For many aficionados, a compact smoke that captures the soul of a storied brand is a rare treat. The H. Upmann Petit Upmann (2) delivered exactly that – a diminutive, machine‑crafted vitola that traced its lineage back to the pre‑revolutionary era and continued to grace humidors for more than four decades. Its story is not just about size, but about the enduring legacy of a marca that managed to balance accessibility with the unmistakable H. Upmann character.
Historical Context
The Petit Upmann (2) first appeared on the market before 1960, placing it among the longest‑running machine‑produced releases under the H. Upmann marca. For over forty years it remained a staple of the brand’s portfolio, weathering the dramatic shifts that Cuban cigar production underwent after the Cuban Revolution. Its production run finally came to a halt on January 1 2002, closing a chapter that began in the golden age of Cuban cigars. This longevity is a testament to the cigar’s ability to satisfy a wide range of smokers, from casual puffers seeking a quick after‑dinner draw to collectors who appreciated its historic resonance.
Technical Details and Dimensions
Despite its modest size, the Petit Upmann (2) was engineered with precision to deliver a focused smoking experience. Below is a concise overview of its key measurements:
- Factory Name: Petit
- Ring Gauge: 31
- Length: 108 mm (approximately 4 ¼ inches)
- Official Weight: 3.65 g
- Construction: Machine‑made
- Band: Classic Band A
The slender 31‑ring gauge paired with a concise 108‑millimetre length mirrors the classic petit corona format that once dominated many Cuban cigar offerings. This proportion allowed the characteristic H. Upmann flavor profile—typically a mild to medium-bodied blend of aged Cuban fillers—to shine through in a relatively short smoking session, making it an appealing option for those who wanted a quick yet authentic taste of the brand.
Packaging and Availability
Throughout its production span, the Petit Upmann (2) was offered in a variety of packaging formats to cater to different preferences and occasions:
- Cardboard pack of five cigars, sealed in cellophane
- Cardboard pack of five cigars, without cellophane
- Dress box containing twenty‑five cigars, cellophane‑wrapped
- Dress box containing twenty‑five cigars, unwrapped
- Slide‑lid box of fifty cigars
This range ensured that both occasional smokers looking for a modest quantity and devoted enthusiasts seeking larger format boxes for aging or display could find a suitable option. The inclusion of both cellophane‑wrapped and naked variants also allowed buyers to choose based on personal storage habits or aesthetic preferences.
Legacy and Collector Appeal
Although the Petit Upmann (2) has not been produced since the early 2000s, its footprint endures in the secondary market and in the historical narratives of Cuban cigar culture. Collectors often seek out sealed boxes for their pristine condition, while historians value the cigar as a concrete example of how machine‑made vitolas once complemented hand‑rolled flagship sizes within a single marca. Its discontinuation marked a broader industry shift toward premium hand‑made selections, yet the Petit Upmann (2) remains a point of interest for anyone studying the evolution of Cuban cigar production. For the modern smoker, the cigar serves as a nostalgic reminder that even the smallest formats can carry the weight of a storied heritage.
