grass and hay - Fresh, clean notes unique to H. Upmann.
• Cream - Silky, buttery mouthfeel throughout.
• Light citrus - Subtle brightness, especially in the Magnum line.
• White pepper - Gentle spice, never aggressive.

What Makes H. Upmann Distinct

• Uniquely "fresh" character unlike any other Cuban brand
• Grass and hay notes that become more pronounced with age
• Consistent medium body across all vitolas
• Excellent construction—the German banker heritage shows

How to Identify Authentic H. Upmann Cigars

H. Upmann's distinctive band makes authentication relatively straightforward:

The H. Upmann Band

• Ornate coat of arms - Detailed heraldic crest should be crisp and clear
• Gold and white coloring - Rich gold with clean white sections
• "H. Upmann Habana" text - Clearly legible and properly spaced
• Embossed elements - Raised text and borders you can feel
• Medal ribbons - Small award medals on authentic bands

The Box

• Official Habanos hologram seal
• Factory code (H. Upmann factory produces Montecristo as well)
• Date code in Cuban format
• Serial number verification

Best Drink Pairings for H. Upmann Cigars

H. Upmann's refined profile pairs beautifully with sophisticated beverages:

• Cognac VS or VSOP - The grape-based elegance complements the nuttiness perfectly.
• Aged white rum - Light, refined rums match the brand's character.
• Champagne - The effervescence and acidity cleanse beautifully.
• White Burgundy - Chardonnay's butteriness echoes the cream notes.
• Green tea - The grassy notes harmonize unexpectedly well.
• Café au lait - Milky coffee rather than espresso.

H. Upmann Storage and Aging Recommendations

H. Upmann cigars are excellent fresh and age gracefully:

• Humidity - 65-70% RH. Works well at either end of the range.
• Temperature - 65-70°F (18-21°C).
• Aging potential - The No. 2 and Magnum 54 develop beautifully at 3-5 years. Gran Reservas can age 15+ years.
• Resting period - 2-3 weeks minimum after shipping.

H. Upmann Limited Editions and Collectibles

H. Upmann releases some of the most refined limited editions in the Cuban portfolio:

• Sir Winston Gran Reserva 2011 - The ultimate H. Upmann expression.
• No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2010 - Ultra-premium aged torpedo.
• Super Magnum Edición 2020 Book - Modern collector's release.
• Magnum 56 Edición Limitada 2015 - Large ring gauge LE.
• Robusto Limited Edition 2012 - Classic robusto LE.
• Magnum 48 Limited Edition 2009 - Earlier magnum release.
• Magnum 52 Year of the Tiger - Asia Pacific regional edition.

Frequently Asked Questions About H. Upmann

What is the best H. Upmann cigar?

The Magnum 54 is widely considered the flagship—it won Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year and represents modern H. Upmann at its finest. For traditional formats, the No. 2 torpedo is exceptional.

Is H. Upmann related to Montecristo?

Yes, historically. Montecristo was created at the H. Upmann factory in 1935 and continues to be produced there today. They share manufacturing heritage but have distinct flavor profiles—H. Upmann tends grassier and lighter, Montecristo nuttier and slightly richer.

Why do people say H. Upmann tastes "grassy"?

H. Upmann has a distinctive fresh, vegetal quality—notes of hay, grass, and dried herbs—that's unique among Cuban brands. Some find it unusual at first, but once you appreciate it, it becomes the defining characteristic you seek. It's particularly pronounced in the Magnum 50's.

Is H. Upmann good for beginners?

Absolutely. The medium body and lack of aggressive spice make H. Upmann accessible to newcomers. The Magnum 50's or No. 2 are excellent starting points that won't overwhelm while still offering genuine Cuban complexity.

Who was H. Upmann?

Herman Upmann was a German banker who, with his brother Auguste, established a bank in Havana in 1844. They began making cigars primarily as gifts for European banking clients. The cigar business eventually outlasted the banking operation, and the brand has been in continuous production since.

What does the H in H. Upmann stand for?

The H stands for Herman—Herman Upmann, the founder. The period after H is traditional German abbreviation style for first names. The full name would be Herman Upmann, though the brand has always been marketed as H. Upmann.