H Upmann Half Corona

Description

Most of us do not have two hours to dedicate to a Double Corona on a random Tuesday afternoon. We often find ourselves staring at the humidor, calculating if we can squeeze in a smoke before dinner or the next meeting, and usually, the answer is no. You might even grab a Robusto and end up tossing the last third because time ran out, which feels like a waste of premium tobacco. The H. Upmann Half Corona solves this specific logistical headache by delivering a complete Cuban profile in a window of time that actually fits into a busy schedule.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: When you first light this short stick, the immediate volume of smoke is surprising for its size. You get hit right away with a distinct creaminess that coats the palate, joined by a soft cedar note. There is very little aggression here. The draw on these tends to be open and easy, releasing flavors of fresh hay and a subtle sweetness that reminds you of raw honey. It starts mild, inviting you in without demanding a heavy meal beforehand.

Mid-Section: As you work your way past the first inch, the profile shifts from simple cream to something nuttier. You will likely taste roasted almond or hazelnut mixing with the cedar. A faint coffee note often appears here, resembling a light cappuccino rather than a dark espresso. The strength ticks up slightly to a true medium, but it remains incredibly smooth. The burn line usually corrects itself well if it wavers, requiring very little attention from your lighter.

Final Third: Because this cigar is short, the heat builds up near the end if you puff too frequently. If you keep a slow pace, the final section rewards you with deeper earth tones and a touch of leather. The sweetness fades into a savory finish with just a hint of black pepper or floral spice. It does not get harsh, but the flavors become more concentrated and robust right before you put it down.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind H. Upmann

Herman Upmann was a German banker who moved to Havana in 1844 and fell in love with the local tobacco so much that he started his own brand. He is actually credited with inventing the cedar box as a way to ship cigars back to his best banking clients in Europe. While his bank crashed and closed its doors in the early 1920s, his cigar legacy survived and flourished. This specific Half Corona size was only introduced in 2011, created specifically to adapt to modern smoking bans and the faster pace of life while maintaining the brand’s elegant reputation.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Flor de Caña 18 – The dry finish and oaky vanilla of this Nicaraguan rum cut through the creaminess of the cigar without overpowering the mild tobacco.
• Whiskey: Yamazaki 12 – The tropical fruit and Mizunara oak notes in this Japanese whisky lift the cedar and floral aspects of the H. Upmann beautifully.
• Coffee: Vietnamese ca phe – The intense sweetness of the condensed milk and the strong robusta bean kick match the nutty, creamy profile of the smoke perfectly.

Ideal For

This is the ultimate winter cigar for when it is too cold to stay outside for long, or the perfect companion for a quick lunch break. It serves as a fantastic introduction for beginners who want to taste real Cuban tobacco without the risk of nicotine sickness. Experienced smokers will appreciate it as a morning smoke with coffee or an appetizer before a heavier evening cigar.