The H Upmann half corona represents a revival of this once popular vitola, which we had not seen from Cuba since the Second World War. It was first created for the Melbourne Hart & Company cigar importers back at the start of the 1900’s. The company’s director was after a cigar which he could smoke during the intermission at the theatre. After some back and forth with the factories in Havana, the “half-a-corona” was born. Other marques also brought out cigars in this format and its size became one of the most popular in Britain at the time. With the War and eventual revolution on the Caribbean island, saw this size gone and pretty much forgotten.
Until 2011 when as a result of the smoking bans throughout Europe saw this format of cigars back in demand and Habanos SA re issuing the size for H Upmann once again. Since its reintroduction, the H Upmann half corona has become a firm favourite among cigar smokers the world over. In fact during Glynn’s visit to Cuba, saw him smoke his way through several boxes with others on the trip. The short format makes for a 20 minute smoke, ideal for a quick smoke outside restaurants, bars or of course even during theatre intermissions. All the signature flavours you would expect from H Upmann are there, all that straight and light tobacco flavours. Hints of earth, nuts, aromatic woods and dash of beans.
H Upmann is the one of the oldest cigar brands still in production today and of the most popular among new smokers or those looking for lighter mid-day smoke. The brand began back in the 1840’s when German bank owner Herman Upmann opened an office in Havana for exporting cigars back to Europe. By 1844 he invested heavily and opened his own factory in the city and both the bank and cigar brand remained highly successful until 1922 the family business went bust. Luckily UK importers J Frankau & Co brought out the company and continued its production and gave the brand more exposure to smokers all over the (diminishing) Empire. Later the brand was sold the Menéndez, García y Cía Co the brains behind the iconic Montecristo brand, who continued production until the revolution when all brand became nationalised.
Over the years H Upmann has been a firm favourite and was the brand of choice for American President J F Kennedy. His love for the brand caused him to send an aide out to buy as many Petit Upmann (Demi Tasse) he could find in Washington before signing the Embargo with the Caribbean island.
H Upmann cigars all have a light and easy going flavour profile of woods, coffee, beans a slight hint of spice. All the flavours you would expect from a Havana cigar, but light enough to be enjoyed by anyone at any time of the day.
Length - 3 1/2"
Ring Gauge - 44
Vitola - Half Corona
Flavour - Light/Medium
Packaging - Metal Tin
Hand Rolled in - Cuba
Wrapper - Cuban
Binder - Cuban
Filler - Cuban
