H Upmann cigar
brand began in 1844, when Herman Upmann, a German banker, began distributing
special boxes of cigars as promotional items for his bank. The brand's
growth was stimulated when it was awarded seven gold medals in international
competitions between 1862 and 1893. Lithographs of these awards still
decorate the interior of each box today. H. Upmanns were U.S. President
John F. Kennedy's favorite cigars.