H. Upmann

H. Upmann is one of Cuba’s oldest cigar houses, celebrated for its light-to-medium character and refined subtlety since its inception in 1844. The brand’s story began a few years earlier, around 1840, when German banker—and devoted cigar enthusiast—Herman Upmann opened a Havana branch of his family’s bank. Two years later, he invested in a cigar factory, and for nearly eight decades the firm operated as both bank and cigar producer. In 1922 economic turmoil forced both ventures into bankruptcy. British firm J. Frankau & Co. rescued the marque, running production until 1935, when the newly founded Compañía Menéndez y García acquired and revitalized it—securing H. Upmann’s place in cigar history. The blend relies on filler and binder tobaccos from Vuelta Abajo, delivering a smooth, nuanced smoke ideal for beginners yet equally appealing to seasoned connoisseurs—especially as a daytime choice. Larger vitolas remain among the rarest and most coveted cigars worldwide. H. Upmann boxes are still decorated with the eleven gold medals the brand earned at 19th-century international exhibitions—a distinctive hallmark. The lineup is famed for its Magnum Line: the classic Magnum 46 and, since 2008, the Magnum 50. Other standouts include Sir Winston, Connoisseur No.1, and in smaller formats Coronas Junior and the Half Corona (introduced in 2011). Every H. Upmann vitola is produced Totally by Hand with Long Filler, preserving the artisanal tradition established over 175 years ago. Flavor Profile: Mild to Medium