When a legendary Havana marque decides to toast its own history, the cigar world pays attention. In 2004, the storied H. Upmann brand marked its 160th anniversary with a collector‑grade humidor that became an instant icon of limited‑edition luxury. The release captured the elegance that has defined the marca since its 1844 founding by German financier Hermann Dietrich Upmann, and it continues to command reverence among aficionados and investors alike.
The Heritage Behind H. Upmann
Born in the mid‑19th century, H. Upmann began as a banking house whose founder was passionate about the art of tobacco. That unique blend of commerce and craftsmanship gave the marca a reputation for consistency and refinement. Over the decades, the brand has been a favorite of diplomats, royalty, and connoisseurs, earning a place in the pantheon of Cuban cigar legends. The 160‑year milestone offered a perfect occasion to honor that legacy with a once‑in‑a‑generation offering.
Inside the 160th‑Anniversary Humidor
The commemorative humidor was designed to be both a showcase and a functional storage vessel. Its interior holds exactly 100 hand‑made cigars, curated to illustrate the breadth of H. Upmann’s blending expertise. Each cigar bears a distinctive “160 Aniversario” band, instantly setting it apart from the brand’s standard productions. The humidor itself is a work of art: only 160 units were initially produced, each numbered via an engraved plate that attests to its exclusivity. The initial run sold out rapidly, prompting a subsequent, albeit smaller, release to satisfy ongoing demand.
- Total cigars per humidor: 100
- Manufacturing method: Fully hand‑crafted using traditional Cuban techniques
- Special feature: Commemorative band with “160 Aniversario” inscription
- Numbered units: 160 individually numbered humidors (plus additional later production)
Vitola Breakdown and Tasting Notes
Three distinct sizes make up the collection, each bringing its own character to the smoker’s palate.
- Connoisseur No.1 (Hermosos No.4)
• Quantity: 30 cigars
• Ring gauge: 48
• Length: 127 mm (5 inches)
• Weight: 10.86 g
• Profile: Classic Robusto format that delivers the brand’s signature medium‑body smoke with subtle notes of cedar, honey, and a gentle spice finish. - Prominentes (Prominentes)
• Quantity: 40 cigars
• Ring gauge: 49
• Length: 194 mm (7 ⅝ inches)
• Weight: 17.86 g
• Profile: A Double Corona that offers an extended, complex smoking journey. Expect rich layers of dark chocolate, espresso, and a velvety wrapper that develops with each third. - Upmann No.2 (Piramides)
• Quantity: 30 cigars
• Ring gauge: 52
• Length: 156 mm (6 ⅛ inches)
• Weight: 14.26 g
• Profile: The Pyramid vitola presents a tapered head, guiding the smoker through a focused draw. Flavors of toasted almond, dried fruit, and a mild peppery kick evolve toward a smooth, lingering finish.
Together, these sizes provide a comprehensive tasting tour—from the familiar Robusto to the expansive Double Corona, and the artistry of the Pyramid—showcasing how H. Upmann balances tradition with innovation.
Collectibility and Market Impact
Because only a handful of these humidors were released, each one quickly became a coveted piece in tobacco auctions and private collections. The numbered plate adds a verifiable provenance that appeals to investors seeking tangible assets with cultural significance. In the years since its debut, the secondary market has reflected the scarcity: a sealed humidor can command a premium that far exceeds its original retail price. For the smoker, opening a numbered humidor means accessing cigars that have aged in optimal conditions, often developing deeper complexity than their younger counterparts.
Whether you are a seasoned aficionado looking to deepen your appreciation of Cuban craftsmanship or a collector aiming to secure a piece of cigar history, the H. Upmann 160th‑Anniversary Humidor stands as a testament to enduring quality and the timeless allure of Havana’s finest.
