Among the treasures lost to modern cigar enthusiasts sits a diminutive yet distinguished petit corona that once embodied the essence of Cuban cigar tradition. The H. Upmann No.5 represents a fascinating chapter in the island's rolling heritage—a smoke that managed to encapsulate decades of expertise within just four inches of carefully cultivated tobacco.
A Glimpse Into History
The story of the No.5 begins in the mid-twentieth century or earlier, placing its debut firmly in the pre-revolutionary era when Cuban cigar makers were establishing the reputations that would carry through generations. For approximately three decades, this particular vitola remained a steady presence in the H. Upmann catalog, offering aficionados a reliable option when circumstances called for something brief yet satisfying. The 1980s eventually brought production to a close, closing the book on a model that had served as an accessible entry point into the world of premium Cuban smokes.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the physical characteristics of the No.5 helps contextualize its appeal. The vitola carried the internal factory designation of "Perlas," reflecting Habanos S.A.'s practice of assigning code names to various sizes during different periods of production. At 102 millimeters—equivalent to roughly four inches—the smoke occupied the smaller end of the spectrum, making it suitable for those moments when time or preference called for something concise. The 40-ring gauge placed it squarely in the classic petit corona category, ensuring a manageable draw and consistent burning properties throughout the experience. Official weight documentation lists the cigar at 5.91 grams, though actual samples undoubtedly varied slightly depending on tobacco moisture content and other factors.
Construction and Craftsmanship
Like all genuine Cuban cigars bearing the H. Upmann name, the No.5 was crafted entirely by hand. This handmade approach distinguishes authentic island productions from many industrially manufactured alternatives, preserving techniques passed down through generations of rollers. The completely handmade construction meant each individual cigar received attention from skilled torcedoras who selected, calibrated, and assembled the various components—filler, binder, and wrapper—according to methods refined over more than a century and a half of brand operation. Band design specifics for this particular release remain somewhat obscure in surviving documentation, leaving collectors to piece together visual confirmation from authenticated examples.
Packaging Evolution
The No.5 reached consumers through two distinct presentation styles during its extended production run. The more common format involved the traditional dress box containing twenty-five individual cigars, a configuration that remained available until discontinuation. Earlier releases appeared in the larger cajón, or cabinet-style, packaging holding fifty cigars—a format that disappeared from the lineup well before 1960, rendering those surviving examples particularly scarce in today's collector's market. This packaging evolution provides valuable dating information for those examining potential acquisitions, with cajón examples representing the earliest production period.
Collecting and Legacy
Three primary factors contribute to the No.5's current status among enthusiast circles: its age, its discontinued production status, and the enduring reputation of the H. Upmann marque. Cigars from the pre-1960 era carry particular historical significance given the transformative events that reshaped Cuban cigar manufacturing following the revolution. Survivors from the cajón era, where they exist at all, command attention from serious collectors seeking tangible connections to this earlier period. Those interested in exploring the H. Upmann legacy today will find the brand continues producing numerous expressions, though the No.5 remains beyond reach—preserved only in memories, records, and the rare fortunate humidor that managed to retain one through the intervening decades.
