nextCIGAR Review: H. Upmann Magnum 50

H. Upmann Magnum 50

Country of Origin: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuban

Binder: Cuban: Vuelta Abajo

Filler: Cuban: Vuelta Abajo

Factory: Romeo y Julieta/H. Upmann Factory (Cuba)

Production: Regular Production

Vitola: 6.25″ × 50 Double Robusto

Release Date: Feb. 23, 2008

The first limited edition, the Magnum 50, came out in 2005. It was a double robusto-sized smoke that received excellent ratings in the mainstream cigar media. Cigar Aficionado, for example, awarded it a 90 and named it a Top 25 cigar of the year. The magazine’s editors praised the cigar’s “powerful, almost raw smoke” and said they’d “like to see this as a regular vitola in the Cuban stable.”

In 2008 they got their wish. That’s when Habanos SA, Cuba’s state-owned tobacco monopoly, released a regular production Magnum 50 at the Habanos Festival—an annual showcase of Cuban distributors and products. Like its predecessor, the newer Magnum 50 is handmade with Vuelta Abajo tobaccos and sold in the double robusto format (6.3 x 50).

SMOKING EXPERIENCE

The cigar features several large veins, double bands, and a reddish, rustic wrapper with an assortment of large bumps. The pre-light aroma is of faint graham cracker. After clipping the Magnum 50, taking note of its firm draw, and toasting the foot, I find a flavour of woodsy spice and syrup. Nice but a far cry from exceptional or unique. With a short finish of charred meat, the overall effect is Dry and on the lighter side of medium-bodied.

Moving into the second third, as the draw opens, a black pepper spice emerges. Here the cigar develops much more complexity. Notes of honey, coffee, cedar, and leather add depth. Graham cracker spice is the predominant flavour in the final inches, The tastiest segment of the smoke.

WOULD I SMOKE THIS CIGAR AGAIN?

H. Upmanns are not exactly my go to brand for Cubans but the Magnum 50 is something that I will surely consider if I have the time to just sit, relax and indulge. It is not too over Whelming in taste and intensity, and it will go extremely well with food, red meat to be exact. It is not a cigar that can be rushed through, same with any others.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While many Cubans have fallen victim to poor combustion qualities in recent years, the Magnum 50 smokes flawlessly. The cigar I examined for this review, straight, maintenance-free burns and stable ashes. The Magnum 50 is a smart buy at the lower end of That spectrum, especially given its potential to improve with age. For now, given its enjoyable transitions and depth-building profile, this cigar is worthy of any aficionados' humidor.