CELEBRATING AN ICONIC BRAND: THE H. UPMANN 175th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION CIGAR

A.J. Fernandez Uses Rare Medio Tiempo Wrapper for Limited Edition H. Upmann 175th Anniversary

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Altadis U.S.A. is celebrating a special milestone as the H. Upmann cigar brand turns 175 years old. The limited-edition H. Upmann 175th Anniversary will commemorate one of the oldest and most renowned cigars brands. This limited edition will only be expressed in the iconic Churchill size, in 10 count boxes that will number to 14,750. Fifty special-edition humidors containing 50 cigars will also be offered. The story of H. Upmann cigars is one of adventure, family, and passion for tobacco.

It all began in 1843, when German banker Herman Upmann took a leap of faith and moved to Havana, Cuba, to open a branch for his family bank. He created a small batch of cigars for his best clients, but quickly became impassioned with tobacco. A passion that led him to found his own cigar brand in 1844, joined by his younger brother August. The brothers purchased a small cigar factory and diligently learned to combine tobacco artistry and German ingenuity. 175 years later, H. Upmann is still known the world over.

For this special project, H. Upmann tapped A.J. Fernandez who brought forward the extremely elusive “Medio Tiempo” wrapper – grown on 1 out of every 12 tobacco plants above the ligero leaves -, to add complexity and flavor as the final dressing of this Nicaraguan puro.  A.J. and his team carefully harvested this special leaf and utilized very intricate fermentation processes for over 3 years which, while extremely time consuming, bring out the very best in the medio tiempo leaf.

The H. Upmann 175th Anniversary boasts unparalleled flavors for a unique sophisticated smoking experience. This medium to full body cigar starts with elements of coffee and some earthiness. As the cigar develops, the flavors intensify with caramel and salt notes together with roasted espresso bean overtones. The spectacular clean finish delivers a creamy and uncommonly velvet smoke with a rich and resonant balance of spices, dark chocolate and nuts.

From Rafael Nodal, Head of Product Capability for Tabacalera USA: “One of the things that I love about creating new blends, is the constant learning about tobacco. Working with AJ Fernández and the rarest wrapper in the world, Medio Tiempo, has definitely been a unique and rewarding experience. There are great cigars and then there is the H. Upmann 175th Anniversary blend. An unforgettable cigar.”.

Candela Diaz, Brand Manager for H. Upmann: “H. Upmann is one of the most storied cigar brands. It was impossible to pass up an opportunity to commemorate this brand that embodies brotherhood and love of tobacco. We look forward to unveiling the H. Upmann 175 at the 2019 IPCPR in Las Vegas.”

The H. Upmann 175th Anniversary will ship to retailers in July 2019 as follows:
Vitola: Churchill, 7" x 50
MSRP: $18.00 per cigar
MSRP for the 50 count H. Upmann Special Edition Humidor: $1,250.

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About Altadis U.S.A.
Altadis U.S.A. has been crafting fine premium cigars since 1918 and is responsible for many of the world’s most renowned brands, including Henry Clay, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann and Trinidad. If you have ever enjoyed a premium cigar, there’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed a cigar crafted by Altadis U.S.A. Visit www.altadisusa.com for more information.