H. Upmann Upmann No 2
There are evenings when the day winds down and the only thing that feels right is lighting up a cigar that demands your full attention. That was the mood when I reached into my humidor and pulled out an H. Upmann No. 2. Not as famous as the Montecristo No. 2, this cigar often feels like Cuba’s best-kept secret—a pyramid that delivers elegance, balance, and flavor in spades.
Pre-Light and First Impressions
At 6 1/8 inches with a 52 ring gauge, the H. Upmann No. 2 carries the classic pyramid shape. It feels solid in the hand, the wrapper smooth with a touch of sheen, inviting without being flashy. The cut reveals a smooth draw, just snug enough to promise slow, flavorful smoke.
From the cold aroma, notes of cedar and honey drift up, paired with an earthy undertone that hints at the richness to come. This cigar already whispers of Cuban tradition.
Lighting Up – First Third
As the flame catches, the cigar comes alive. The first puffs deliver a wave of nuts and honey, with subtle coffee bean and just a trace of leather. The smoke feels creamy, light to medium in body, but not lacking in depth.
Retrohaling adds more dimension—spice and a slight pepper note linger without overpowering. It’s refined, not aggressive, and immediately you sense what makes the H. Upmann No. 2 stand apart from its Montecristo cousin. This isn’t a punch of boldness—it’s a measured, elegant start.
Settling In – Second Third
The evening air was calm, the kind of night where the world seems to slow down, and the cigar matched that rhythm perfectly. Halfway in, the flavors shift slightly, moving toward leather, wood, and a gentle spice. Each puff feels deliberate, unfolding slowly, like pages in a book you don’t want to end.
What strikes me most is that classic Cuban “twang”—an underlying sweetness that dances with earth and spice in a way non-Cuban cigars rarely replicate. Compared to the creamier H. Upmann Magnum 46 or the more robust Partagás P2, the No. 2 finds its place right in the middle, offering balance and sophistication.
Final Third – A Lasting Pleasure
By the final third, the cigar has built momentum. The spice notes sharpen ever so slightly, interlacing with leather and roasted coffee. The smoke grows denser, the finish longer, and I find myself slowing down to savor it.
Even as the ash drops away, the construction holds firm. No touch-ups needed, no frustration—just pure enjoyment. It’s one of those cigars you wish would last a little longer, because every puff feels like a reward for patience.
Value, Price, and Availability
In the UK, a single H. Upmann No. 2 price hovers around £24, though you’ll often find them for less abroad. In Canada, they’re a touch pricier but still worth seeking out if you want something distinct from the mainstream Montecristo line. For collectors or those who like to keep a few on hand, the H. Upmann No. 2 Box offers better value—and with a little aging, these cigars only improve.
For those searching online, you’ll find plenty of H. Upmann No. 2 for sale, often bundled with other H. Upmann classics like the Sir Winston or Magnum series. If you see a box in stock, it’s worth securing—availability tends to fluctuate.
How Does It Compare?
Cigar enthusiasts often ask: how does the H. Upmann No. 2 stack up against its peers? According to H. Upmann No. 2 Cigar Aficionado, this cigar consistently earns strong reviews, often praised for its consistency and approachable strength.
If you love the Montecristo No. 2 but want something smoother, or if you’ve tried the Diplomatico No. 2 and Partagás P2 but prefer less spice, the H. Upmann No. 2 review stands as proof that this pyramid is in a class of its own.
Final Thoughts
As I set down the final nub, I realized why I reach for the H. Upmann No. 2 time and again. It isn’t about power or flashiness—it’s about balance. It’s a cigar that fits perfectly into a quiet evening, offering enough complexity to keep you engaged without overwhelming the senses.
If you’re searching for a pyramid that delivers refinement, character, and that unmistakable Cuban profile, this is one to add to your rotation. Whether you’re picking up a single stick, a Box of 25, or hunting down one for sale online, the H. Upmann No. 2 is a cigar that rewards patience and lingers in memory long after the smoke clears.
For me, it’s not just a cigar—it’s an experience. And it might just become one of your favorites too.
Reflection: Balanced and pleasant, this cigar lacks a bit of complexity to ascend higher, losing half a ring but still a worthy companion for the discerning palate.
H. Upmann No.2 Cigar Details:
Ring Gauge: 52 | Length: 156 mm | Count: 25 | Shape: Pyramid | Factory Name: Piramides
