Description
Why This Little Cuban Punches Way Above Its Weight
I’m probably biased here, but the H. Upmann Petit Corona is one of those cigars that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the Cuban lineup. Everyone’s chasing after Cohibas and Montecristo No. 2s, meanwhile this little gem sits there quietly being absolutely fantastic. It’s a classic petit corona format – 5.1 inches by 42 ring gauge – and it delivers way more complexity than you’d expect from something this size. I remember my first one back in… I think it was 2006? Maybe 2007. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that it completely changed how I thought about shorter smokes.
This is the kind of cigar that reminds you why H. Upmann has been around since 1844. No gimmicks, no hype – just exceptional tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region rolled into a format that’s been perfecting itself for generations. If you’ve got 30-40 minutes and you want something genuinely special, this is your stick.
What Makes the H. Upmann Petit Corona Stand Out
H. Upmann has this reputation – and it’s well-deserved – for producing elegant, refined cigars that never try to overpower you. The brand was actually founded by a German banker who loved cigars so much he started his own company in Havana. That European sensibility stuck around. The Petit Corona format showcases everything the brand does well: balance, finesse, and tobacco quality that speaks for itself without shouting.
This isn’t a cigar for someone looking to be knocked sideways by nicotine or in-your-face flavors. It’s medium-bodied – some days it feels almost mild, other days it edges toward medium-plus depending on humidity and how it’s been resting. The wrapper is classic Cuban leaf from Vuelta Abajo, that reddish-brown color that just looks right, you know? Silky to the touch with a slight oiliness that promises good things.
Who’s this for? The cigar aficionado who appreciates subtlety. The person who doesn’t need to make a statement with a Churchill or a Gordo. Maybe you’re on a lunch break. Maybe it’s mid-afternoon and you want something before dinner. Maybe – and this is where I find myself using it most – you want a genuine Cuban experience but you’ve only got 45 minutes. This delivers the full H. Upmann character without demanding your entire afternoon.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Petit Corona |
| Length | 5.1 inches / 129 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 35-45 minutes |
The Smoke Experience – Third by Third
The cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming – light cedar, maybe a touch of hay, something vaguely sweet I can never quite name. Not overly firm, not too loose. When these are properly constructed (and Cuban quality control being what it is, that’s like 80% of the time), they’re pretty much perfect.
Light it up and the first third comes at you with this creamy smoothness that H. Upmann does better than almost anyone. There’s cedar right up front – not aggressive, just pleasant and woody. Behind that you get hints of almonds and this subtle sweetness that reminds me of honey without actually tasting like honey. Does that make sense? The smoke output is generous for the size, which I appreciate. Some petit coronas smoke thin and unsatisfying. Not this one.
The burn line stays pretty even if you’re not rushing it. And the wrapper – oh man – it’s got this slight caramelized quality when the cherry gets close. The ash holds to about an inch before dropping, nice and gray with some darker striations. Construction-wise, I’d put these up against most Cuban production. They’re not flawless, but they’re damn consistent for what they are.
Second third is where things get interesting. The sweetness recedes a bit and you start picking up leather notes. Not heavy, aggressive leather – more like a well-worn jacket. The cream stays in the background holding everything together. There’s a mineral quality that develops, almost flinty, that adds another dimension. This is also where the retrohale becomes worth your time. Through the nose you get white pepper – mild but distinct – and more of that cedar character amplified.
Some cigars lose steam in the final third. This one doesn’t. Actually, scratch that – it does change, but not in a bad way. The flavors concentrate as the cigar gets shorter. That cedar becomes more prominent, almost toasty. You might pick up coffee notes, or maybe cocoa – depends on the individual stick and your palate that day. The leather becomes more pronounced. The nicotine kicks up slightly but never crosses into uncomfortable territory. I can smoke these to the nub without getting lightheaded, which isn’t true of every Cuban cigar in my rotation.
One thing worth mentioning: these benefit hugely from proper rest. Fresh from the vendor? They’re good. After six months in your humidor at 65% humidity? They’re exceptional. The flavors marry together, that harshness that sometimes affects younger Cubans completely disappears, and the whole experience becomes more refined.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| H. Upmann Petit Corona | Medium | 35-45 minutes | Refined daytime smoke, newcomers to Cubans |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 40-50 minutes | Classic Cuban experience, evening smoke |
| Partagás Short | Medium-Full | 30-40 minutes | Bold flavors in short format, experienced smokers |
Perfect Pairings and When to Smoke One
I’ve tried this cigar with everything from morning coffee to evening whisky, and honestly? It’s pretty versatile. But some combinations just work better than others.
Coffee is my go-to pairing, especially a medium roast with some body to it. The cigar’s sweetness plays beautifully against coffee’s slight bitterness. I’m partial to a Cuban coffee if we’re being thematic about it, but a good Colombian works just as well. Tea drinkers – and I know you’re out there – should try this with a nice oolong. My buddy David swears by it with English Breakfast tea, though that seems sacrilegious to me.
For spirits, you want something that won’t bulldoze the cigar’s subtlety. A light rum works wonderfully – think Havana Club 3 Year, nothing too aged or complex. Single malt Scotch from Speyside region is another winner. That Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12 range hits the sweet spot. Bourbon? Eh, it can work, but choose something on the lighter side. Heavy, high-proof bourbon just dominates the cigar.
Time of day? This is a morning or early afternoon cigar for me. Late morning with coffee while reading the paper – that’s the sweet spot. It doesn’t have the heft for an after-dinner smoke unless you had a light meal. Think of it as a mid-day refresh rather than an evening indulgence.
How long does the H. Upmann Petit Corona take to smoke?
You’re looking at 35-45 minutes depending on your pace. I usually land around 40 minutes when I’m not rushing it. It’s one of the reasons I love this cigar – you get a full Cuban experience without blocking out your entire afternoon. Perfect for a lunch break or between errands.
What strength level is this cigar?
Solidly medium. Some days it feels almost mild, other times it edges toward medium-plus, but it never crosses into full territory. If you’re new to Cuban cigars, this is actually a great starting point. Experienced smokers will appreciate the subtlety rather than feel underwhelmed.
How does it compare to the Montecristo No. 4?
Good question – they’re similar sizes and both are classic Cuban smokes. The No. 4 is a bit more robust and earthy, while the H. Upmann is more elegant and refined. I’d say the Montecristo has slightly more complexity, but the H. Upmann has better balance. Honestly, you should have both in your rotation. They scratch different itches.
Should I age these before smoking?
Yes, if you can exercise the patience. They’re perfectly smokable fresh, but six months to a year in your humidor really elevates them. The flavors integrate better, any harshness disappears completely, and the overall experience becomes noticeably smoother. I always try to keep a box aging while I smoke through my current stock.
What’s the best humidity level for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, which is lower than the traditional 70% you’ll hear about. Cuban cigars in general seem to perform better at slightly lower humidity – they burn more evenly and the draw stays consistent. Anything above 68% and I start noticing construction issues. Your mileage may vary depending on your climate.
Is this a good cigar for beginners?
Absolutely, yes. The medium strength won’t overwhelm someone new to cigars, the smoking time is manageable, and it genuinely represents what good Cuban tobacco tastes like without being challenging. I’ve introduced probably a dozen people to Cuban cigars with this exact vitola. Just make sure they don’t rush it – that’s the main mistake beginners make with any cigar.
How’s the consistency across different boxes?
Cuban quality control is… inconsistent. I’ll be honest about that. But H. Upmann tends to be better than average. I’ve gone through maybe five or six boxes of Petit Coronas over the years, and I’d say 80% of the cigars are excellent, 15% are good with minor issues, and maybe 5% have problems. Those are pretty solid odds for Cuban production. Always inspect before lighting and don’t be afraid to set aside a problematic stick.
Final Thoughts From the Smoking Chair
The H. Upmann Petit Corona isn’t trying to be the biggest or boldest cigar in your humidor. It’s not Instagram-worthy or conversation-starting based on size alone. What it is, though, is a perfectly executed expression of classic Cuban cigar making. It delivers refined flavors, excellent construction (most of the time), and a smoking experience that respects your time without shortchanging you on quality.
I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t talk about these. Maybe it’s the lack of flash, or maybe everyone’s too busy chasing limited editions and hard-to-find releases. Their loss, honestly. This is the kind of cigar that belongs in every Cuban aficionado’s regular rotation – the reliable friend who shows up when you need them and never disappoints.
If you’ve been curious about H. Upmann but haven’t pulled the trigger, this is your entry point. Grab a few, let them rest if you can stand to wait, and experience what classic Cuban elegance tastes like. You won’t regret it.
