When I first got into smoking premium cigars, H. Upmann struck me as some “old man’s” cigar. Yet having smoked more than my share of them over the past 10 years or so, H. Upmann’s are now included among my personal favorites. How did this happen?
From its inception in 1844 until the 1920’s H. Upmann had a riches to rags to riches history. J. Frankau & Co., who distributed the line in the U.K., bought the historic Cuban label in the early 1920s after several scandals had ostensibly killed it. They were able to successfully resurrect H. Upmann, and in 1935 they sold it to Menendez, Garcia y Cia.
By 1960, Castro’s nationalization of the cigar industry forced Menendez to move production to the Canary Islands. Some years later, production moved once again, this time to the Dominican Republic. That left two H. Upmanns: those made in Havana by Habanos S.A., and those made outside Cuba by Altadis USA for sale in the United States.
By having access to several factories and an innumerable variety of tobacco, Altadis USA has pointed H. Upmann toward a more artisanal route. Playing a key role in all this has been Rafael Nodal, Head of Product Capability for Altadis’s Tabacalera USA division. Moreover, working with talents that include AJ Fernandez and the Grupo de Maestros, they have created a new generation of H. Upmann devotees.
Criteria is based on the cigar receiving 10 or more reviews averaging a minimum of 4 stars to a maximum of 5 stars by Famous Smoke Shop customers with at least 10 reviews posted. Additionally, these reviews are accurate as of date of publication and are subject to change over time.
“I love this cigar. Great flavors and smooth smoke. Perfect draw and a great burn. You won’t find anything better for the price.” – Logan in Lone Pine, CA
The Vintage Cameroon line is a classic in the H. Upmann family; and if you like the flavor of prime African Cameroon wrapper, the Robusto is at your service. The core of the blend is a little more diverse, too; Nicaraguan binder tethers Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian fillers. Nuanced and medium-bodied, cedar is the standout along with well-defined notes of leather, baking spices plus extra pepper in the final inches. Both new and seasoned cigar smokers looking to experience the virtues of Cameroon wrapper will benefit from this nice ’n easy, anytime cigar.
“A full-bodied cigar with hints of chocolate and spice. The draw, burn, and amount of smoke was simply exquisite.” – Scott in Washington
This blend was the first of several H. Upmann cigars in which AJ Fernandez had a hand—and you can taste it from puff one. Handcrafted at AJ’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, the blend includes fully-aged Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollo fillers topped by a snappy Ecuador Sumatra wrapper. Notes of caramel, cedar, leather, and peppery spice are the cast of this uber-creamy cigar. Well-balanced and medium-plus in body, the H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Toro makes a wonderful late day or evening smoke.
“I love everything about this cigar. The draw, the awesome flavor, and the consistent burn, this is a good cigar.” – Rick T. in D.C.
Here’s another H. Upmann classic with a so-called, “Cubanesque” character. Medium in body, the Reserve Robusto may possibly be the hood ornament for the H. Upmann brand. The smoke has a mostly woody-nutty profile issuing notes of cedar, cream, nutmeg, and toast. All of this is achieved by using an all Dominican leaf filler with a Nicaraguan binder seamlessly rolled in a tangy Ecuador Cuban-seed wrapper. Each inch of the cigar seems to reveal more flavors. Wonderfully layered, the H. Upmann Reserve is a treat for true passionados; as for newer palates, start here.
“If you enjoy a long smooth smoke this is it. I shared some of the box with friends and they were hooked. Excellent draw and smooth even burning”– Steve in Michigan
Made in the Dominican Republic, The Banker allegedly reprises Upmann’s original 1840’s Cuban era blend that Hermann would give to his most favored clients. This extra-large cigar is rolled in a Cuban-seed Habano wrapper over a mostly Nicaraguan leaf core. The smoke is medium in body and underscored by a subtle layer of sweetness. Notes of earth, pepper, leather, and coffee bean help augment its Cubanesque profile. Whether you’re looking for a reliable golf buddy or a soothing break after a long day, the Arbitrage makes a rewarding payday.
*Although this cigar did not meet the minimum 10 reviews, based on the fact that all eight reviews were five stars, we called it, “close enough for jazz” and decided to include it.
“Has that great sun grown flavor and you can’t get enough of it in a magnum size.” – Nicholas C. in Idaho
There’s no shortage of cigars rolled in sun grown wrappers and many are quite good. Among the better choices is the H. Upmann Sun Grown Magnum. Made in Honduras, once again they put the Ecuador Cuban-seed Habano wrapper to work. It caps a balanced, medium-full blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers with a Connecticut Broadleaf binder. Cedar, leather, pepper and berry notes are the key notes in this thick cigar that intensifies in strength yet stays remarkably cool. If you’re a cigar smoker who craves dark roasted flavor, the H. Upmann Sun Grown Magnum is a lively treat.
We hope you’ve discovered some new humidor-worthy cigars from this best of H. Upmann cigars list. On the other hand, if you’re already a regular H. Upmann smoker, I hope we confirmed your opinion on the cigars that made the cut. Lastly, speak your mind, by submitting your H. Upmann, or any cigar review you’d like to add at Famous Smoke Shop now.
Executive Editor
Gary Korb has been writing and editing content for CigarAdvisor.com since its debut in 2008. An avid cigar smoker for over 30 years, he has worked on the marketing side of the premium cigar business as a Sr. Copywriter, blogger, and Executive Editor of Cigar Advisor. A graduate of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, prior to his career in the cigar business, Gary worked in the music and video industry as a marketer and a publicist.
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Lengths? Rings?
Hey Richard! Thanks for reading. If you click on the picture, it takes you to Famous where all of that info is displayed. :)
Put the sampler of these in this article and that would be great.
Thanks for reading! I will submit this idea to Famous’ sampler team.
While smoking my very first H. Upmann which I purchase a month ago I was amazed while smoking and tasting this wonderful cigar which will be an addition in my humidor and shared with friends who can appreciate a good smoke.