About the H. Upmann Gran Reserva Sir Winston 2011
The H. Upmann Gran Reserva Sir Winston 2011 is one of the most coveted releases ever to carry the venerable H. Upmann name, marking the very first Gran Reserva the brand committed to its catalogue. Unveiled at the Festival del Habano and reaching collectors in numbered black lacquer boxes, this Churchill is built entirely from leaves harvested in 2011 in the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Río, the heartland of Cuban tobacco. Every component, from filler to binder to wrapper, was rested through a long five year aging process before rolling, which is precisely what the Gran Reserva designation promises. The result is a cigar that feels less like a smoke and more like an occasion.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans elegant and composed, with bright orange peel and citrus sitting over a base of cocoa and gentle leather. As the burn settles into the middle third, the smoke thickens and turns creamier, bringing forward marzipan, milk chocolate and toasted pecan alongside a soft baking spice warmth. White pepper threads through the retrohale while a caramel sweetness lingers on the palate, and the final third holds its mellow, refined character rather than charging toward power. Throughout, this is a cigar that rewards patience over intensity.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban or Demerara rum, whose molasses sweetness echoes the cigar’s caramel and chocolate notes.
- A lightly peated single malt or a smooth Speyside whisky to lift the leather and spice.
- A cup of dark roast Cuban coffee or an espresso for an unhurried afternoon ritual.
Aging and storage
Although the tobacco already carries years of careful maturation behind it, the Sir Winston Gran Reserva continues to reward cellar time, with its citrus edges softening and the chocolate and nut tones growing rounder over the years. Keep it at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a steady temperature near 18 degrees Celsius, ideally in a well seasoned humidor. Because these boxes were produced in strictly limited numbers, many owners treat them as long term holdings, and proper storage protects both the smoking experience and the value.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the smoker who prizes subtlety, balance and provenance over raw strength. Its mild to medium body makes it approachable enough to enjoy without years of palate training, yet the depth and complexity reward the seasoned aficionado who can read its quiet transitions. It also makes a memorable gift or a centerpiece for a milestone celebration, given its rarity and the prestige of being H. Upmann’s debut Gran Reserva.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva 2011?
It is a Churchill measuring 7.0 inches (178 mm) with a 47 ring gauge, packaged in numbered boxes of 15.
How strong is this cigar?
It sits in the mild to medium range, prized for its smoothness and refinement rather than for heavy intensity.
What makes it a Gran Reserva?
It was H. Upmann’s first ever Gran Reserva, built from select 2011 Vuelta Abajo tobacco with all leaves aged for around five years before rolling.
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.