H. Upmann is one of the oldest cigar names still in production, started in 1844. The H. Upmann sold in the United States is made by Altadis U.S.A., in the Dominican Republic and, for the AJ Fernandez blends, in Nicaragua. This guide covers the main lines, with the blend details Altadis publishes.
About H. Upmann Cigars
Altadis says brothers August and Hermann Upmann started the H. Upmann brand in 1844 and credits them with pioneering the cedar box as a way to store cigars. The Upmanns were bankers, and The Banker line is a nod to that history.
The house style Altadis describes is smooth and flavorful, and the range now runs from medium-bodied Dominican blends to medium-to-full Nicaraguan cigars made with AJ Fernandez.
H. Upmann Cigar Lines
H. Upmann 1844 Reserve
Named for the founding year. An Ecuadorian Cubano wrapper covers a Nicaraguan binder and Dominican filler, made in the Dominican Republic. Altadis calls it medium-bodied, with a complex flavor, an even burn and a classic ash. A natural entry point into H. Upmann.
H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon
A nod to the early days, when Altadis says every H. Upmann in the line was wrapped in Cameroon leaf. A Cameroon wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian filler, made in the Dominican Republic: medium-bodied, smooth and flavorful, with a complex aroma.
H. Upmann The Banker
Altadis tells the story of an 1844 blend the Upmann brothers locked in their vaults and gave to their most important clients; The Banker recreates it. An Ecuadorian Habano wrapper covers a Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan and Dominican filler, made in the Dominican Republic, with a nutty profile and notes of spice, coffee and leather. The Banker Daytrader is a newer extension: an Ecuadorian wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler.
H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage
Made at Tabacalera Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua: a triple-fermented Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder, aged two years after rolling. Altadis describes a medium-to-full smoke with chocolate, espresso and sweet spice, for H. Upmann fans who want the stronger end of the range.
H. Upmann at Sun of a Gun
H. Upmann is part of the humidor at Sun of a Gun Cigars & Spirits, 1651 S Arizona Ave, Yuma, Arizona. Choose from the humidor and settle in with a pour from the bar. Sunday to Thursday 9am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday until 1am; 928-276-3500.
H. Upmann Cigars FAQ
Where are H. Upmann cigars made?
H. Upmann sold in the United States is made by Altadis U.S.A.: the 1844 Reserve, Vintage Cameroon and The Banker in the Dominican Republic, and the AJ Fernandez blends in Nicaragua. Cuban H. Upmann is not sold in the US.
Which H. Upmann should a beginner try first?
The 1844 Reserve is a good place to start: medium-bodied, with a complex flavor and an even burn. It is gentle enough for newcomers and interesting enough for experienced smokers.
What is H. Upmann The Banker?
The Banker recreates, in Altadis's telling, an 1844 blend the Upmann brothers kept in their vaults for their most important clients. It pairs an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan and Dominican filler, with a nutty profile and notes of spice, coffee and leather.
