Description
The H. Upmann Petit Corona stands as a quintessential masterpiece within the Habanos S.A. portfolio, representing the gold standard for the classic Marevas vitola. This light to medium-bodied cigar is a sophisticated journey through the heritage of one of Cuba’s oldest and most respected houses. Perfectly balanced and meticulously hand-rolled using long-filler (tripa larga) tobacco from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region, it offers a refined smoking experience that belies its compact dimensions. Aficionados prize this vitola for its remarkable complexity, delivering signature notes of creamy coffee, toasted cedar, and rich caramel. Whether you are a seasoned collector seeking a nuanced shorter smoke or a novice looking for a gentle yet flavorful introduction to the world of premium Cubans, the H. Upmann Petit Corona provides a luxurious escape that has remained a favorite of world leaders and epicureans for decades.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 H. Upmann Petit Coronas | 10 H. Upmann Petit Coronas |
| Packaging Type | Traditional Cedar-Lined “Dress Box” | Compact Semi-Boîte Nature or Cardboard Pack |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and daily enjoyment | Trial, travel, or gifting |
| Humidity Protection | Optimal cedar-breathing environment | Best for quick consumption or travel humidors |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Marevas |
| Length | 129 mm / 5.125 inches |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Wrapper | Vuelta Abajo (Cuba) – Milk Chocolate Brown |
| Binder | Cuba |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Light to Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Factory | H. Upmann Factory, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of H. Upmann is one of the most storied chapters in the history of Cuban tobacco. Founded in 1844 by German brothers Hermann and August Upmann, the brand began as a visionary marriage between European banking precision and Caribbean craftsmanship. The brothers were so enamored with the quality of local tobacco that they established a bank and a cigar factory simultaneously, using their premium cigars as exclusive gifts for their most prestigious banking clients. This legacy of luxury and refinement is still visible today on every box, adorned with the gold medals won at international exhibitions throughout the 19th century.
Perhaps the most famous endorsement of H. Upmann came from President John F. Kennedy. On the eve of signing the Cuban trade embargo in 1962, Kennedy famously tasked his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, with securing as many H. Upmann cigars as possible—specifically the Petit Upmanns. While the Petit Corona is a distinct vitola, it shares the same DNA of elegance and approachable strength that captivated the President. Today, the brand remains a pillar of the Habanos portfolio, sitting alongside icons like Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta, yet maintaining a unique profile that favors subtlety, complexity, and aromatic sweetness over raw power.
The H. Upmann factory in Havana continues to employ traditional methods, ensuring that every Petit Corona is Totalmente a Mano (totally handmade). By using only leaves from the Vuelta Abajo zone—the most fertile and prestigious tobacco-growing region in the world—H. Upmann ensures a consistency and depth of flavor that has allowed the brand to survive for nearly two centuries. The Petit Corona, in particular, is often cited by experts as the “true” expression of the brand’s blending philosophy: accessible, aromatic, and impeccably balanced.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon ignition, the H. Upmann Petit Corona greets the palate with a gentle subtle spiciness and a distinct wash of toasted cedar. The draw is typically effortless, producing a voluminous white smoke that carries the classic Cuban “barnyard” aroma mixed with hints of floral sweetness. Early on, the profile is defined by an earthy undertone that provides a solid foundation for the more delicate notes of shortbread and vanilla to emerge. It is an inviting start that immediately establishes the cigar’s light to medium character.
Second Third – The Heart
As the burn progresses into the middle third, the complexity deepens significantly. The initial spice recedes, making way for a rich caramel sweetness that coats the tongue. This is where the signature H. Upmann creaminess takes center stage, manifesting as toasted nutty aromas reminiscent of roasted almonds or hazelnuts. Intermingled with these notes are flashes of creamy coffee and soft leather. The construction remains impeccable, with a sturdy ash and a cool burn that allows the smoker to appreciate the floral and licorice nuances that dance in the background.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third sees an intensification of the flavors without ever becoming harsh or overwhelming. The caramel character becomes darker and more concentrated, bordering on bitter chocolate. The coffee and cream notes remain present, but they are joined by a more pronounced toasted tobacco flavor and a slight resurgence of white pepper on the retrohale. The smoke remains smooth and cool until the very end, allowing the aficionado to enjoy the cigar down to the final inch.
Finish
The finish is remarkably clean and lingering, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of sweet cedar and roasted beans. It is a satisfying and smooth conclusion that invites reflection, making it the perfect companion for a quiet afternoon or a post-lunch break. The lack of bitterness in the final stages is a testament to the high-quality Vuelta Abajo tobacco used in the blend.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Toasted Cedar, Creamy Coffee, Sweet Caramel |
| Secondary Notes | Roasted Almonds, Shortbread, Soft Leather |
| Tertiary Notes | Licorice, Floral Undertones, White Pepper |
| Finish | Clean, lingering sweetness with toasted tobacco |
| Aroma | Classic Cuban barnyard, cocoa, and cedarwood |
Aging and Collector Value
The H. Upmann Petit Corona is a fantastic candidate for medium to long-term aging. While these cigars are delightful when fresh, with a vibrant and spicy profile, patience is rewarded with a more integrated and sumptuous spice note. Over 3 to 5 years in a well-maintained humidor, the rustic edges of the wrapper mellow, and the caramel and cream notes become more dominant, creating a “marshmallow-like” sweetness that is highly sought after by collectors.
For those looking to build a collection, the Petit Corona offers exceptional value for money. It possesses the same structural integrity and aging potential as the larger Magnum series but in a more accessible format. To maximize aging potential, we recommend storing these in their original cedar dress boxes at a steady 65-70% relative humidity and a temperature of 65-68°F. This allows the oils within the tobacco to marry slowly, enhancing the aromatic complexity that H. Upmann is famous for. As these cigars age, they often develop a “box-pressed” appearance, which further concentrates the flavors and improves the combustion.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Espresso or Flat White | The natural acidity and bitterness of coffee perfectly complement the cream and coffee notes of the cigar. |
| Aged Cuban Rum | A traditional pairing; the molasses sweetness of the rum enhances the caramel and toasted nut profile. |
| Cognac (VSOP) | The dried fruit and oak notes of a fine Cognac mirror the cedar and floral nuances of the Petit Corona. |
| Speyside Single Malt | The honeyed, malty characteristics of a Speyside whisky balance the light to medium strength without overpowering it. |
| Chardonnay (Oaked) | The buttery texture and vanilla notes of the wine resonate beautifully with the shortbread and cream flavors. |
| Dry Sherry (Amontillado) | The nutty, oxidized notes of the Sherry create a sophisticated dialogue with the toasted almond aromas. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. We take immense pride in ensuring that every H. Upmann Petit Corona we ship is 100% genuine, sourced directly from authorized Habanos S.A. distributors. Collectors can verify the pedigree of their purchase through several key security features:
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official holographic seal with a unique barcode and a hidden micro-code that can be verified on the official Habanos website.
- Box Code Verification – The bottom of each box is hot-stamped with the factory code (e.g., BRE, MAR) and the date of production, indicating exactly when and where the cigars were rolled.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Hecho en Cuba” and “Totalmente a Mano” stamps, applied with traditional ink that resists smudging and follows strict typographic standards.
- Triple Cap – A hallmark of expert Cuban torcedores, the Petit Corona features a perfectly applied triple cap, ensuring a clean cut and a steady draw.
Our Guarantee: Every cigar in our humidor undergoes a rigorous inspection process for wrapper quality, construction, and authenticity. If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we are committed to preserving the legacy of the Cuban cigar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to smoke an H. Upmann Petit Corona?
The H. Upmann Petit Corona is a Marevas vitola, designed for a focused and rewarding smoking session. Depending on your personal smoking pace, you can expect this cigar to last between 30 and 45 minutes. It is the ideal choice for a sophisticated lunch break or a pre-dinner aperitif when time is limited but quality cannot be compromised.
Is this cigar suitable for a beginner?
Absolutely. The H. Upmann Petit Corona is frequently recommended as one of the best introductory Cuban cigars. Its light to medium strength ensures it is not overwhelming for the palate, while its high level of complexity provides a clear example of the “Cuban flavor profile.” It is approachable yet deep enough to satisfy even the most experienced aficionado.
How does the Petit Corona compare to the H. Upmann Half Corona?
While both cigars share the same brand DNA, the Petit Corona (129mm) is significantly longer than the Half Corona (90mm). The Petit Corona offers a more evolved flavor progression, allowing the smoker to experience the transition from cedar and spice to caramel and coffee over a longer period. The Half Corona is better for a 20-minute “quick smoke,” whereas the Petit Corona is a more complete epicurean experience.
What makes the Marevas vitola so special in the H. Upmann line?
The Marevas (42 ring gauge) is often considered the standard-bearer of Cuban cigars. In the H. Upmann line, this specific ring gauge allows for a perfect ratio of wrapper to filler tobacco. This ensures that the smoker tastes the high-quality Vuelta Abajo wrapper clearly, which is where much of the sweetness and aroma reside, making the Petit Corona one of the most flavorful expressions in the brand’s history.
