Click here to check availability. Will ship Internationally or to the USA!
Click here to check availability. Will ship Internationally or to the USA!
Brand History: H. Upmann is one of the oldest and most prestigious cigar brands, originating in 1844 in Havana, Cuba. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and traditional methods, H. Upmann has earned a special place in the hearts of cigar aficionados worldwide. The brand’s dedication to producing cigars of consistent quality and rich flavor has cemented its reputation as a true icon in the world of cigars.
Vitola Specifications:
- Size: Magnum 54
- Length: 4.8 inches (120 mm)
- Ring Gauge: 54
- Shape: Robusto Extra
- Wrapper: Cuban
- Binder: Cuban
- Filler: Cuban
Tasting Notes:
Prelight: I experience hay, cedar and chocolate notes upon cutting this beautiful cigar and cold drawing. Looking forward to what this guy has in store for me. I am smoking a gift from a friend that has at least two years of age in a tubo.
First Third: The initial draw of the H. Upmann Magnum 54 offers a burst of toasted cedar and nutty flavors with some white pepper and floral notes typical of H.Upmann brand. I tend to find that a lot of the H.Upmann Magnum start off relatively the same in strength construction and flavor profile. To me that is not a bad thing at all as the flavor notes with the floral undertones are very nice start, not too strong to blow your palate up but distinct and flavorful!. This cigar transitions to a lot of cedar and floral notes with a slight sweetness and chocolate that lingers on the palate. The Cuban tobacco’s distinct earthy undertones create a rich and inviting base. As you savor the first third, notes of white pepper, chocolate and citrus gently emerge, providing a balanced and complex start to the smoking experience.
Second Third: Transitioning into the second third, the Magnum 54 continues to deliver a harmonious interplay of flavors. Roasted coffee and citrus note with hints dark chocolate nuances develop, mingling seamlessly with the existing cedar and nutty notes. The cigar’s medium body allows the flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate, making it an enjoyable and sophisticated smoke. I would have to say this is the best constructed H.Upmann I have smoked to date. Maybe it has something to do with the age and tubo but its burning phenomenal and is quite refined and mellow in strength and flavor. I would say up until the half way point it has been Light Medium strength. The second half of the second third is when this cigar really hits its stride, mouthfeel is creamy and the flavors are bursting with citrus, herbs, cedar, and floral notes with a slight hint of sweetness and nuts in the background. Retro hale is smooth with a slight tingle from spicy herbs.
Final Third: In the final third, the cigar intensifies in flavor while maintaining its smoothness. The black pepper spice gains prominence, adding a lively kick to the profile. The cedar evolves into a more pronounced woody character, accompanied by a hint of leather and citrus. The Magnum 54 finishes with a crescendo of flavors that are taken over by a spicy herb flavor. I do not love it but its not bad either as I tend to enjoy a sweetness on the last third for Cubans. This definitely leaves me with a satisfying and memorable impression of H. Upmann as before some of the vitolas were bland until they had 5-6 years of age. This was a wonderful surprise and left me wanting to try some more of the vitolas from H. Upmann!
Food and Drink Pairings: Pairing the H. Upmann Magnum 54 with the right food and drink can elevate the experience:
- Drink: Aged single malt Scotch whisky complements the cigar’s complex flavors, accentuating the woody and nutty notes and brings out the floral and citrus notes. I prefer a Macallan 12 and nothing too sweet as it will overpower the subtle nuances of the flavor profile of the Magnum 54. I also suggest a nice green tea with honey or a sparkling water with citrus!
- Food: A charcuterie board featuring a variety of cured meats, aged cheeses, and toasted nuts provides a textural and flavor contrast that enhances the cigar’s nuances and brings out the nutty and cedar tones without extinguishing the floral notes.
Rating: 88/100 The H. Upmann Magnum 54 is a prime example of the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition. Its impeccable construction, balanced unique but delicate flavor profile, and smooth transitions make it a standout choice for mainly seasoned aficionados than newcomers to the world of Cuban cigars. With its historical significance and outstanding performance, the Magnum 54 earns a commendable rating of 88 out of 100. For me this is not my style of cigar on most other peoples palates this will rank in the 90s for most. For me I was pleasantly surprised with construction and burn and the overall strength of delicate flavors. To date this and the Conn 2 are the best H. Upmanns I have smoked. I highly recommend the tubos as they age well, look vintage, and protect your cigar on the go. For a full time traveler like me, this is perfect to grab out the door when we are exploring a new city or country!
Click here to check availability. Will ship Internationally or to the USA!