Description
The Magnum 50 – H. Upmann’s Modern Classic That Almost Didn’t Happen
Back in 2008, I was sitting in a dimly lit cigar lounge in Tampa when a friend slid a tubular beauty across the table. “Try this,” he said. “New release from H. Upmann.” That was my introduction to the Magnum 50, and honestly? I wasn’t expecting much. H. Upmann had always been the “gentleman’s brand” in my book – refined, elegant, maybe a little too polite for my taste. But this vitola changed my entire perspective on what this historic marca could do when they decided to push boundaries a bit.
The Magnum 50 isn’t your grandfather’s H. Upmann – though if your grandfather had good taste, he probably smoked the brand back in its heyday. This robusto extra brings more oomph than the typical H. Upmann profile while keeping that trademark elegance intact. It’s become my go-to recommendation for people who think they’ve outgrown medium-bodied Cubans but haven’t realized they just haven’t found the right one yet.
What Makes the H. Upmann Magnum 50 Stand Out
H. Upmann has been around since 1844 – yeah, eighteen forty-four – when a German banker named Hermann Upmann decided banking was boring and cigars were better. Smart guy. The brand built its reputation on consistency and refinement, becoming a favorite in British smoking rooms and gentlemen’s clubs across Europe. But the Magnum 50? This came much later, part of that wave of releases in the mid-2000s when Habanos S.A. started experimenting with chunkier ring gauges.
What’s special here is the size itself. At 50 ring gauge and about 6.2 inches long, it sits in that sweet spot between a traditional robusto and something more substantial. The tobacco blend pulls from Vuelta Abajo – no surprises there, it’s Cuban – but something about how they’ve balanced this particular vitola just works. The wrapper tends to be silky, maybe a touch oily depending on aging, with that classic Colorado shade that practically screams “Cuban tobacco” before you even light it up.
This isn’t a cigar for beginners, but it’s not going to knock you on your ass either. Medium to medium-plus strength, I’d say. The smoker who appreciates this most? Someone who’s moved past the novelty phase, tried enough cigars to know what they like, and wants something that’ll hold their attention for a good hour without demanding they clear their afternoon schedule.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Magnum 50 (Robusto Extra) |
| Length | 6.2 inches / 160 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
How This Cigar Actually Smokes
The cold draw gives you hay and maybe a hint of cocoa – nothing too aggressive, which is classic H. Upmann. Light it up properly (take your time, don’t char the foot like you’re in a hurry), and the first third comes alive with this creamy cedar note. It’s like walking into a humidor, but sweeter somehow. There’s white pepper on the retrohale that’s present but not pushy, and underneath it all, this buttery texture that coats your palate.
Construction? Usually spot-on. I’ve smoked maybe two dozen of these over the years – some fresh, some with age – and I can count on one hand the ones that gave me trouble. The draw tends to be slightly firm, which I actually prefer. You have to work for it a little, and that keeps the burn cool and even. The ash holds for a good inch, sometimes more, with that classic light-gray color that tells you the tobacco was properly fermented.
Second third is where things get interesting. The cedar backs off a bit and you start picking up leather, toasted almonds, maybe some coffee notes if the cigar’s been resting long enough. This is also where the strength builds – not dramatically, but you notice it. The pepper becomes more pronounced on the retrohale, almost like crushed black peppercorns rather than that bright white pepper from earlier. Some people say they get floral notes here. I don’t, personally, but I’ve also smoked enough strong cigars that my palate might be calibrated differently.
Final third – and this is important – doesn’t turn bitter or harsh if you’ve been smoking at a decent pace. That’s rare for a 50 ring gauge cigar, in my experience. The strength peaks here, definitely into medium-full territory, with earth and cocoa becoming the dominant players. The leather note from the second third sticks around like it’s paying rent. Retrohale gets intense, almost espresso-like. I usually smoke these down to about an inch remaining, which tells you something – I’m not forcing myself to finish it out of stubbornness.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| H. Upmann Magnum 50 | Medium-Full | 60-90 minutes | Evening relaxation, contemplative smoking |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 60-75 minutes | Bold flavor seekers, after dinner |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Medium | 50-70 minutes | Daytime smoke, newcomers to Cubans |
What to Pair With the Magnum 50
Drinks? I’m partial to a good aged rum with this one. Something like Havana Club 7 Year or, if you want to get fancy, Ron Santiago de Cuba 11 Year. The caramel and vanilla notes in aged rum play beautifully with that cedar and almond character. Coffee works too – a proper Cuban espresso if you can get it, though honestly any dark roast with some body will do the job. I’ve also had success with Irish whiskey, specifically Redbreast 12 Year. The pot still spice complements the tobacco without overwhelming it.
Timing matters with this cigar. It’s too much for morning unless you’ve got a serious tolerance, but perfect for late afternoon or evening. I like it after a good meal – nothing too heavy, maybe grilled fish or chicken. The cigar’s got enough presence to stand up after food but won’t compete with your palate if dinner was particularly flavorful. Weekend smoke for sure, when you’ve got time to actually pay attention to what you’re tasting.
How does the Magnum 50 compare to other H. Upmann vitolas?
It’s definitely fuller and more complex than classics like the Half Corona or the No. 2. The larger ring gauge allows for a richer blend, so you’re getting more depth without losing that signature H. Upmann elegance. If you’ve only tried smaller H. Upmanns and found them too mild, this is worth a shot. It’s got more backbone while staying true to the brand’s refined character.
Should I age these or smoke them fresh?
Both work, honestly. Fresh – like within a year of release – they’re vibrant and expressive, maybe a touch sharper on the pepper. Give them three to five years and they smooth out considerably, with the cedar and cream notes really integrating beautifully. I keep some of both in my humidor because sometimes I want that youthful brightness, other times I’m in the mood for something more mellow and complex.
What’s the deal with H. Upmann Gran Reserva and Reserva releases?
Those are special limited edition releases that use aged tobacco – we’re talking five-plus years for Reserva, fifteen-plus for Gran Reserva. They’re phenomenal but also expensive and hard to find. The regular production Magnum 50 is fantastic on its own and doesn’t require you to hunt down rare releases. If you see a Reserva or Gran Reserva version and can afford it, grab it, but don’t skip the regular production thinking it’s somehow inferior.
Why do some Magnum 50s taste different from others?
Cuban cigars have more variation than New World cigars – that’s just reality. Different harvest years, slight blending adjustments, even where the cigar sat in the factory’s aging room can affect flavor. Storage matters too. A Magnum 50 kept at 65% humidity will smoke differently than one at 70%. That’s part of the charm, actually – though I know it drives some people crazy who want absolute consistency.
Is this a good cigar for special occasions?
Depends on what you consider special, I guess. It’s not as prestigious or expensive as some Cubans, so if you’re celebrating a major life event, you might want something flashier. But for a Friday night after a good week? Absolutely. I’ve smoked these at birthday dinners, poker nights, even a couple of weddings. It’s special enough to feel like a treat without being so rare that you’re afraid to actually light it up.
How should I store these long-term?
Standard Cuban cigar protocol applies – 65-70% relative humidity, around 65-68°F if you can manage it. I keep mine at 65% humidity because I prefer a slightly drier smoke, but plenty of people go higher. Give them at least a month to acclimate if you’re ordering online, especially if they’ve been shipped internationally. Tubos help protect them during shipping but don’t make a huge difference for long-term storage once they’re in your humidor.
Can I find information and reviews about other H. Upmann releases?
Cigar Aficionado has published reviews of various H. Upmann vitolas over the years, including some Magnum 50 reviews. Their database is decent for checking ratings and tasting notes, though I don’t always agree with their scores. Online forums are also helpful – people share release information, news about limited editions, and honest opinions about what’s worth buying. Just take everything with a grain of salt and remember that taste is subjective.
Final Thoughts on the Magnum 50
This is the cigar that made me reassess H. Upmann as a brand. I’d written them off as too mild, too old-fashioned – and then the Magnum 50 showed me I was being narrow-minded. It’s got enough strength and complexity to satisfy experienced smokers while maintaining that refined, elegant character that made H. Upmann famous in the first place. The construction is reliable, the flavor profile is engaging without being exhausting, and it doesn’t cost a mortgage payment per box.
If you’re looking to expand beyond the usual suspects – your Cohibas and Montecristos – or if you’ve been curious about H. Upmann but worried they might be too gentle for your palate, this is where you start. Give yourself time with it. Don’t rush. Light it properly, smoke it slowly, and pay attention to how it develops. This is a cigar that rewards patience.
