H. Upmann No.2

H. Upmann No.2

There's a particular satisfaction in watching smoke curl upward from a perfectly shaped torpedo, the tapered head concentrating every draw into something precise and intentional. When Cigar Aficionado named this the 2022 Cigar of the Year, it wasn't merely recognizing quality—it was acknowledging what seasoned smokers had quietly known for decades: that the H. Upmann No. 2 represents one of Cuba's most complete expressions of the blender's art.

The story of the H. Upmann No. 2 is inseparable from the brand's origins as the preferred smoke of Havana's banking elite. Founded in 1844 by German banker Hermann Dietrich Upmann, the house built its reputation on restraint and reliability—virtues that translated beautifully into cigar form. The No. 2, with its pre-1960 release date, has weathered revolutions, embargoes, and the shifting tides of cigar fashion without ever raising its voice. It doesn't need to. The Piramides format—Cuba's elegant take on the torpedo—allows the smoker to customize the draw by cutting more or less from the pointed head, a small ritual that makes each session feel personal.

What elevates this cigar beyond competence into genuine artistry is its balance. Where other Cubans chase intensity or complexity for its own sake, the No. 2 pursues harmony. It's a distinction that matters. The blend speaks in complete sentences rather than fragmented phrases, each flavor note arriving with the measured cadence of a well-considered argument. This is the cigar that taught a generation of smokers what "medium-bodied" truly means—not a lack of character, but the presence of refinement.

First Light

The opening draws present a welcoming embrace of cedar and dry-roasted almonds, the kind of nuttiness that suggests age and careful fermentation rather than youthful exuberance. A subtle creaminess threads through the background, softening the edges without obscuring the character. The draw, once the tapered head is opened, offers just enough resistance to slow the pace—a feature, not a flaw, for those who understand that contemplation is part of the pleasure.

The Journey

As the burn progresses past the first inch, the profile deepens appreciably. Cocoa powder and espresso bean emerge, not as dominant forces but as supporting players in an ensemble. There's a sweetness here, reminiscent of honey drizzled over warm toast, that interplays with a growing earthiness. Black pepper appears on the retrohale—present but never aggressive—and a curious note of salted peanut develops, giving the midsection a savory dimension that distinguishes it from sweeter Cuban blends.

The Finale

The final third brings the various threads together with impressive coherence. The cocoa note intensifies slightly, taking on the character of dark chocolate with a trace of cinnamon and nutmeg. Leather enters the conversation—a worn, comfortable leather rather than anything harsh—while the pepper spice builds incrementally but never overwhelms. The finish is long and clean, leaving an impression of toasted nuts and sweet cedar that lingers well after the cigar has been laid to rest.

Who It's For

This is the cigar for the smoker who has moved past the need for proof—proof of strength, proof of status, proof of anything beyond the simple pleasure of a well-constructed smoke done right. It suits the post-lunch hour on a quiet afternoon, the conclusion of a successful negotiation, or the solitary moment when the day's demands have finally receded. If you believe that the best cigars whisper rather than shout, the H. Upmann No. 2 will feel like coming home.

Pairing Suggestion

A well-aged Havana Club Añejo 7 Años rum echoes the cigar's nutty sweetness while adding caramel undertones, though a double espresso with a touch of sugar will highlight the cocoa and coffee notes beautifully.