Among the countless vitolas that have emerged from Cuban factories over the decades, few have achieved the quiet distinction of the H. Upmann No. 4. This Marevas-sized cigar, now relegated to the annals of tobacco history, served as a cornerstone of its brand's identity for generations of smokers. Its discontinuation in 2002 closed a remarkable chapter spanning more than forty years, leaving behind a legacy that continues to intrigue collectors and connoisseurs who seek to understand the evolution of Cuban cigar craftsmanship.
The Origins of a Classic
The story of the No. 4 begins in an era when Cuba's tobacco industry was undergoing profound transformation. Launched prior to 1960, this cigar entered the market during a period when handmade smokes were the rule rather than the exception. The H. Upmann brand itself traced its roots back to 1844, founded by a German banker named Hermann Dietrich Upmann, and by the time the No. 4 appeared, the marque had already established itself as a reliable producer of medium-bodied cigars with distinctive character.
What made the No. 4 particularly significant was its positioning within the H. Upmann catalog. It was never intended as a limited edition or special release—rather, it served as a workhorse, a daily smoke that embodied the house style in an accessible format. This regular production status meant that the cigar was widely available and affordable, allowing countless enthusiasts to experience the brand's signature flavor profile without the premium pricing associated with limited releases.
Understanding the Marevas Format
The No. 4 was rolled in the Marevas vitola, a size that has earned legendary status among Cuban cigar aficionados. Measuring 129 millimeters (approximately 5 1/8 inches) in length with a ring gauge of 42, this format represents what many consider the ideal proportions for a Cuban corona. The dimensions offer a delicate balance: sufficient girth to deliver complex flavor nuances while maintaining a slender enough profile to ensure an even burn and manageable smoking duration.
The Marevas format has appeared across numerous Cuban brands, from Partagas to Romeo y Julieta, but each marque interprets this size differently based on its unique blend. In the hands of H. Upmann's torcedores, the No. 4 showcased a particular expression of Cuban tobacco—one that emphasized elegance over power, complexity over brute strength.
- Length: 129 mm (5⅛ inches)
- Ring Gauge: 42
- Weight: 8.46 grams
- Construction: Handmade
- Packaging: Dress boxes of 25 cigars
Presentation and Market Position
H. Upmann packaged the No. 4 in traditional dress boxes containing 25 cigars, each adorned with the brand's standard band design. This presentation reflected the cigar's no-nonsense positioning—a quality handmade product meant for regular enjoyment rather than special occasions. The dress box format, with its distinctive sliding lid and elegant exterior printing, had been a staple of Cuban packaging for generations, and the No. 4's presentation aligned perfectly with consumer expectations for a standard production offering.
The cigar survived the seismic shifts that transformed Cuba's tobacco industry following the 1959 revolution. While many brands disappeared entirely or were consolidated, the No. 4 maintained its place in the H. Upmann lineup throughout the nationalization period and into the modern era under Habanos S.A. This survival speaks to the cigar's enduring popularity and the recognition that it filled an important niche within the brand's portfolio.
The End of an Era
In 2002, Habanos S.A. made the decision to discontinue the No. 4, ending its run as a regular production cigar. The reasons behind such decisions often remain opaque, but the move reflected broader changes in consumer preferences and the company's strategic direction. As larger ring gauges gained popularity and certain formats fell out of favor, some traditional sizes inevitably disappeared from catalogs.
For collectors, the discontinuation transformed remaining boxes into sought-after artifacts. The No. 4 had never been positioned as a premium collectible, which meant that many boxes were consumed rather than preserved. Today, finding well-stored examples requires patience, connections, and considerable investment. Those fortunate enough to possess aged No. 4 cigars hold not just tobacco, but a tangible connection to a different era of Cuban cigar production—one where modesty and consistency were valued virtues.
The No. 4's closest relation, the H. Upmann No. 4 Siglo XXI, appeared as part of a special millennium humidor release, representing a modern interpretation of the classic format. However, for purists, nothing quite replaces the original production that served smokers faithfully for more than four decades. The No. 4's disappearance serves as a reminder that even beloved cigars can vanish, making each surviving specimen a precious window into tobacco history.
