For the discerning aficionado, the landscape of Cuban cigars is filled with ghosts—brands and vitolas that have long since ceased production, leaving behind only empty boxes and fading memories. Among these departed icons, the H. Upmann Royal Coronas (1) occupies a special place in the pantheon of Havana's heritage. While the name H. Upmann remains a powerhouse in the modern market, this specific iteration serves as a fascinating case study for how consumer preferences and manufacturing strategies have shifted over the decades. It was a staple of the brand's portfolio for nearly half a century, representing a standard of quality and format that has largely been replaced by more robust offerings in the contemporary era.
A Stalwart of the Twentieth Century
The history of the Royal Coronas (1) is deeply intertwined with the golden age of Cuban tobacco. Entering the market prior to 1960, this cigar witnessed the dramatic transformation of the industry, surviving the transition from private enterprise to state-run production. It was not a limited edition or a special release; rather, it was a workhorse, a regular production cigar that enthusiasts could reliably find on shelves for decades. Its longevity is a testament to its initial popularity and the consistent demand for its particular smoking profile. However, all good things must come to an end. By the late 1990s, the decision was made to discontinue the line, marking the close of a significant chapter for the H. Upmann brand.
Defining the Classic Corona Format
In an era where thick ring gauges and heavy figurados have become the norm, revisiting the specifications of the Royal Coronas (1) offers a lesson in traditional geometry. This cigar was a quintessential example of the "Corona" vitola, a format that was once the benchmark against which all other sizes were measured.
The physical dimensions tell a story of balance and refinement that modern smokers might find distinctively elegant compared to today's standards:
- Vitola Name: The factory designation was simply "Coronas," adhering to the classic definitions of the era.
- Dimensions: It featured a ring gauge of 42 and a length of 142 mm (approximately 5 5/8 inches).
- Weight: Each unit was crafted to an official weight of 9.29 grams, ensuring a dense, consistent draw.
This slender profile allowed for a different expression of the tobacco blend. Unlike the massive ring gauges of today which can muddle flavors, the 42 ring gauge of the Royal Coronas (1) emphasized the wrapper leaf's contribution to the flavor profile, offering a smoking experience that was nuanced rather than overwhelming.
Elegance in Presentation
The aesthetic presentation of the Royal Coronas (1) reflected the premium nature of the product. It was not merely a cigar to be smoked, but an artifact to be admired. The packaging strategy utilized by H. Upmann spoke to a time when presentation was paramount. The cigars were housed in dress boxes containing 25 units, a standard count for premium exports.
However, the defining feature of its presentation was the use of individual aluminum tubes. Each cigar was encased in its own metallic sheath. This method of storage was far more than decorative; it served a critical function in preservation. The tubes protected the delicate wrappers from damage during transport and helped maintain the necessary humidity levels, ensuring that the cigar reached the smoker in pristine condition, regardless of the climate. Furthermore, the bands adorning these cigars utilized the brand's standard "A" design, creating a visual consistency that linked this specific release to the broader H. Upmann visual identity known worldwide.
A Relic for the Collector
Since its retirement in the late 1990s, the Royal Coronas (1) has transitioned from a consumer product to a collector's item. It remains a point of interest for cigar historians who wish to trace the evolution of the H. Upmann portfolio. The existence of related releases, such as the "Très Tubos Selection," highlights the brand's experimentation with tubed formats during that era. Today, finding a box of these discontinued Coronas is a rare treat. They serve as a tangible link to a bygone era of Cuban craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the flavors and formats that defined the mid-20th century smoker's experience.
