Description
A Robusto That Changed My Mind our story and mission “Mild” how to keep cigars fresh
I used to think mild proper storage techniques were boring. Like, what’s the point, right? Then I had the H. Upmann Magnum 46 at a lounge in Miami – some random Tuesday afternoon when I was supposed to be working – and it completely rewired my understanding of what “mild to medium” can actually deliver. This thing has complexity that rivals full-bodied sticks I’ve paid twice as much for. The Magnum 46 sits in that sweet spot where you get all the classic traditional Cuban cigar rituals elegance without the nicotine punch that makes you need a nap halfway through. It’s become my go-to when I want something sophisticated but approachable, and honestly? I think it’s one of the most underrated vitolas in the entire H. Upmann lineup.
What Makes the Magnum 46 Stand Out
H. Upmann has been around since 1844 – yeah, you read that right – when a German banker decided Havana needed better cigars. Fast forward to today, and the brand still carries that reputation for refined, elegant smokes that don’t try to beat you over the head with strength. The Magnum 46 specifically? It’s their take on the Robusto format, measuring in at a perfect ring gauge that gives you enough surface area for complexity without turning into a two-hour commitment.
What sets this cigar apart is the tobacco selection from Vuelta Abajo. That wrapper has this beautiful, oily sheen – not too dark, not too light – with just enough tooth to let you know it’s been aged properly. When I first picked one up from my humidor after letting it rest for what we learned about aging six months, the construction was flawless. I’m talking seamless wrapper, perfectly applied cap, and that earthy pre-light aroma that immediately tells you this is the real deal from Cuba.
This is a cigar for people who appreciate nuance. If you’re the type who thinks flavor only comes from strength, you’ll miss what makes the Magnum 46 special. But if you’ve been smoking long enough to know that complexity and power aren’t the same thing – you’re going to love this stick.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Magnum 46 (Robusto) |
| Length | 5.6 inches / 143 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 46 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – Third by Third
The cold draw on a properly humidified Magnum 46 gives you this preview of what’s coming: subtle cocoa, a hint of hay, maybe some almond if you’re paying attention. Not overpowering, just… inviting. I usually toast the foot a bit longer than usual with full-bodied Cuban cigars because I want that first puff to be perfect, and man, when you get it right, it’s worth the patience.
First third comes out swinging with creamy smoke – and I mean genuinely creamy, not that vague descriptor people throw around. There’s this smooth cocoa note that dominates early on, backed by cedar and a subtle earthiness that reminds me why I fell in love with Cuban tobacco in the first place. The burn is typically razor-sharp if you’ve stored it correctly. I keep mine at 65% humidity, and at that level, the Magnum 46 burns like a dream. The ash holds for a solid inch and a half, sometimes two inches if you’re careful, with this beautiful white-gray color that tells you the tobacco was fermented properly.
Around the midpoint – and this is where it gets interesting – you start picking up leather notes. Not harsh, just this gentle leather that plays beautifully with the existing cocoa and cream. Some sticks I’ve had also developed a slight nuttiness here, almost like toasted hazelnuts. The retrohale in the second third is where the Magnum 46 really shows off. You get this peppery spice that wasn’t there in the first third, just enough to keep things interesting without overwhelming the more delicate flavors. I remember one evening, smoking one of these on my porch with an espresso, and that pepper-through-the-nose moment paired so perfectly with the coffee that I literally went back inside and grabbed another one for later.
Final third is where some people lose interest with milder cigars, but not this one. The strength builds slightly – still nowhere near full, but you feel it more. The earth notes come forward, mixing with that leather and a touch of woodiness. Sometimes I get a hint of sweetness here, almost like honey, though I think that might depend on how much aging the cigar has on it. The ones I’ve smoked with two-plus years on them definitely show more of that character. The wrapper stays smooth and even right down to the nub. No harshness, no bitterness, just a clean finish that makes you wish the cigar was longer.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Smokes
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| H. Upmann Magnum 46 | Mild to Medium | 60-75 minutes | Daytime smoke, beginners to experienced smokers who want elegance |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 45-60 minutes | Classic traditional Cuban cigar rituals experience, slightly shorter smoke |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill | Mild to Medium | 70-90 minutes | Longer smoking time, similar flavor profile but less cocoa |
I know some people will reach for a the classic No. 4 No. 4 in this category, and yeah, it’s a classic for a reason. But the Magnum 46 has more complexity in my opinion – wait, maybe “complexity” isn’t the right word. It has more layers? Like, the Monte is straightforward and delicious, but the H. Upmann keeps evolving in ways that surprise me even after smoking dozens of them. The Romeo y Julieta’s signature blend Wide Churchill is closer in profile, but it’s a longer commitment and doesn’t have that cocoa punch that makes the Magnum 46 special.
What to Drink With This Beauty
Coffee. Seriously, start with coffee. A Cuban espresso or a well-made cortado brings out the cocoa notes like nothing else. I’ve paired the Magnum 46 with everything from cheap diner coffee to fancy single-origin pourover, and it works across the board. There’s something about the bitterness of coffee playing against the cream and cocoa in this cigar that just… clicks.
If you’re drinking something stronger, go with a light rum – Havana Club 3 Year or even a nice aged rum served neat. Dark spirits can overpower what makes this cigar special. I made that mistake once with a heavy bourbon, and it was like trying to hear a violin concerto at a rock concert. Cognac works if it’s not too aggressive – maybe a VS or VSOP, nothing too old or complex.
For non-alcoholic options, try a ginger beer or even a quality root beer. The spice in ginger beer complements that pepper you get on the retrohale, and root beer’s vanilla notes play surprisingly well with the overall profile. Time of day? This is my afternoon cigar, hands down. Too mild for after a heavy dinner, too substantial for first thing in the morning. That 3 PM to 6 PM window when you want something refined but not overwhelming.
How long should I age the H. Upmann Magnum 46 before smoking?
You can smoke them fresh, but honestly, give them at least three to six months if you can wait. I’ve had some with two years on them, and the difference is noticeable – more integration between the flavors, smoother overall. That said, I’ve also smoked them straight from the vendor with just a few weeks rest, and they were still excellent. Your call based on patience levels.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, which is a bit lower than the traditional 70% you hear about. At 65%, the Magnum 46 burns more evenly and doesn’t get spongy. Some people go even lower – 62% or 63% – but I find that sweet spot at 65%. Just make sure your humidor is stable, because fluctuations will mess with the wrapper.
Is this a good cigar for someone new to Cubans?
Absolutely, and I recommend it all the time. The strength won’t knock you on your butt like some full-bodied Cuban cigars can, but you still get that classic Cuban flavor profile. It’s forgiving if your smoking technique isn’t perfect yet, and the construction is consistent enough that you probably won’t have issues. Just don’t rush it – take your time and pay attention to what’s happening.
How does the Magnum 46 compare to the H. Upmann Magnum 50?
The Magnum 50 is thicker – 50 ring gauge versus 46 – which gives you more smoke volume and a slightly different flavor balance. I actually prefer the 46 because I think the wrapper-to-filler ratio is better balanced. The 50 can sometimes feel a bit muted in the flavor department, though some people love the extra smoking time. Different tools for different jobs, I guess.
Do these cigars need to be rotated in the humidor?
I rotate mine every few months just to make sure air circulation is even, but it’s probably not critical if your humidor is well-designed. What matters more is keeping them away from stronger cigars – don’t store your Magnum 46s next to a box of Nicaraguan maduros unless you want flavor transfer. Ask me how I know. Actually, don’t.
What’s the best way to cut this cigar?
Straight cut works great with the 46 ring gauge. I use a sharp guillotine cutter and take off just enough to open the cap – maybe 1/16 of an inch. V-cuts work too if that’s your preference, but I find straight cuts give you a better draw on this particular vitola. Punch cuts are fine but can sometimes make the draw too tight for my liking.
Can I smoke this cigar down to the nub, or does it get harsh?
You can take it pretty far down if you’re patient. I usually smoke until there’s about an inch left, sometimes less. It doesn’t turn bitter or harsh like some cigars do in the final stretch. The key is not to puff too fast – if you overheat any cigar in the last third, you’re going to have a bad time. Keep your pacing steady, and the Magnum 46 will treat you right until the end.
Why You Should Keep These in Your Rotation
The H. Upmann Magnum 46 does something rare: it delivers genuine complexity and character without demanding that you clear your afternoon schedule or prepare yourself for a nicotine experience. It’s the cigar I reach for when I want to actually taste what I’m smoking instead of just feeling it. That creamy cocoa foundation, the way the leather and earth develop through the smoke, the clean finish – it all adds up to something that feels special without being pretentious about it.
If you’ve been sleeping on H. Upmann because you think they’re “too mild” or “boring,” do yourself a favor and grab a few of these. Let them rest in your humidor for a while, then light one up on a quiet afternoon with a good cup of coffee. Pay attention to what’s happening in each third. I think you’ll understand why this has become one of my most-recommended cigars, especially for people who are just discovering that strength and flavor aren’t the same thing. Trust me on this one – or don’t, and miss out. Your call.
