I finally sat down with an h. upmann petit corona yesterday, and it reminded me why this specific vitola has such a massive following among Cuban cigar fans. It isn't the flashiest smoke in the humidor, and it certainly isn't the largest, but there is something remarkably reliable about it. If you've been hanging around cigar lounges for a while, you know that the "Mareva" size—which is what this is—is basically the gold standard for a mid-day break. It's long enough to feel like a real event, but short enough that you aren't committing two hours of your life to a single stick.
The H. Upmann brand itself has a ton of history, dating back to the 1840s, but you don't need a history degree to appreciate what they're doing here. This particular cigar is often overshadowed by its flashier cousins like the Magnum 46 or the Sir Winston, yet it remains a staple for anyone who values consistency and that classic, old-school Cuban profile.
The JFK Connection and a Bit of History
It's almost impossible to talk about the h. upmann petit corona without mentioning John F. Kennedy. The story goes that right before he signed the Cuban trade embargo in 1962, he tasked his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, with rounding up as many of these as possible. Salinger managed to find 1,200 of them overnight. Once the boxes were safely in the White House, JFK signed the decree, effectively banning the very cigars he just hoarded.
While that's a fun bit of trivia to pull out at a party, it also says something about the cigar's longevity. If it was good enough for a President to panic-buy by the thousand, it's probably worth a look today. The blend has likely changed a bit over the last sixty years, but the core identity of H. Upmann—which is usually a light-to-medium bodied, creamy experience—is still very much intact.
First Impressions and Construction
When you pull an h. upmann petit corona out of the box, the first thing you'll notice is how unassuming it looks. It's not trying to blow you away with a dark, oily wrapper or a massive ring gauge. The wrapper is usually a Colorado-Claro shade—a nice, golden brown that looks like a well-toasted piece of bread. It feels solid in the hand, though since it's a Cuban handmade product, you might run into the occasional tight draw. That's just part of the charm (or the frustration) of smoking Cubans.
The aroma off the foot before lighting is usually pretty sweet. You get hits of cedar, maybe a little bit of hay, and a distinct "barnyard" scent that aficionados love. It's not aggressive. It's inviting. Cutting it is straightforward; a simple straight cut works best here to keep the airflow as open as possible on a 42-ring gauge stick.
The Cold Draw
Taking a few puffs before lighting up, the flavors are subtle. It's mostly woodsy and slightly floral. If the draw feels like you're trying to suck a thick milkshake through a straw, you might want to use a draw tool, but most of the time, these are rolled pretty well. It's a classic vitola for a reason—the rollers in Havana have been making this exact shape for a century.
The Smoking Experience
Once you get the h. upmann petit corona lit, the first few puffs are surprisingly bright. You get a little bit of that Cuban "twang"—a zesty, slightly acidic note that balances out the underlying sweetness. It starts off firmly in the light-medium range. It's not going to kick your teeth in with nicotine, which makes it a great choice for an early afternoon smoke or a first cigar of the day.
The First Third: Cream and Cedar
About ten minutes in, the cigar really settles into its groove. The dominant flavors are usually cedar and a very distinct creamy nuttiness. Think of toasted almonds or hazelnuts. There's a faint hint of white pepper on the retrohale, but it's very mild. It's the kind of smoke that goes perfectly with a cup of coffee. The ash usually holds on well for about an inch, showing off a nice grey color with those characteristic ripples.
The Second Third: Developing Complexity
As you move into the middle of the h. upmann petit corona, the body picks up just a notch. It's still not a heavy hitter, but the flavors get a bit deeper. That creaminess starts to lean more toward a shortbread or biscuit-like note. You might start picking up some leather or a more pronounced earthy tone. The balance here is what's impressive. Nothing is fighting for dominance; it's just a smooth, linear progression. This is usually the "sweet spot" where the draw opens up perfectly and the smoke production becomes nice and thick.
The Final Third: A Warm Finish
By the time you get down to the band, the heat starts to bring out some darker notes. You'll get more of that spice now—maybe some cinnamon or a darker toasted wood flavor. It rarely gets harsh unless you're puffing on it too fast. Because it's a smaller ring gauge, you really have to pace yourself. If you get it too hot, those delicate floral and creamy notes will vanish, replaced by bitterness. But if you take your time, you can smoke this right down to the nub.
How It Compares to Other Petit Coronas
If you're looking at the Cuban landscape, the h. upmann petit corona has some stiff competition. You've got the Montecristo No. 4, which is the best-selling cigar in the world. The Monte is usually a bit saltier, with more cocoa and coffee notes. Then you've got the Romeo y Julieta Petit Corona, which tends to be more floral and cherry-like.
So, why choose the Upmann? It's for the person who wants something more refined and "polite." It doesn't have the spice of a Partagas or the richness of a Bolivar. It's elegant. It's the kind of cigar you smoke when you want to relax and think, rather than when you want a flavor explosion that demands your constant attention.
Pairing Suggestions
Since the h. upmann petit corona is on the lighter side of the medium spectrum, you don't want to overwhelm it with a heavy peated Scotch. A nice Highland malt or a Speyside with some honey notes works beautifully.
If you aren't a drinker, coffee is the absolute best companion for this stick. A latte or a cappuccino mirrors the creamy texture of the smoke perfectly. Even a simple glass of sparkling water with a twist of lime can be great because it cleanses the palate and lets those subtle cedar notes shine through.
The Bottom Line
Is the h. upmann petit corona the greatest cigar ever made? Maybe not. But it is one of the most reliable classics in the Cuban portfolio. It's a "working man's" luxury—accessible enough to smoke regularly but high-quality enough to feel like a treat every time you light one up.
Whether you're a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of Cubans or a seasoned vet who needs a 45-minute companion while reading the paper, this cigar fits the bill. It's a piece of history that you can actually enjoy, and in a world where everything seems to be getting bigger and louder, the quiet consistency of this petit corona is a breath of fresh air.
Just make sure you have a decent cutter and a little bit of patience. If you treat it right, it'll give you one of the most balanced smoking experiences you can find for the price. It's stayed relevant for over a hundred years for a reason, and after smoking one, it's pretty easy to see why JFK wanted a thousand of them in his desk.