When a smoker seeks a cigar that balances storied tradition with everyday convenience, the H. Upmann brand often comes to mind. Among its many releases, the Kings Petit Corona stands out as a slender, machine‑made vitola that kept the marque’s reputation alive for more than four decades. This unassuming stick delivered the brand’s signature refinement in a format that was both affordable and reliable, earning a place in the humidor of casual enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Origins and Early Market Entry
Long before the modern boutique cigar boom, H. Upmann introduced its Kings line in the years preceding 1960. The release positioned itself as an accessible entry point into the world of premium Cuban tobacco, allowing newer smokers to experience the brand’s characteristic smoothness without the heft of larger parejos. Over the ensuing years, the Kings Petit Corona became a fixture on the shelves of tobacconists across Europe and the Americas, surviving the ups and downs of Cuban cigar fashion until its final production run ended in 2002. Its longevity—spanning over forty years—testifies to a steady demand for a dependable, everyday Cuban smoke.
Technical Specifications
At the heart of the Kings Petit Corona lies a modest set of dimensions that have made the Petit Corona format a timeless classic. Below is a concise breakdown of the cigar’s key measurements:
- Factory vitola: Petit Corona
- Ring gauge: 42
- Length: 129 mm (approximately 5 ⅛ inches)
- Official weight: 8.46 g
These numbers place the Kings squarely in the middle of the Petit Corona family, a size prized for its balanced smoking time—typically around 30 to 45 minutes—and its comfortable feel in the hand. The relatively thin 42‑ring profile ensures a moderate draw, while the modest length makes it an ideal choice for a quick yet flavorful interlude.
Construction, Banding, and Packaging
As a machine‑made product, the Kings benefited from modern manufacturing techniques that ensured each stick delivered a consistent draw and even burn. The cigar’s wrapper, binder, and filler were selected to harmonize under automated production, resulting in a smoke that, while lacking the nuanced complexity of hand‑rolled counterparts, still carried the hallmark H. Upmann aroma. The standard band—designated as “B”—adorned each piece, visually confirming its authentic Cuban heritage and the brand’s storied legacy.
In terms of presentation, the Kings were shipped in classic dress boxes that held 25 cigars. Buyers could choose between versions encased in thin cellophane or left bare, offering flexibility for those who prefer to age their cigars with or without an additional protective layer. The packaging, while modest, reflected the brand’s focus on practicality and accessibility.
Legacy and Collectibility
Although the Kings Petit Corona is no longer produced, it continues to occupy a special niche in the annals of Cuban cigar history. Collectors often hunt for sealed boxes, appreciating the consistency that machine production provided. For many, the cigar serves as an approachable expression of H. Upmann’s dedication to quality, illustrating how a mass‑manufactured stick can still embody the brand’s refined flavor profile. Enthusiasts who had the chance to light one up remember it as a reliable, no‑frills companion that delivered the essence of a classic Cuban marque in a convenient, everyday format.
In summary, the H. Upmann Kings Petit Corona exemplifies how a humble, machine‑made vitola can endure for decades, shaping the perceptions of both new and seasoned smokers. Its story is a testament to the lasting appeal of well‑crafted, accessible cigars within the rich tapestry of Cuban tobacco culture.
