When a cigar survives for more than four decades inside a storied Cuban brand, it earns a reputation that transcends mere smoking pleasure. The H. Upmann Coronas Minor (1) is such a vitola—a slender, hand‑crafted parejo that became a benchmark of consistency, flavor, and timeless design. From its early days before the 1960s to its final farewell in the early 2000s, this unassuming corona sized cigar left an indelible mark on aficionados and collectors alike.
Origins and Early Years
The lineage of the Coronas Minor (1) reaches back to the pre‑1960 era, making it one of the oldest formats still offered by the H. Upmann house. For more than four decades the cigar remained a steady presence in the brand’s regular catalog, outlasting many of its contemporaries and cementing its place in the annals of Cuban cigar craftsmanship. Its longevity was not accidental; the cigar’s modest dimensions and balanced flavor profile appealed to smokers seeking a medium‑strength experience that could be enjoyed daily without overwhelming the palate. By staying true to classic Cuban tradition while adapting to evolving tastes, the Coronas Minor (1) thrived under the watchful eye of Habanos’ master rollers.
Construction and Technical Specs
Produced at the historic Franciscanos factory, the Coronas Minor (1) showcases the meticulous hand‑made techniques that define premium Cuban cigars. The vitola measures a classic 40‑ring gauge and a length of 116 mm (approximately 4 ⅝ inches), giving it a sleek silhouette that sits comfortably between a corona and a petite corona.
- Factory: Franciscanos
- Ring Gauge: 40
- Length: 116 mm (4 ⅝″)
- Weight: 6.72 g
- Construction: Hand‑made
- Band: Standard band A
- Presentation: Dress boxes of 25, each cigar sealed in an aluminum tube
Each cigar was presented in elegant dress boxes containing 25 units, and every single stick was protected by a sturdy aluminum tube. This tubed packaging not only preserved freshness and structural integrity but also added a touch of refinement, making the cigar a convenient choice for travel and a stylish option for gifting.
Special Releases
Throughout its long production run, the Coronas Minor (1) was occasionally honored with limited‑edition presentations that highlighted its significance within the H. Upmann portfolio. Two notable releases showcase how the brand celebrated this format:
- Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor – a luxurious humidor released to mark the turn of the millennium, featuring a selection of Coronas Minor (1) cigars housed alongside other vintage selections.
- Très Tubos Selection – a trio of aluminum‑tube cigars that emphasized the Coronas Minor’s signature construction and flavor, appealing to connoisseurs who prized both portability and prestige.
These special issues were more than mere marketing exercises; they recognized the Coronas Minor’s role as a cornerstone of the brand’s identity and gave collectors an opportunity to acquire a piece of cigar history in an elevated, collectible format.
Legacy and Modern Market
After an impressive span of over 40 years, the Coronas Minor (1) was officially retired from Habanos’ regular catalog in 2002. Though no longer produced, the cigar enjoys a lingering presence on the secondary market, where passionate smokers and collectors seek out remaining boxes and tubes. Prices fluctuate based on condition, provenance, and the ever‑growing scarcity of untouched stock, but the demand remains steady—a testament to the enduring appeal of a well‑crafted, classic Cuban smoke.
In the world of premium cigars, few formats can claim such a seamless blend of heritage, consistency, and understated elegance. The H. Upmann Coronas Minor (1) stands as a reminder that sometimes the most enduring legacies are built not on flashiness, but on the quiet confidence of a perfectly rolled, medium‑strength cigar that has delighted generations.
