Cuban cigars are more than just a luxury product — they are pieces of history, with brands that stretch back nearly two centuries. Each has a story shaped by ambition, innovation, and resilience in the face of political upheaval.
Have you ever wondered which was the first Cuban cigar brand, and how these names became legends? Let’s journey back to the 19th century, when three iconic brands — Por Larranaga, Punch, and H. Upmann — laid the foundations of the Havana cigar industry as we know it today.
Por Larrañaga – Established 1834
The oldest surviving Cuban cigar brand, Por Larrañaga was founded in 1834 by Spanish entrepreneur Ignacio Larrañaga. The company has never left Havana, though its factory has changed location several times.
From the outset, Por Larrañaga built its reputation on quality and accessibility. With cigars at a range of prices, it appealed to both the working man and the wealthy elite, quickly becoming a household name.
In 1925, it became the first Cuban brand to introduce machine-made cigars, lowering costs but sparking a boycott from rollers concerned about job losses. Despite controversy and later slowdowns in the 1980s and 1990s, the brand endured.
In the 21st century, Por Larrañaga has focused exclusively on handmade production, restoring its reputation as a refined, historic marque.
Punch – Born in 1840
Just six years later, in 1840, Punch was created by a German entrepreneur named Stockmann, who targeted the booming British cigar market. Its name came from the satirical magazine Punch, popular in Victorian England.
Ownership shifted several times before Manuel López Fernández acquired the brand in 1884. His name still appears on Punch cigar bands and boxes today.
Punch has remained a UK favourite for more than a century, so much so that one vitola was even named after Winston Churchill. Known for its robust, full-bodied flavour, Punch has also featured in numerous Edición Regional releases, cementing its reputation among collectors.
H. Upmann – Founded 1844
In 1844, German banker Hermann Upmann moved into cigar production after first establishing a postal service that shipped Cuban cigars back to Europe. He opened his own Havana factory — today the famous José Martí factory.
After nearly 80 years of success, the brand collapsed in 1922 along with Upmann’s bank. It was rescued by British importer J. Frankau & Co., then later acquired by Menéndez y García, creators of Montecristo. Following the Cuban Revolution, H. Upmann was nationalised, like all Cuban cigar brands.
H. Upmann also carries fascinating legends:
- The Cedar Box Myth – Said to have invented cedar cigar boxes for promotion.
- The JFK Story – President John F. Kennedy reportedly stockpiled H. Upmann Petit Coronas the night before signing the U.S. embargo in 1962.
Today, classics like the Magnum 46 and Magnum 50 are popular among smokers who enjoy refined, medium-bodied Havanas.
Final Puff
The stories of Por Larrañaga, Punch, and H. Upmann are more than brand histories — they are windows into Cuba’s cultural and political journey. From pioneering innovations to revolution and revival, these cigars embody nearly two centuries of tradition.
Next time you light one up, remember: you’re not just smoking a cigar — you’re experiencing a story that began generations ago.
Explore Cuba’s oldest cigar brands and add a piece of history to your humidor.