H. Upmann

The H. Upmann cigar brand is one of the oldest and most respected names in the world of premium cigars, with a rich history that dates back to 1844 in Havana, Cuba. It was founded by Hermann Dietrich Upmann, a German banker who moved to Cuba to open a branch of his family’s banking business. A passionate cigar enthusiast, Upmann began producing cigars both for personal enjoyment and as gifts for his clients. The cigars were so well received that he decided to establish a factory in Havana, giving birth to the H. Upmann brand. Over the years, H. Upmann earned an international reputation for exceptional quality and craftsmanship, winning numerous awards at world expositions—six of which are still depicted on the brand’s cigar bands today.

The Upmann family managed the company successfully until the early 1930s, when financial troubles struck. The family’s banking enterprise became involved in a scandal, leading to bankruptcy and the eventual sale of the cigar business. The brand was then acquired by Menéndez & García, the same firm responsible for creating the iconic Montecristo cigars. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Fidel Castro’s government nationalized all cigar production, including the H. Upmann factory. Production continued in Cuba under state ownership, and these cigars remain part of the Habanos S.A. portfolio today, known for their medium-bodied character, smooth flavour, and refined aroma.