So, you are the lucky devil who got his or her hands on some genuine Cuban H. Upmann Cigars, and, to celebrate you’d like to find the ultimate drink pairing to accompany these superb premium handmade smokes. Before we start you on your libation journey, it’s imperative that you know the flavor profile of the Cuban H. Upmann Cigar. The rule of thumb being that you’ll want to match the relative strength of both the beverage and the cigar so that one doesn’t overpower the other.

Starting with some history of this famous brand, Herman Upmann was a banker from Germany who loved Cuban cigars so much that he moved to Havana in 1844 and set up shop as both a banker and cigar maker. His bank closed in the early 1920’s but his cigars live on as a fine example of an elegant, medium flavored Habano. This profile is also present in the top-rated Dominican H.Upmann cigars that are readily available in the United States but that’s a topic that we will discuss in a later blog.

Available in a host of popular shapes and sizes, the Cuban H. Upmann cigar is a blend composed exclusively of premium tobaccos grown in the Vuelta Abajo zone— a region north of Havana highly regarded for its rich fertile soil and the perfect climate for growing cigar tobacco. The Cuban H. Upmann is a beautiful cigar with top-notch construction that burns slow and evenly from beginning to end. Smooth and creamy layers of cocoa, toasted almonds, subtle spices, along with some core leathery notes, will provide both the novice and well-seasoned cigar connoisseur with a truly unforgettable smoking experience.

As mentioned above, the Cuban H. Upmann cigar is a medium bodied blend, so cognac, known for its smoky smoothness, is the traditional, almost clichéd, drink to have with this fine cigar. Rum, Kahlua drinks, martini, and port also pair brilliantly with this easygoing stick. Those taking the beer route for this pairing will find out that the lighter IPA’s, seasonal beers, and some of the cream ales and American wheat brews will complement and enhance the lush nuances of the Cuban H. Upmann cigar. As for non-alcoholic choices, pairing these gems with such choices as cappuccino, cafe mocha, cafe con leche, and Cuban coffee, will offer a little slice of cigar smoking heaven!

Since taste is subjective, only you can be the judge as to what works the best, so have fun testing out different combinations and develop your own perfect drink pairings to savor with the tantalizing Cuban H. Upmann cigar.