Pairing Espresso with the H. Upmann Half Corona: A Match Made in Havana
The H. Upmann Half Corona has become one of my go-to cigars when I’m looking for a quick, yet immensely satisfying smoke. Released in 2011, it’s a compact powerhouse, measuring just 3.5 inches with a 44 ring gauge. It’s the perfect cigar for a short session—usually around 25 to 30 minutes—and pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.
Flavor Profile:
When I light up the H. Upmann Half Corona, I’m immediately greeted by smooth notes of cedar and almonds. There’s a creamy, buttery texture to the smoke, and as it progresses, the flavors evolve, offering a subtle sweetness of honey and gentle spices. The medium body makes it approachable but rich enough to keep my attention. A bit of earthiness and nutty undertones emerge about halfway through, with a soft floral touch and hints of leather on the retrohale. It’s a smooth smoke from start to finish, with a creamy aftertaste that lingers just long enough, and the burn is always even and consistent.
Coffee Pairing:
I love pairing the H. Upmann Half Corona with a well-prepared espresso. The cigar’s creaminess balances the boldness of the coffee, and the sweetness of the smoke really complements the bitter edge of the espresso. I’ve also tried it with a medium roast coffee—especially one with caramel or chocolate undertones—and found that it enhances the cigar’s nutty richness beautifully. If you prefer a lighter coffee, like a cappuccino, it can also work, with the milk amplifying the cigar’s creamy profile. For me, this pairing creates a wonderfully harmonious balance.
H. Upmann’s History:
The H. Upmann brand holds a special place in the world of cigars, dating all the way back to 1844. It was founded by Hermann Dietrich Upmann, a German banker who fell in love with Cuban cigars and decided to establish his own factory in Havana. Over the years, H. Upmann has become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, with the brand earning several prestigious awards. In fact, the gold medals from international exhibitions still adorn the bands of their cigars today. Fun fact: John F. Kennedy was a known fan of H. Upmann cigars.
Inflation and Cuban Cigars:
Like many cigar enthusiasts, I’ve noticed the sharp rise in prices of Cuban cigars over the past few years. Inflation, along with high demand and supply chain issues, has made it increasingly difficult to get your hands on premium Cuban brands without breaking the bank. Habanos S.A. raised prices across the board, with some premium lines seeing increases of up to 20%. As a result, Cuban cigars have become more of a luxury item, and it’s clear that this trend isn’t going away anytime soon.
Despite the rising prices, I still find the H. Upmann Half Corona to be one of the best value options out there. It offers a premium Cuban experience without being exorbitantly priced, making it one of those cigars I always keep in my humidor for when I need a reliable, quick smoke that doesn’t compromise on quality.
