Description
The leather chair creaked softly as I settled in, watching the last rays of sunlight filter through the lounge windows. The evening stretched ahead with that perfect combination of solitude and anticipation that every cigar lover recognizes. In my fingers rested an H. Upmann Half Corona, its modest size belying the reputation that preceded it.
I’ll be honest – I wasn’t expecting much from such a compact smoke. The short, squat shape seemed almost diminutive next to the Churchill I’d enjoyed the week before. But sometimes the smallest packages deliver the most surprising experiences, and this particular evening would prove that point beautifully.
What struck me first was how perfectly proportioned this little Cuban felt. Despite measuring just 90mm, there’s nothing rushed or abbreviated about the H. Upmann Half Corona’s presence. It commands respect in a way that reminded me why this marque has maintained its stellar reputation among seasoned aficionados and newcomers alike.
A Journey Through Three Distinct Acts
The moment I drew those first gentle puffs, I understood why cigar enthusiasts speak so reverently about this particular vitola. The opening third greeted me with an unexpected creaminess that immediately set it apart from the earthier Cohiba or the more robust Montecristo I’d grown accustomed to.
Those initial draws revealed layers of roasted hazelnuts dancing with buttered toast. There’s a light natural sweetness here that doesn’t overwhelm – think morning honey drizzled over warm bread rather than dessert-level intensity. Subtle floral notes weaved through the background, accompanied by that distinctive hay-like aroma that marks quality Cuban tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region.
As I progressed into the middle third, cedar emerged as the dominant character. This wasn’t harsh or overpowering cedar, but rather the warm, welcoming scent of a well-appointed humidor. Vanilla bean notes began appearing, followed by delicate white pepper that added just enough complexity to keep me engaged. I detected hints of cappuccino and dried fruit, with an occasional whisper of almond that reminded me why upmann half coronas have earned such devoted followings.
The final third proved most intriguing. That cedar backbone remained, but black pepper stepped forward more assertively. Earthy undertones emerged – not muddy or heavy, but clean earth after spring rain. The tobacco’s core essence became more pronounced, yet somehow the smoke retained an elegant refinement right through to the nub.
Construction and Craftsmanship
Examining the wrapper before lighting, I was impressed by the medium-brown Cuban leaf’s consistency. The surface showed minimal veining, and what veins were present added character rather than distraction. The triple cap was perfectly applied – a hallmark of genuine Habanos construction that you simply don’t find in inferior products.
The cigar felt substantial despite its compact dimensions. Rolling it between my fingers revealed evenly distributed filler tobacco with no soft spots or overpacked areas. This handmade construction shows in the burn quality – it draws well without being loose, and burns slowly enough to maximize the smoking experience.
Throughout the session, the ash held beautifully, forming neat gray segments that spoke to proper fermentation and aging. The burn line remained remarkably even with minimal touch-ups required – exactly what you’d expect from Cuba’s skilled torcedores.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 90mm (3.5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 44 |
| Vitola | Petit Corona (Half Corona) |
| Strength | Light to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 20-40 minutes |
| Origin | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo region) |
Who Should Consider This Cigar
The H. Upmann Half Corona occupies a unique position that makes it accessible to virtually any cigar aficionado, regardless of experience level. If you’re new to Cuban tobacco, this represents an ideal introduction – complex enough to showcase what makes Habanos special, yet gentle enough to avoid overwhelming your palate.
For experienced smokers, it serves different purposes entirely. Sometimes you need a quick 30-minute smoke that doesn’t compromise on quality. Business lunches, afternoon breaks, or those moments when you want premium tobacco without committing to a two-hour session – that’s where this little powerhouse shines.
I’ve found it particularly appealing for those transitional moments. After dinner but before evening activities. During travel when time is limited. For anyone who appreciates craftsmanship but doesn’t always have leisure for larger vitolas.
The light-to-medium strength makes it suitable for morning smoking, something I wouldn’t recommend with more robust marcas. Yet it’s substantial enough for evening enjoyment when you want something satisfying but not overwhelming.
Perfect Pairings
The cedar and cocoa notes make this cigar incredibly food-friendly. I’ve discovered that a well-crafted Negroni complements those spice and cedar flavors beautifully – the bitter orange and herbal complexity match the tobacco’s sophistication without competition.
For whiskey enthusiasts, try it with a Highland single malt like Glenfiddich 18. The honeyed characteristics bridge beautifully with those vanilla bean notes in the middle third. Bourbon works too – something like Maker’s Mark provides enough sweetness to enhance rather than mask the tobacco’s natural character.
Coffee pairings deserve special mention. A properly pulled espresso or rich cappuccino creates remarkable synergy with those nutty, creamy opening notes. I’ve enjoyed it with everything from Cuban coffee to Ethiopian single-origin brews.
Wine lovers shouldn’t overlook this pairing. A quality Rioja or aged Bordeaux provides earthy undertones that complement the final third beautifully. For white wine enthusiasts, try an aged Chardonnay with enough oak to match the cedar influence.
Storage and Aging Considerations
Like all premium cigars, proper storage is crucial for maintaining the H. Upmann Half Corona’s exceptional qualities. I maintain my collection at 65-68% relative humidity with temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). Preserving cigars fresh requires proven techniques that ensure optimal conditions.
These smaller vitolas can be more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than larger cigars due to their reduced mass. I’ve noticed that storage above 70% humidity can make the draw too loose, while conditions below 62% create harsh, tight draws that diminish the smoking experience.
Regarding aging potential – I’ve smoked examples from fresh boxes alongside those aged 3-5 years. The aging process smooths any remaining rough edges and allows the cedar notes to integrate more fully. However, don’t feel compelled to age extensively; these smoke beautifully fresh and reach optimal maturity within 6-18 months of proper storage.
For those serious about storage, setting up a proper humidor becomes essential when building any collection of quality Habanos.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
The compact dimensions require slightly modified preparation compared to larger vitolas. I prefer using a quality guillotine cutter, removing just enough of the cap to open the draw without compromising structural integrity. With a 44 ring gauge, there’s less margin for error than with Churchill-sized cigars.
For lighting, patience becomes even more critical. The smaller surface area means it’s easy to overheat the foot, which can introduce bitter flavors that persist throughout the smoking experience. I use cedar spills or quality butane lighters, taking extra time to achieve an even light across the entire foot.
Toast the foot gently first, rotating slowly to ensure uniform heat distribution. Only then begin drawing while applying flame. The reward for this careful preparation is evident from the very first puff – clean, pure tobacco flavors without harsh combustion notes.
Mastering Cuban cigar smoking techniques can significantly enhance your enjoyment of premium tobacco like this.
Authenticity and Avoiding Counterfeits
Unfortunately, the popularity of H. Upmann makes counterfeiting a real concern. Genuine examples feature specific characteristics that careful buyers should verify. The Habanos hologram should be intact and properly positioned on the box. Individual bands should display crisp printing with proper color registration.
Examine the wrapper carefully – authentic Cuban tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region has distinctive characteristics that inferior substitutes can’t replicate. The leaf should feel supple but substantial, with natural oils that create subtle sheen without appearing artificially treated.
Construction quality provides another authentication method. Genuine Habanos display consistent weight, proper cap application, and even density throughout. Counterfeits often exhibit irregular construction, loose draws, or overpacked sections.
Purchase only from authorized retailers with established reputations. Reputable dealers understand the importance of authenticity and maintain proper storage conditions that preserve tobacco quality.
Remember that pricing can be a red flag – genuine Cuban cigars command specific price ranges, and deals that seem too good often indicate counterfeit products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the H. Upmann Half Corona compare to other short corona vitolas?
In my experience, it offers more complexity than most petit coronas while maintaining exceptional smoothness. Compared to similar-sized Cohiba or Montecristo offerings, the H. Upmann provides better value with comparable quality. The flavor development through its short length is remarkably sophisticated.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners to Cuban tobacco?
Absolutely. The light-to-medium strength makes it approachable for newer smokers, while the quality construction and flavor complexity provide an excellent introduction to what makes Cuban cigars special. It’s forgiving of minor smoking technique imperfections while still rewarding proper preparation.
What’s the ideal smoking pace for maximum enjoyment?
I recommend one draw every 30-45 seconds to maintain optimal burn temperature. Rushing through such a compact cigar wastes its potential – the 20-40 minute smoking time allows full flavor development if you maintain a relaxed pace. Let the tobacco speak rather than forcing the experience.
How long can these cigars be stored before quality deteriorates?
With proper storage conditions, quality H. Upmann Half Coronas improve with age for several years. I’ve enjoyed examples aged 5+ years that showed remarkable smoothness and integration. However, they’re excellent fresh, so don’t feel obligated to age extensively before enjoying.
Are there specific occasions when this vitola works better than larger cigars?
This size excels for business settings, afternoon breaks, after moderate meals, or any time when you want premium quality without the time commitment of larger vitolas. It’s also excellent for sampling purposes – the shorter format showcases the marca’s characteristics efficiently. Perfect for building tasting experience across different Cuban brands.
Understanding the journey from plantation to perfection helps appreciate why cigars like the H. Upmann Half Corona represent such exceptional value in the world of premium tobacco.
