H Upmann Magnum 48 LE 2009

Description

The terrace overlooked the old city as shadows stretched long across cobblestone streets below. I’d been saving this particular stick for months, waiting for the right moment when time felt limitless and the evening promised nothing but possibility. The H. Upmann Magnum 48 LE 2009 felt substantial between my fingers, its midnight-dark wrapper catching the last rays of golden sunlight.

This wasn’t just another smoke. It was a piece of history—one of those special edicion limitada releases that only comes around once, then vanishes into legend.

Construction and First Impressions

The wrapper on this beauty immediately commands attention. Dark, almost chocolate-brown with an oily sheen that speaks to proper aging and Cuban craftsmanship. I’ve handled hundreds of cigars over the years, but there’s something unmistakably premium about how this one feels.

The construction is flawless. No soft spots, no visible veins disrupting the smooth surface. The seams are nearly invisible—exactly what you’d expect from the H. Upmann factory in Cuba’s legendary tobacco regions. At 110mm, it’s compact but substantial, with that 48 ring gauge giving it perfect balance in your hand.

The pre-light draw offers hints of what’s coming. Rich earth, subtle spice, and something almost creamy lurking beneath. Honestly, I could smell the complexity before even cutting it.

Flavor Journey Through Each Third

Opening Third: Chocolate Dreams

The first few puffs delivered exactly what I hoped for. Pure milk chocolate flavors wrapped in cream, smooth and luxurious without any harsh cocoa bitterness. There’s a light spice accent dancing around the edges, but it never overwhelms the fundamental smoothness.

This opening surprised me. Many medium-strength cigars start aggressive, but the Magnum 48 begins like a whispered promise of what’s to come.

Middle Third: Complexity Emerges

Here’s where things get interesting. The nicotine starts building—you can feel it warming your palate without being overwhelming. Flavors shift and evolve: hay and cream blend with ripe black cherry notes that come and go like musical phrases.

I detected earthy tobacco undertones grounding everything, then suddenly lighter, floral notes emerged. Some herbal qualities mixed with subtle fruit—probably what makes this particular release so sought after by collectors. The complexity kept me guessing with every draw.

Final Third: The Grand Finale

That beautiful milk chocolate character fades as exotic spices take center stage. Think French Provençale spice blends—complex, warm, sophisticated. The tobacco flavors become more prominent, mixing with cocoa and light roast coffee undertones.

The body strengthens to medium-full territory here, and the nicotine presence definitely increases. After 45 minutes of smoking, this final third delivered the satisfying conclusion I was hoping for.

Technical Specifications

Perfect Pairings

The chocolate and cream notes in the first two-thirds pair beautifully with aged rum—try a Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. The sweetness complements without competing.

For whiskey lovers, I’d recommend a smooth single malt like Macallan 18 or Glenfiddich 21. The fruit notes in both the cigar and whiskey create amazing harmony.

Coffee enthusiasts should try this with a medium roast from Cuban coffee traditions—the final third’s coffee undertones create a perfect echo effect.

Wine pairing? Go with a full-bodied red. Cabernet Sauvignon or a nice Malbec brings out the earthy tobacco qualities beautifully.

Cutting and Lighting Technique

With the 48 ring gauge, use a quality guillotine cutter for a clean, straight cut. Don’t overthink it—just remove enough cap to create a good draw without unraveling the wrapper.

For lighting, I always use cedar spills or butane torch lighters with Cuban cigars. Avoid sulfur matches or zippos that can affect the delicate flavor profile. Proper lighting technique is crucial for expensive limited edition releases like this.

Toast the foot evenly, rotating slowly. The Upmann Magnum 48 lights beautifully when you’re patient with the process.

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

This isn’t a beginner’s cigar, honestly. The complexity and price point make it better suited for intermediate to experienced smokers who can appreciate the nuanced flavor transitions.

Perfect for special occasions—anniversaries, promotions, or those rare evenings when you want to treat yourself to something truly exceptional. The 45-60 minute smoking time makes it ideal for unhurried moments.

Collectors will appreciate this as part of the 2009 edicion limitada release list. These limited products don’t come around often, and the H Upmann’s reputation for quality makes this a smart addition to any serious collection.

If you typically smoke mild cigars, the medium strength might be more intense than expected. But if you enjoy medium to full-bodied smoke with complex flavor profiles, this delivers exactly what you’re seeking.

Authenticity and What to Look For

With limited edition releases from 2009, authenticity is crucial. Genuine Upmann Magnum 48 LE 2009 cigars feature the distinctive Habanos SA holographic seal and proper band placement.

The band should be crisp, well-aligned, and feature the correct H. Upmann logo with “Magnum 48” clearly printed. Limited edition bands often include the year—2009 in this case.

Check the box code and factory markings. Authentic Cuban cigars from this release will have proper dating codes that correspond to 2009 production. The wrapper should show the oily, well-aged characteristics I described earlier.

Purchase from reputable dealers who can verify provenance. With cigars of this age and rarity, documentation matters.

Storage and Aging Potential

These 2009 releases have already benefited from over a decade of aging, but proper storage remains critical. Maintain 65-70% humidity and temperatures between 65-70°F for optimal preservation.

I’ve found that proper humidor setup becomes even more important with aged limited editions. The oils and flavors that developed over the years can be damaged by temperature fluctuations or humidity swings.

The aging potential extends well beyond 2023. Cuban tobacco from Vuelta Abajo regions continues developing complexity for decades when stored properly. These could easily improve through 2030 and beyond.

Consider this an investment-grade cigar that rewards patience. The chocolate and cream notes will likely become even more refined with additional age.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2009 edition compare to other H. Upmann releases?

The Magnum 48 LE 2009 offers more concentrated flavors than regular production Upmann cigars due to its shorter length and limited edition tobacco selection. The 48 ring gauge provides a different smoking experience compared to traditional Upmann vitolas.

Is this cigar still improving with age?

Absolutely. Cuban cigars from 2009 are entering their prime aging period. The harsh edges have mellowed, and the complex flavors continue integrating. Many collectors consider 10-15 years optimal aging for Cuban tobacco.

What makes this different from regular H. Upmann cigars?

Limited edition releases use specially selected tobacco and often feature unique blending. The Magnum 48 delivers more decadent flavors than you’d expect from its compact size, with complexity typically found in longer formats.

How should I prepare for smoking this cigar?

Set aside at least an hour for the full experience. Ensure proper cutting tools and lighting equipment. Have your humidor properly calibrated if storing additional cigars. Consider pairing options beforehand.

What’s the current availability and value?

As a 2009 limited edition, availability is extremely limited. Prices reflect both the aging and rarity factor. These cigars appear occasionally at premium tobacconists and specialty auctions, but finding authentic examples requires patience and proper authentication.