H Upmann Petit Corona

Description

Most modern cigars try to grab you by the lapels with massive ring gauges and aggressive nicotine levels, acting like a loud action movie in a quiet theater. The H Upmann Petit Corona takes a completely different approach, resembling a well-worn paperback book that gets better every time you open it. It does not need to shout to get your attention because the quality of the tobacco speaks clearly enough on its own.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: As soon as the foot takes the flame, the smoke output is surprisingly dense for a smaller ring gauge. You are greeted immediately by a distinct flavor of coffee cake and a dusting of cinnamon. The draw usually offers just the right amount of resistance, pulling through notes of toasted herbs and that unmistakably Cuban barnyard aroma. It feels creamy on the palate rather than peppery, setting a relaxed pace right from the start.

Mid-Section: The sweetness becomes more pronounced as the burn line moves past the first inch. Notes of caramel and roasted nuts push the initial herbal flavors into the background, creating a very smooth profile. The strength hovers comfortably in the light-to-medium range, meaning you can enjoy the developing cedar flavors without feeling a heavy nicotine kick. It is consistent and reliable, dropping a sturdy, dark grey ash.

Final Third: In the last fifteen minutes, the cigar deepens significantly. The caramel fades to make room for dark cocoa and worn leather, adding a bit of weight to the body. A subtle spice finally emerges on the lips, providing a nice contrast to the earlier sweetness. Even as it heats up near the nub, the smoke remains smooth enough to finish without harshness if you pace your puffs.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind H. Upmann

Hermann Upmann was a German banker who loved cigars so much he moved to Havana in 1844 just to create his own brand. The Petit Corona has been a flagship size for the company since before the nationalization of the Cuban industry in 1960. It remains one of the few cigars that has stayed true to its original blending philosophy for decades, surviving changing trends to remain a favorite among connoisseurs.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva – The heavy molasses and brown sugar notes in this rum amplify the caramel and coffee cake flavors in the tobacco.
• Whiskey: Lagavulin 16 – The peat smoke in this scotch provides a savory counterpoint to the creamy, nutty character of the cigar.
• Coffee: Cuban espresso – A shot of strong, sweet coffee bridges perfectly with the roasted bean notes found in the first third of the stick.

Ideal For

This is the definitive morning smoke for enthusiasts who want Cuban flavor without a heavy nicotine buzz. It fits perfectly into a forty-minute lunch break or a Sunday morning reading session. While the flavors are gentle enough for a beginner to identify, the aging potential of these sticks makes them a smart investment for serious collectors.