Within the vast and storied annals of Cuban tobacco, certain names echo louder than others, often overshadowing the quieter, more utilitarian chapters of production history. While modern aficionados chase limited editions and grand handmade robustos, there was a time when the landscape was defined by a different kind of craftsmanship. The H. Upmann Medias Coronas (2) stands as a testament to that era—a machine-made relic that offered consistency and accessibility before fading into history. Though no longer found on the shelves of humidors worldwide, this vitola serves as an important marker of the industry’s evolution, bridging the gap between the pre-revolution golden age and the standardized production of the late 20th century.
The Origins of a Transitional Vitola
The story of the Medias Coronas (2) begins in a time of significant upheaval and transformation. Originating before 1960, this cigar was introduced during the final years of the island's pre-revolutionary boom. It managed to maintain its position in the H. Upmann catalog for decades, surviving the nationalization of the industry and the subsequent reorganization of cigar production. This longevity makes it a unique artifact; it is a thread connecting the romanticized past of Cuban tobacco with the more industrialized reality of the post-revolution years.
Known within the factory walls by the old designation "Eminentes," the cigar held a specific role in the brand's portfolio. It was not a flash in the pan, but a steady performer that remained in regular production until the 1980s. Its eventual discontinuation marked the end of an era for machine-made options from the brand, signaling a shift in consumer preferences and the industry's move toward premium, hand-rolled offerings. For historians and collectors, the timeline of this cigar provides a fascinating case study in how the Cuban industry streamlined its offerings over several decades.
Technical Specifications and Construction
At first glance, the measurements of the Medias Coronas (2) suggest a classic smoking experience. With a length of 132 mm (approximately 5¼ inches) and a ring gauge of 44, the cigar offers a comfortable, mid-sized format. The official weight of 8.74 grams indicates a tightly packed draw, characteristic of the machine-production process. While hand-rollers pride themselves on the individual nuance of each cigar, the Medias Coronas (2) prioritized uniformity above all else.
- Vitola Name: Medias Coronas (2)
- Factory Name: Eminentes (old)
- Dimensions: 132 mm x 44 Ring Gauge
- Production Method: Machine-made
- Status: Discontinued in the 1980s
The construction method is perhaps the defining feature of this release. As a machine-made vitola, it bypassed the traditional hands of a torcedor, or roller. Instead, automated processes ensured that every cigar was virtually identical to the last. This approach had distinct advantages: it allowed for a lower price point, making the brand accessible to a wider demographic, and it guaranteed a consistency in draw and burn that can sometimes vary in handmade counterparts. The banding remained faithful to the brand's heritage, featuring the standard H. Upmann "A" and "B" band configurations that loyal smokers would instantly recognize.
Packaging and Practicality
Beyond the cigar itself, the presentation of the Medias Coronas (2) revealed much about its intended use. Eschewing the cedar-lined boxes reserved for premium handmade lines, this vitola was typically sold in aluminum packs containing five cigars. This choice of packaging was not merely aesthetic; it was a practical solution for the everyday smoker. Aluminum offers superior protective qualities, shielding the cigars from humidity fluctuations and physical damage. For a product designed for regular consumption rather than special occasions, these five-count packs offered convenience and portability, allowing enthusiasts to carry a short-term supply without the bulk of a full box.
This packaging strategy highlighted the utilitarian philosophy behind the cigar. It was built for enjoyment in the moment, requiring less long-term aging consideration than its handmade cousins. The aluminum pack was a hallmark of mid-century practical design, reflecting a time when durability and ease of use were paramount in product design.
A Relic of Cuban Heritage
Today, the H. Upmann Medias Coronas (2) has transitioned from a daily indulgence to a collector's curiosity. Since its discontinuation in the 1980s, the cigar has vanished from the standard retail circuit, existing only in the collections of those with the foresight to preserve them or in the inventory of specialist vintage retailers. Its legacy is twofold: it reminds us of H. Upmann's expansive historic portfolio and serves as a benchmark for the quality of machine-made Cubans of the mid-20th century.
For the modern enthusiast, finding a box or even a single pack of these cigars is a rare treat. They offer a sensory window into the past, a chance to taste a profile that prioritized reliability and classic Cuban flavor profiles through an industrial lens. While the market has moved almost exclusively toward handmade artisanship, the memory of the Medias Coronas (2) underscores a time when automation played a significant and respected role in the island's tobacco output. It remains a fascinating footnote in the enduring legacy of the H. Upmann brand.
