For the discerning cigar aficionado, few things hold as much allure as a Havana blend that has vanished from store shelves. The H. Upmann Petit Upmann (1) stands as a prime example of this phenomenon, representing a bygone era of Cuban cigar manufacturing. While the brand itself remains a global powerhouse, this specific format has transitioned from a daily luxury to a sought-after collector's piece. Its story is one of longevity and tradition, spanning a remarkable period that saw the industry transform from a pre-revolutionary craft into a modern, state-run enterprise.
Anatomy of a Classic: The Vitilla Format
The physical characteristics of the Petit Upmann (1) define its unique identity within the brand's portfolio. Known internally at the factory by the name Cadetes, this cigar belongs to the Vitilla category of vitolas. This classification is essential for understanding the smoking experience it offers, as these cigars are characterized by their slender profile and elegant proportions.
Measuring in at 115 mm (approximately 4.5 inches) and sporting a ring gauge of 36, this format offers a concentrated expression of the tobacco blend. The construction was entirely handmade, a detail that distinguishes it from many machine-made small cigars found elsewhere. With an official weight of 5.43 grams, the cigar was designed to deliver the signature H. Upmann flavor profile—often characterized by smooth, woody, and slightly nutty notes—in a shorter smoking duration than larger robustos or churchills.
A Timeline Spanning Four Decades
The historical footprint of the Petit Upmann (1) is nothing short of extraordinary. The cigar was originally launched prior to the watershed year of 1960, placing its birth firmly in the "Golden Age" of Cuban tobacco. This pre-revolutionary origin means that the earliest iterations of this vitola were rolled using tobacco from a radically different agricultural landscape than what exists today.
What makes this cigar truly unique is its resilience. While many formats were lost during the nationalization of the industry following the Cuban Revolution, the Petit Upmann (1) endured. It remained a staple of regular production for over forty years, bridging the gap between the old-world elegance of pre-embargo Cuba and the modern era of global cigar marketing. However, all good things must eventually come to an end. In 2002, Habanos S.A. made the decision to discontinue the line, ceasing production permanently. This cessation created an immediate scarcity, transforming existing boxes into time capsules of a flavor profile that can no longer be replicated.
Presentation and Visual Identity
True to the heritage of the H. Upmann marque, the presentation of the Petit Upmann (1) was steeped in tradition. Each unit was adorned with the brand's standard "Band A," the iconic red and gold label that has signaled quality to smokers for generations. The visual consistency reassured buyers that despite its smaller size, the cigar possessed the same DNA as its larger siblings.
From a packaging perspective, the cigars were housed in dress boxes containing 25 units. These boxes, often finished with the classic aesthetic touches associated with Cuban exports, served as the perfect vessel for preservation and display. For collectors, an unopened box of these cigars is more than just a container; it is a tangible piece of design history that reflects the marketing standards of late 20th-century Havana.
Rarity and the Millennium Release
Since production halted in 2002, the standard Petit Upmann (1) has become a difficult find on the open market. However, the legacy of the Cadetes format was further solidified through a special, limited release. The H. Upmann Petit Upmann (1) Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor stands as a prestigious commemorative edition that featured this beloved format.
This special release was designed to honor the turn of the century and offered enthusiasts a chance to experience the vitola in a highly collectible format. The inclusion of the Petit Upmann in such a high-profile humidor reinforced its status as a benchmark for the brand. Today, finding a standard production box from the 1990s or the special Millennium release is a challenge that requires patience and connections within the secondary market.
- Production Status: Discontinued (Production ceased in 2002).
- Factory Name: Cadetes.
- Dimensions: 115 mm length x 36 ring gauge.
- Packaging: Standard dress boxes of 25 cigars.
For those lucky enough to encounter the Petit Upmann (1) today, it offers more than just nicotine; it provides a historical lesson wrapped in tobacco leaves. As the years pass and inventory dwindles, the price and prestige attached to this discontinued classic will likely continue to rise among connoisseurs.
