H. Upmann is one of the oldest and most prestigious cigar brands in the world — a name that has represented premium quality since 1844. Founded by a German banker in Havana, Cuba, the brand has a remarkable history that includes gold medals at world expositions, a legendary factory that later housed the Montecristo brand, and a non-Cuban line produced in the Dominican Republic that continues to win over smokers with its smooth, refined character.
This guide covers H. Upmann's fascinating history, breaks down their major cigar lines, and helps you find the right H. Upmann cigar whether you are a beginner or a seasoned aficionado.
The H. Upmann Story
H. Upmann was founded in 1844 by Hermann Dietrich Upmann, a German banker who moved to Havana and fell in love with Cuban cigars. Upmann was unique in the cigar world — he was a financier, not a tobacco man. He opened a bank in Havana and began sending cigars packed in cedar boxes to his banking clients in Europe as gifts and business tokens.
The cigars were so well received that Upmann established his own factory in Havana, combining his business acumen with a commitment to quality that quickly set the brand apart. H. Upmann cigars won gold medals at multiple world expositions in the late 1800s, earning international recognition and establishing the brand as one of Cuba's finest.
The H. Upmann factory in Havana became one of the most famous cigar factories in the world. It was in this factory that the Montecristo brand was later created in 1935 — a testament to the facility's reputation for excellence.
After the Cuban Revolution, the non-Cuban version of H. Upmann was established in the Dominican Republic. Today, the non-Cuban line is produced and distributed by Altadis U.S.A., offering a range of blends from mild to full-bodied that honor the brand's legacy of refined, balanced cigar making.
H. Upmann's Major Lines
1844 Reserve — The Classic
H. Upmann 1844 Reserve is the brand's core offering, named after the founding year. Featuring a Connecticut Shade wrapper with Dominican fillers, it delivers a mild-to-medium smoke with smooth flavors of cream, cedar, nuts, and gentle spice. The construction is consistently excellent, and the overall experience embodies the accessible elegance that H. Upmann is known for.
The 1844 Reserve is a great everyday cigar and an excellent choice for beginners. It is one of the best cigars under $10.
1844 Añejo — Aged and Rich
The 1844 Añejo steps up the intensity with a dark Nicaraguan Habano wrapper and aged tobaccos. This medium-to-full cigar delivers rich flavors of dark chocolate, espresso, pepper, and sweet cedar. The extra aging produces a smoother, more developed profile while the bolder wrapper adds depth that sets it apart from the milder Reserve line.
Vintage Cameroon — The Premium Choice
H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon is widely considered the brand's finest non-Cuban offering. Featuring an African Cameroon wrapper with aged Dominican fillers, it delivers a medium-bodied smoke with distinctive spicy-sweet flavors, cedar, leather, and a refined, complex finish. The Cameroon wrapper gives this cigar a character all its own, and the aged tobaccos provide the kind of refinement that earned H. Upmann its historic reputation. Pairs beautifully with coffee or cognac — see our pairing guide.
Connecticut — Smooth and Light
H. Upmann Connecticut uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper for the mildest experience in the portfolio. Cream, vanilla, cedar, and gentle sweetness define this light, approachable cigar. Perfect for morning smoking or as a beginner's first premium cigar.
Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez — The Bold Statement
This collaboration with master blender AJ Fernandez brings Nicaraguan tobacco power to the H. Upmann name. Using a dark Nicaraguan wrapper with Nicaraguan fillers, this medium-to-full cigar delivers earth, pepper, dark chocolate, and sweet spice. It represents H. Upmann's most robust expression and shows the brand can compete in the full-bodied space.
Other Notable Lines
H. Upmann Banker — A medium-bodied cigar honoring the founder's banking heritage. Dominican blend with cream, cedar, leather, and sweet spice. Refined and balanced.
H. Upmann Herman's Batch — Named after the founder. A medium-to-full Dominican blend with richer flavors of cocoa, leather, and pepper. Limited production.
H. Upmann AJ Fernandez Magnum — A bolder expression of the Nicaragua collaboration in larger ring gauges. Full-bodied with concentrated flavors. Learn about cigar sizes.
Where to Buy H. Upmann Cigars
H. Upmann is widely available through premium cigar retailers. Browse and compare pricing across multiple trusted retailers on the H. Upmann brand page at Cigar Finder. For the full catalog with real-time pricing, visit CigarFinder's premium cigars page and filter by brand.
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