H Upmann Magnum 46

Description

The amber sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the cigar lounge in Havana, casting shadows across weathered leather chairs where conversations drifted between Spanish and English. I’d been browsing the humidor for something different—not the usual suspects everyone reaches for—when the shop owner quietly slid a box across the counter with a knowing smile.

That first encounter with the H Upmann Magnum 46 changed my perspective on what Cuban cigars could deliver without fanfare. Here was a corona gorda that didn’t announce itself with bold marketing or celebrity endorsements, yet commanded respect from the moment you held it between your fingers.

After smoking countless examples over the years, I’ve come to appreciate why this particular vitola has earned such a devoted following among those who value substance over spectacle. It represents everything I love about the H Upmann brand—consistent quality, elegant flavors, and that distinctly Cuban character that keeps you coming back.

Construction and Appearance

The wrapper catches your attention immediately. It’s a gorgeous Cuban-seed tobacco with an oily sheen that speaks to proper fermentation and aging. The color ranges from light colorado to medium brown, with minimal veining and a silky texture that feels substantial without being thick.

Handmade at the Nueva H. Upmann factory in Cuba, the construction quality is consistently excellent in my experience. The triple cap is applied with precision—neat, slightly wavy edges that indicate proper hand-rolling technique. I’ve never had issues with the draw or burn on authentic examples, which tells you everything about the torcedor’s skill level.

The feel in hand is perfectly balanced. At 143mm long with a 46 ring gauge, it sits comfortably without being overwhelming. The weight distribution feels even throughout, and there’s no soft spots or hard patches when you give it a gentle squeeze test.

Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Acts

First Third: Creamy Introduction

The pre-light draw offers hints of sweet barnyard and dried hay—classic Cuban terroir coming through. Once lit, the opening third delivers dominant creamy notes that coat your palate beautifully. There’s soft cinnamon and nutmeg providing gentle baking spice accents, along with light wood undertones that add complexity without overwhelming the cream base.

I’ve found this opening section sets the tone perfectly. It’s welcoming rather than aggressive, inviting you to settle in for the full experience ahead.

Middle Third: Developing Complexity

Here’s where things get interesting. The cream evolves into an oily, richer texture while fleeting espresso notes appear on the retrohale. The baking spices from the first third begin to fade, allowing other flavors to emerge—subtle leather, vanilla, and sometimes a hint of floral character that’s distinctly H Upmann.

The profile becomes smoother overall during this section. It’s less about individual flavor notes and more about how they blend together into something cohesive and satisfying.

Final Third: Sweet Conclusion

The final third brings a subtle sweetness reminiscent of burnt sugar or custard. The persistent cream and wood notes continue, but now there’s added depth—sometimes I pick up toffee, brown sugar, or even a touch of orange citrus. The floral aftertaste becomes more pronounced, lingering pleasantly after each draw.

What impresses me most is how clean the finish remains right to the nub. No harshness, no bitter notes—just a satisfying conclusion to an elegant smoke.

Technical Specifications

Perfect Pairings

The medium strength and creamy profile of the Magnum 46 opens up numerous pairing possibilities. I’ve enjoyed it with a variety of beverages, each bringing out different aspects of its complex flavor profile.

For rum, try a aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 Year or Santiago de Cuba 20. The rum’s caramel and vanilla notes complement the cigar’s cream and sweet spice elements beautifully. If you prefer whiskey, a smooth bourbon like Maker’s Mark or a highland single malt such as Glenlivet 18 creates an excellent match.

Coffee enthusiasts will find that a medium roast Cuban coffee or a quality espresso enhances the coffee notes that emerge in the middle third. The combination creates layers of flavor that neither the cigar nor coffee achieves alone.

For wine pairings, I recommend a well-aged Rioja or a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins complement the tobacco while the fruit notes play nicely with the cigar’s subtle sweetness in the final third.

Cutting and Lighting Technique

The triple cap on the Magnum 46 requires careful attention during cutting. I prefer using a sharp guillotine cutter, removing just enough to create a clean opening without damaging the wrapper. Cut conservatively at first—you can always remove more if needed.

For lighting, use quality wooden matches or a butane lighter. Toast the foot evenly, rotating the cigar to ensure uniform ignition. The draw should be effortless when properly humidified—if you’re struggling, check your humidity levels rather than cutting more off the cap.

Take your time with the lighting process. These Cuban cigars reward patience, and a properly lit Magnum 46 will burn evenly throughout the entire smoking experience. Once lit, allow it to rest for a moment before taking your first draw.

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

The H Upmann Magnum 46 strikes an ideal balance that makes it suitable for a wide range of smokers. Beginners will appreciate its medium strength and smooth flavor profile—it won’t overwhelm newcomers to Cuban cigars. The approachable nature and consistent construction make it an excellent introduction to premium tobacco.

Experienced enthusiasts value it for different reasons. It’s complex enough to hold your interest without demanding constant attention. I often reach for one during late afternoon smoking sessions when I want something rewarding but not overpowering.

The smoking time makes it perfect for various occasions. Whether you have 45 minutes or want to stretch it out over an hour and a half, the Magnum 46 accommodates your pace. It’s equally at home in a busy lounge or during quiet contemplation on your patio.

Authentication Guide

With Cuban cigars, authenticity matters tremendously for both flavor and safety. Genuine H Upmann Magnum 46 cigars display several key characteristics that help distinguish them from counterfeits.

Look for the triple cap construction—it should be neat but slightly wavy, applied by hand rather than machine-perfect. The wrapper should have that characteristic oily sheen and minimal veining. Authentic examples feel substantial but not heavy, with even weight distribution throughout.

The bands are crucial indicators. Authentic H Upmann bands added after 2008 show specific design elements and quality printing. Earlier examples from around 2005-2008 represent a transitional period, while cigars before 2005 typically had no bands at all. The boxes should contain 25 cigars in either plain slide or cabinet presentation.

Purchase from reputable vendors who can verify their stock’s authenticity. At Cuban Cigars For Sale, we ensure our inventory comes directly from authorized sources, giving you confidence in every purchase.

Storage and Aging Recommendations

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the Magnum 46’s excellent smoking characteristics. Maintain your humidor between 65-72% relative humidity and 65-70°F (18-21°C) temperature. These conditions preserve the wrapper’s oils and ensure the easy draw that makes this cigar so enjoyable.

I’ve found that proper humidity levels allow for effortless band removal—a good test of your storage conditions. If the band tears or sticks to the wrapper, your humidity might be off.

The Magnum 46 has excellent aging potential. Young examples can be surprisingly strong and full-bodied, but with proper aging, they develop into elegant, subtle smokes with enhanced cream and coffee characteristics. I recommend aging them for at least a year after purchase, though they continue improving for several years under proper conditions.

For detailed storage techniques, check out our guide on preserving cigars fresh, which covers everything from humidor setup to long-term aging strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Magnum 46 compare to other H Upmann vitolas?

The Magnum 46 sits perfectly between the smaller H Upmann Half Corona and larger Double Corona offerings. It provides more smoking time and complexity than the Half Corona while remaining more approachable than the Double Corona. The 46 ring gauge offers excellent flavor concentration without the commitment required for larger vitolas.

Is this cigar suitable for beginners to Cuban cigars?

Absolutely. The medium strength and smooth flavor profile make it an ideal introduction to Cuban tobacco. Unlike stronger marcas such as Cohiba or Partagas, the H Upmann brand generally offers a gentler entry point while still delivering authentic Cuban character and complexity.

What’s the best time of day to smoke a Magnum 46?

I find late afternoon ideal for this cigar. It’s substantial enough to be satisfying but not so strong that it overwhelms your palate for dinner. The medium strength also makes it suitable for weekend morning smoking with coffee, though that’s a matter of personal preference.

How long should I age these cigars before smoking?

While smokeable immediately, I recommend aging for at least 12 months after purchase. This allows the flavors to marry and the strength to mellow slightly. The cream and coffee notes become more pronounced with age, and the overall smoking experience becomes smoother and more refined.

What makes this different from non-Cuban cigars in the same size?

The terroir of Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region creates flavor characteristics you simply can’t replicate elsewhere. The combination of soil, climate, and traditional Cuban fermentation techniques produces that distinctive earthy sweetness and complex spice profile. Additionally, the handmade construction techniques passed down through generations of Cuban torcedores result in consistently excellent draw and burn characteristics.

Understanding the journey from Cuban plantation to your humidor helps explain why these cigars command such respect among enthusiasts worldwide.