Description
Why the H Upmann No 2 Remains a Cuban Classic After All These Years
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’94, and I’ll be honest with you: the H Upmann No 2 is one of those cigars that just works. It’s not trying to be the boldest smoke in your humidor. It’s not screaming for attention with limited edition bands or fancy packaging. Thing is, this torpedo-shaped beauty has been quietly earning respect for decades because it does exactly what a great Cuban should do – it delivers a refined, complex experience without beating you over the head.
Here’s the thing – when people ask me for a classic Cuban recommendation that won’t disappoint, the No 2 is always in my top three suggestions. And I know this sounds dramatic, but this vitola taught me what aging can do to a cigar. The difference between a fresh box and one with five years on it? Night and day. We’re going to talk about everything from what you’ll taste in each third to why this particular size works so well with H Upmann’s signature blend, and yeah, I’m going to share some strong opinions along the way.
The H Upmann Legacy and What Makes the No 2 Special
H Upmann has this reputation – and it’s well-deserved – for producing mild to medium-bodied cigars that showcase finesse over power. The brand goes back to 1844 when a German banker named Hermann Upmann started stamping his name on boxes of Cuban cigars he was shipping to Europe. Smart guy. He figured out early what took the rest of the world a while to catch on to: Cuban tobacco is special.
The No 2 specifically? It’s a torpedo, which means you’re getting that tapered head that concentrates the smoke and intensifies the flavor just slightly compared to a parejo. I’ll be blunt: this is probably my favorite vitola in the entire H Upmann lineup. The size gives you enough smoking time to really appreciate the evolution – we’re talking 60 to 75 minutes if you’re not rushing – but it’s not one of those massive cigars that overstays its welcome. The length gives the smoke time to cool and develop, and that pointed cap? Oh man, it just adds this element of elegance that a rounded cap doesn’t quite achieve.
This cigar is perfect for someone who appreciates subtlety. If you’re the type who wants your palate challenged with leather, spice, and complexity rather than knocked unconscious with strength, the No 2 is calling your name. And between you and me, this is one of those cigars that makes you look like you know what you’re doing when you pull it out at a lounge.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Torpedo (Pirámide) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: What You’re Actually Going to Taste
Okay, so let’s talk about what happens when you actually light this thing up. The cold draw – before you even apply flame – gives you hints of what’s coming. You’ll get cedar right away, maybe some hay, a touch of sweetness that reminds me of honey or light caramel. Not overwhelming, just… present. The construction on these is typically excellent, assuming you’re getting authentic Habanos stock and not some knockoff. The wrapper should have this slight oil to it, a beautiful Colorado shade that’s not too dark, not too light.
The first third starts off gentle. And I know some aficionados will disagree with me here, but I actually love that it doesn’t punch you in the face right out of the gate. You’re getting cream, definitely cedar – that classic Cuban cedar note that’s like walking into a well-maintained humidor – and there’s this subtle nuttiness underneath. Some people pick up light coffee notes here, though I don’t always get that until later. The pepper is there, but it’s background noise. The smoke production is generous, and if you’re doing it right, you’ll see this beautiful white ash building up that holds for a good inch before dropping.
Second third is where things get interesting – wait, let me back up. I should mention that the burn line on these is usually razor sharp. The wrapper quality from the Vuelta Abajo region really shows itself here. Anyway, back to the flavor evolution. Around the middle section, you’ll notice the strength creeping up just slightly. Not dramatically – this isn’t suddenly going to become a powerhouse – but you’ll feel it. The creamy texture continues, but now you’re getting more complexity. That coffee note I mentioned? It shows up here for me, along with some earthiness. There’s almost a cocoa quality to it, very smooth, very balanced. The aroma at this point is fantastic. If you’re smoking this at a lounge, people will notice.
The final third – and this is where aging really makes a difference, which we’ll get to in a second – can go one of two ways. On a younger cigar, you might get some bitterness creeping in if you’re not careful with your pacing. But on a properly aged No 2? No joke, the final third is where all those flavors you’ve been tasting come together. The pepper picks up a bit, the cedar is still there playing its role, and you get this leathery finish that just works. The retrohale – if you’re into that, and you should be – gives you sweet tobacco and spice on the exhale that’s really satisfying. Smoke it slow here. Don’t rush the finish.
Aging: Why You Should Forget You Own These for a While
Real talk: fresh H Upmann No 2s are good. Aged H Upmann No 2s are exceptional. I generally don’t understand why more people don’t talk about aging these specifically, because the transformation is remarkable. I’ve got a box from 2018 that I’m still working through, and comparing those to something fresh off the truck? It’s not even the same cigar.
Here’s what happens: that cedar mellows out and becomes more integrated. The cream takes on this almost buttery quality. The harshness that sometimes shows up in young Cubans – that green, ammonia-like note – completely vanishes. The strength stays in that mild-to-medium range, but the complexity multiplies. You start picking up subtle flavors that weren’t there before. Dried fruit. Toast. Sometimes I get this weird but pleasant floral thing happening that I can’t quite pin down.
My advice? If you’re buying a box, smoke one fresh to see what you’re working with. Then forget about the rest for at least three years. Five is better. I know that’s asking a lot – patience isn’t exactly a virtue most of us have in abundance – but trust me on this one.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| H Upmann No 2 | Mild-Medium | 60-75 min | Refined daytime smoke, special occasions |
| Montecristo No 2 | Medium | 55-70 min | Those wanting slightly more strength |
| Romeo y Julieta Churchill | Mild-Medium | 75-90 min | Longer sessions, similar elegance |
What to Pair with This Cigar (And When to Smoke It)
The beauty of the No 2’s mild-to-medium profile is that it plays well with a lot of different drinks without getting overwhelmed or doing the overwhelming. Coffee is the obvious choice – I’m talking a good Cuban coffee if you can get it, strong and sweet. The cigar’s natural coffee notes harmonize with the real thing in a way that just makes sense. But here’s what gets me: this cigar is absolutely phenomenal with aged rum. I’m talking something like a 15-year Havana Club or Ron Santiago de Cuba. The sweetness and complexity of the rum brings out flavors in the tobacco you didn’t know were there.
Champagne? Hear me out: the drier the better. A good Brut will cleanse your palate between draws and let you appreciate each puff fresh. I had this pairing at a wedding once – yeah, I was that guy smoking a Cuban at an outdoor wedding reception – and it was perfect. Scotch works too, but go lighter. A Speyside rather than an Islay. You want something that complements, not competes.
Time-wise, this is an afternoon cigar for me. Late morning on a weekend, mid-afternoon during the week if you’re lucky enough to have that flexibility. It’s not so strong that it’ll wreck your day, but it’s substantial enough that you want to give it your attention. Special occasions, golf rounds, sitting on a patio watching the sunset – those are the moments where the No 2 shines.
Common Questions About the H Upmann No 2
How does the H Upmann No 2 compare in strength to other Cuban cigars?
The No 2 sits firmly in the mild-to-medium range, which makes it more approachable than something like a Partagás Serie D No 4 or a Bolívar Royal Corona. It’s comparable in strength to a Romeo y Julieta Churchill or a milder Montecristo. If you’re new to Cuban cigars, this is actually a great place to start because it won’t overwhelm you, but it’s complex enough that experienced smokers won’t find it boring. The strength can pick up slightly in the final third, especially on fresher cigars, but it never crosses into full-bodied territory.
What’s the ideal aging time for H Upmann No 2 cigars?
Look, you can smoke them fresh and they’ll be good, but I genuinely believe these need at least three years to really show what they’re capable of. Five years is the sweet spot in my experience. I’ve smoked No 2s with ten years on them that were absolutely sublime – the cedar mellows, the cream becomes more pronounced, and you get these subtle complexity notes that just aren’t there when they’re young. Store them properly at around 65-68% humidity and 65-70°F, and just forget about them for a while. Your future self will thank you.
Is the H Upmann No 2 a good cigar for beginners?
Absolutely, and I recommend it all the time for people stepping up to premium Cubans. The mild-to-medium strength means you’re not going to get nicotine sick, which is a real concern with stronger Habanos if you’re not used to them. The torpedo shape might seem intimidating, but just use a straight cut about a quarter-inch from the tip and you’ll be fine. The flavor profile is classic Cuban – cedar, cream, subtle spice – so it’s educational in terms of understanding what Cuban tobacco tastes like. Plus, the construction is usually reliable, so you’re not dealing with burn issues that can frustrate new smokers.
What flavors should I expect from an H Upmann No 2?
The dominant notes are cedar and cream throughout the smoke. You’ll get that classic Cuban cedar from the first draw – it’s unmistakable if you’ve ever opened a quality humidor. There’s a creamy texture to the smoke that coats your palate nicely. As you progress, you’ll pick up coffee notes, some nuttiness (think almonds or hazelnuts), light pepper mostly on the retrohale, and subtle earth tones. In the final third, some leather comes through. With age, you might detect honey, toast, cocoa, and even some dried fruit. The flavor profile is refined rather than bold – think finesse over power.
How long does it take to smoke an H Upmann No 2?
Plan for about 60 to 75 minutes, depending on your smoking pace. At 6.1 inches with a 52 ring gauge, it’s substantial but not massive. I usually clock in around 65-70 minutes when I’m taking my time and really paying attention to it. If you’re smoking while doing something else – playing cards, having a conversation, whatever – it might stretch to 80 minutes. Don’t rush it though. These cigars reward a slow, methodical pace. Puffing too frequently will heat it up and bring out harshness that shouldn’t be there.
Are H Upmann cigars considered premium Habanos?
Yes, H Upmann is absolutely a premium Habanos brand with serious history – we’re talking about a marca that’s been around since 1844. They use Vuelta Abajo tobacco, which is the prime growing region in Cuba, for their wrapper, binder, and filler. The brand falls under Habanos S.A., which is the official distributor of Cuban cigars worldwide. The No 2 specifically is one of their flagship vitolas and has been in production for decades. It’s not as hyped as Cohiba or as famous as Montecristo, but among serious aficionados, H Upmann gets major respect for consistency and quality. Thing is, they don’t produce limited edition releases as often as some other brands, so they sometimes fly under the radar.
What’s the best way to cut an H Upmann No 2 torpedo?
With a torpedo, you’ve got options, but here’s what I do: use a straight guillotine cut about a quarter-inch from the tip of the cap. This gives you a good opening without cutting into the shoulder where the cigar might unravel. Some people like using a V-cut on torpedos, and that works too – it concentrates the smoke nicely. I’m not a huge fan of punching a torpedo though; the opening ends up too small and you have to work too hard on the draw. Whatever you do, use a sharp cutter. A dull blade will tear the wrapper, and that beautiful Vuelta Abajo leaf deserves better than that.
Final Thoughts: Should This Be in Your Humidor?
I’m probably biased here – I’ve got a soft spot for H Upmann that goes back decades – but yeah, the No 2 deserves a place in any serious Cuban cigar collection. It’s not the boldest smoke you’ll ever have. It’s not going to be the topic of conversation at every cigar event. But you know what? Not every cigar needs to be a showstopper. Sometimes you want that reliable, elegant, well-constructed smoke that delivers exactly what you’re expecting without any drama.
The No 2 is that cigar. It’s refined, it’s classic, and with some age on it, it’s genuinely excellent. Whether you’re new to Cubans or you’ve been smoking them for years, there’s something here to appreciate. The creamy texture, the cedar backbone, that subtle complexity that unfolds over an hour – it all adds up to a smoking experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Not gonna lie, if someone told me I could only smoke one H Upmann vitola for the rest of my life, this would be it. The torpedo shape adds just enough distinction to make it feel special, and the size is perfect for those moments when you want something substantial but not overwhelming. Stock up, age them if you’ve got the patience, and discover why this particular vitola has been earning quiet respect for all these years.
