H. Upmann Majestic

HISTORY

Herman Upmann was a banker from Germany who so loved Cuban cigars that he moved to Havana in 1844 and set up as both banker and cigar maker. His bank closed in the early 1920s but his cigars live on as a fine example of an elegant, light to medium flavoured Havana.

The brand is particularly welcome in the UK as Hunters & Frankau has represented H. Upmann in Britain since the 1850s and, between 1925 and 1937, owned the factory in Havana as well as the worldwide brand rights.

Amongst the best-known H. Upmann sizes are the Magnum 46, Magnum 50 and Magnum 54. As the name suggests Magnums have heavy girths – the number represents the ring gauge of each size. Other important sizes include the Sir Winston, the Connoisseur No.1 and in smaller vitolas the Corona J and Half Corona, which was introduced in 2011.

H. Upmann’s blend is composed exclusively of filler and binder tobaccos grown in the Vuelta Abajo zone and all sizes are ‘tripa larga, totalmente a mano’ – long filler, totally handmade.

An inexpensive cigar for its size, the Majestic projects an image well above its price bracket. The taste is somewhat more intense than many Upmanns, but if you know what you are buying, you will be rewarded.

TASTING NOTES

The smoke is consistently smooth and refined, dominated by notes of clean earth, roasted almonds, and refined cedar. It maintains a delicate balance, often developing hints of mild black tea and a subtle sweetness on the finish.

This refined, slightly earthy cigar pairs beautifully with lighter, nuanced drinks, such as a Light Beer (Pilsner/Lager), a Black Tea with Milk, or a Dry White Wine (like a Sancerre).

CIGAR INFORMATION

Country of Origin: Cuba

Flavour profile: Light to Medium-bodied

Vitola: Cremas

Size: 40 ring gauge, 5 1/2 inches

Smoking time: 35 minutes