About the H. Upmann Monarchs (Tubos)
Few houses can claim the pedigree of H. Upmann, founded in Havana in 1844 by the German banker Hermann Upmann and counted among the oldest names in the cigar world. The Monarchs (Tubos) belongs to that lineage, presented as a true Churchill in the Julieta No. 2 format and sheathed individually in a polished aluminium tube. Sleeved cigars like these were prized for the way the metal kept the wrapper pristine and the aromatics locked in, and the Monarchs carried that promise with quiet confidence. Habanos S.A. discontinued the reference in 2009, which has only deepened its appeal among those who hunt for the marca’s more elegant, less assertive expressions.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third settles in smooth and composed, leading with light cedar and a faint sweetness rather than any rush of strength. Through the middle the smoke broadens into the gentle spice and woody character that runs through the Upmann house style, with a clean, almost creamy texture on the palate. As it moves into the final stretch a soft earthiness emerges and the spice firms up just enough to give the close some backbone, though it never tips past medium. It is the kind of progression that rewards a slow, attentive pace.
Pairings
- A lightly aged Cuban rum, whose cane sweetness flatters the cedar without overpowering the mild body.
- A cup of freshly brewed coffee, espresso or a milder roast, echoing the cigar’s woody, faintly toasty notes.
- A glass of Champagne or a dry sparkling wine for a brighter, more celebratory contrast.
Aging and storage
Even sleeved in its tube, this Habano benefits from steady humidor conditions, ideally around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a temperature near 18 degrees Celsius. Because the Monarchs leans toward the milder end of the spectrum, patient aging tends to round its edges and marry the cedar and spice into something even more harmonious. If you are holding boxes from its production years, keep them in a well seasoned humidor and let time do the gentle work it does best with cigars of this character.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the smoker who appreciates a long, leisurely Churchill without a heavy hand of nicotine. Newcomers stepping up from milder smokes will find it forgiving, while seasoned aficionados and collectors value it as a graceful, discontinued chapter of the H. Upmann story. Reach for it in an unhurried hour, when you can give a seven inch smoke the time it deserves.
Frequently asked questions
What size and shape is the H. Upmann Monarchs (Tubos)?
It is a Churchill in the Julieta No. 2 format, measuring 7.0 inches (178 mm) with a 47 ring gauge, and it comes individually packed in an aluminium tube.
How strong is this cigar?
It sits in the mild to medium range, making it one of the more approachable Churchills in the H. Upmann lineup, with gentle spice, cedar and a soft earthiness rather than overwhelming power.
Is the Monarchs (Tubos) still in production?
No. Habanos S.A. discontinued the reference in 2009, so surviving boxes and tubes are sought after by collectors and Churchill enthusiasts.
Explore more
Browse all H. Upmann cigars, see our H. Upmann price guide, or try the H. Upmann Magnum 56 EDICION LIMITADA 2015 and H Upmann No.2. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.