Hands of Time: H. Upmann Propios Edicion Limitada 2018

[El Presidente]

So what have the "Hands of Time" done with the H. Upmann Propios? 

2018 LE released sometime 2020.  5 years down and they should be showing their true personality. 

This cigar had a fairly good market reception.  At 46 × 120mm (4¾″) it is a size that fits many a need. I found them to be relatively rich in flavour in a Mag 46 meets H. Upmann Half Corona sort of way. I found construction to be patchy but at 46 gauge this cigar is fairly robust in putting up with lacklustre roller attention. 

I enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) the Propios. Of course this cigar was conceived and released before the dramatic price increases. I don't think it would even be considered today which is a shame because the world of EL's should push boundaries. 

1. In your opinion, how has the H. Upmann Propios aged?  Can you see an evolution from release? What do you think its ageing sweet spot will be? 

 

[pohlmad]

I too like the Propios, however, I don’t get the same H Upmann characteristics that you mentioned. I honestly get a bit more of the Punch DNA. I haven’t found them to change that much over the years, but I haven’t had one in about 4 months. I will look to try one this holiday break and get back with you. In short, I think these cigars have quite a long life ahead. 

[Li Bai]

On 12/23/2025 at 8:18 AM, El Presidente said:

I found them to be relatively rich in flavour in a Mag 46 meets H. Upmann Half Corona sort of way.

That's spot on, I referred to them as "big Half Cos", a cigar with which I fell out of love so I didn't bother to seek more or even to let some age at the time.

Mine are long gone now.

[SignalJoe]

When freshly released I found them to be a bit strong with assorted elbows. I smoked one about two weeks and found that they have mellowed and are now much more approachable. I don't know if I can draw a flavor comparison between any known Upmanns. In my opinion they are smoking well now. Sweet spot? Not sure, but fortunately I picked up 3 boxes in Cuba just ahead of Covid and the price increases, so I should have some to try over the next few years. 

[MrBirdman]

I thought they were great without much rest, and like @Li Bai I smoked through almost all of mine years ago. I smoked one about a year ago and have one left somewhere in a singles tray. As I recall it was still good but not necessarily any better. The box was rather uneven, so I may have gotten all the good ones already. It’s the kind of release that probably wouldn’t fly now at the price they’d charge. Too small.

I got some Senadores on the grey market around the same time I think - I called them the “Sensadores” because that’s how they were spelled on 2424 for a long time, and having recently lost a campaign for state Senate, I preferred the name 😉. Would be an interesting candidate for the hands of time as well. I have one left of those too, somewhere, that I’d be interested in lighting up.

[pohlmad]

Had another Propios tonight but unfortunately it was a struggle with a tight draw. Flavors were similar from the last time I smoked them so I’m going to give them some more time down. I think mine have a lot longer to go in this life!