H Upmann Half Corona Review

The H Upmann Half Corona is the Cuban cigar for a short break. It is small and mild to medium in strength, and it is finished in under half an hour. This review checks its specifications, sets out the profile most smokers report and asks how much character can fit into 3 1/2 inches.

The H Upmann Half Corona at a glance

H. Upmann is one of the oldest Cuban brands. Hermann Upmann, a German banker, arrived in Havana in 1843. The following year, his factory began making cigars under his name. Over time, the brand became known for elegant, lighter Cuban cigars.

The Half Corona is a much newer size. It measures 3 1/2 inches by a 44 ring gauge, or 90 mm, and its factory name is Half Corona. It joined the range around 2011. Habanos distributors presented it as a mild-to-medium cigar, especially for new smokers. It comes in boxes and in small metal tins of five. Our Cuban cigars guide explains the wider system.

Construction and draw

Small cigars are hard to roll well, yet most reports praise this one. Expect a firm, evenly filled cigar with a smooth, light-brown wrapper and a neat cap. The draw is usually open and easy.

However, short cigars burn fast and can heat up. The burn line is usually straight, but a hurried pace can make it wander. In addition, a short cigar gives you less time to correct a problem.

First third

Expect a smooth, creamy start. Most smokers report cedar, cream and toasted bread, with a light sweetness. The strength is mild, so the first puffs are easy.

Second third

Next, light coffee and a gentle nuttiness are commonly reported. Meanwhile, a little white pepper may appear on the finish. In such a short cigar, this middle stretch passes quickly, often in under ten minutes.

Final third

Finally, the cigar reaches a mild medium. Wood and a touch of leather come forward. Because the cigar is so short, the smoke reaches you warm. As a result, this third can turn slightly bitter if you puff too often.

How it compares

The Montecristo No. 4 is the natural step up. It offers a similar Cuban style with more cocoa and spice, and much more development. If you have 40 minutes, the Montecristo rewards you more.

The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story is another short cigar, but from the Dominican Republic. It is richer and sweeter, with more complexity for its size. The Half Corona is simpler, yet it is more classically Cuban.

Smoking it in Malaysia

Small cigars dry out and soak up moisture faster than large ones. Keep the Half Corona at about 65–69% RH and away from the air-conditioning vent. The tins are handy for a pocket, but they are not a humidor. Our cigar humidity guide explains how to store cigars in the tropics.

For pairing, a short kopi or teh tarik suits its size and cream. In the evening, a small dram of a light whisky also works. Just as important, check our guide on where to smoke cigars in Malaysia, since Act 852 bans smoking in many places.

Verdict

The H Upmann Half Corona does one job well. It gives you a smooth, creamy Cuban smoke in 20 to 30 minutes. Construction is usually good, and the mild-to-medium strength suits many smokers.

Its weakness is simplicity. The short length leaves little room for change, and it can run warm at the end. It suits newer smokers and anyone with a short break. Those who want depth should choose a longer cigar. As with every cigar, it carries health risks.