Description
Why the H Upmann Magnum 50 Deserves a Spot in Your Humidor
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’96 – yeah, I’m dating myself here – and I’ll be honest with you: the H Upmann Magnum 50 is one of those cigars that doesn’t get nearly enough love. Thing is, everyone’s chasing the big names, the Cohibas and Montecristos, while this beauty sits quietly being absolutely stellar. It’s a Robusto Extra format that punches way above its weight class, and after smoking probably two dozen of these over the years, I’m ready to make my case for why you need to pay attention to this stick.
Here’s what you’re gonna learn: the exact flavor journey you can expect (and I mean specific, not that vague “notes of leather” nonsense), how it stacks up against other premium Robustos, and honestly? Why I think this might be the most underrated cigar in the H Upmann lineup. Between you and me, I’ve converted more than a few friends to this vitola, and they keep coming back for more.
What Makes This Cigar Special (And Why H Upmann Knows What They’re Doing)
H Upmann’s been around since 1844. Let that sink in for a second. They were rolling cigars when your great-great-grandparents were kids. The brand was founded by a German banker – Hermann Dietrich Upmann, if we’re being precise – who fell head over heels for Cuban tobacco. Smart guy.
Now, the Magnum 50 is part of their core lineup, and it’s got this interesting position in the family. It’s not trying to be the most complex cigar you’ve ever smoked. It’s not chasing awards or limited edition hype. What it IS doing – and doing really well – is delivering that classic H Upmann experience in a format that gives you about an hour to hour and a half of pure enjoyment. The wrapper comes from Vuelta Abajo, which if you don’t know, is basically the Napa Valley of Cuban tobacco. Everything about this cigar screams “elegant” without being pretentious about it.
Who’s this for? Honestly, if you’re someone who appreciates balance over brute strength, if you want something sophisticated for a morning smoke or an afternoon break, this is your cigar. I remember when my buddy Carlos – guy who usually smokes full-bodied Nicaraguans – tried one of these on a golf course in Miami. He looked at me halfway through and said, “Why didn’t you tell me about these sooner?” Not gonna lie, felt pretty good about that conversion.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Magnum 50 (Robusto Extra) |
| Length | 6.2 inches / 157 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo, Semi Vuelta) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: What You’re Actually Getting
Okay, so let’s talk about what happens when you light this thing up. And I’m gonna be specific here because generic tasting notes drive me crazy.
The cold draw? Beautiful resistance. Not too tight, not too loose – it’s got that Goldilocks thing going on. You’re getting hints of hay and something almost floral. Cedar too. It reminds me of walking into a proper tobacco shop, that exact smell.
First third hits different depending on how fresh these are. If you’re smoking one with six months to a year on it – which is what I’d recommend minimum – you get this clean, creamy start. There’s wood notes for sure, but it’s more like fresh-cut cedar than that musty lumber yard smell some cigars give you. The retrohale (and yeah, you should be doing this) brings out white pepper. Not aggressive, just… present. The burn line stays razor-straight if you’re not puffing like a chimney, and the ash holds for a solid inch before it drops.
Second third is where things get interesting. Here’s what gets me about this cigar: the transition is smooth, but it’s definitely there. You start picking up coffee notes – not espresso, more like a medium roast with cream – and there’s this nutty quality that creeps in. Almonds maybe? Sometimes I get a bit of cocoa too, but that might be my imagination. The strength builds slightly, going from “I could smoke this before lunch” to “yeah, I should probably have eaten something.” Construction stays perfect. I’ve had maybe one or two that needed a touch-up out of all the ones I’ve smoked, which for Cubans is honestly impressive.
Final third – and this is where some medium-bodied cigars fall apart – stays elegant. The flavors concentrate without getting harsh or bitter. More earth comes through, that classic Cuban tobacco taste that’s hard to describe but you know it when you taste it. Leather shows up fashionably late to the party. I can usually take these down to about an inch and a half before the heat becomes an issue. And the room note? My wife actually doesn’t complain about this one, which is saying something.
How Does It Stack Up? The Honest Comparison
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| H Upmann Magnum 50 | Medium | 60-90 minutes | Daytime smoking, elegant occasions, balance lovers |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Classic torpedo experience, special occasions |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill | Medium | 75-90 minutes | Milder alternative, morning smoke |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 50-70 minutes | Bold flavor seekers, after dinner |
Real talk: if you’re choosing between this and the Montecristo No. 2, you’re looking at slightly different animals. The Monte has more punch and that iconic shape, but the Magnum 50 gives you more smoking time and a gentler ride. The Romeo Wide Churchill is probably its closest cousin – similar strength, similar elegance – but I find the H Upmann has better construction consistency. And the Partagás D4? Different league entirely. That’s a powerhouse. This is finesse.
What to Drink With It (Because Pairing Matters)
Here’s the thing about pairing cigars – you can get all fancy with it, or you can just drink what you like. But since you asked (okay, you didn’t, but I’m telling you anyway), here’s what works.
Coffee in the morning. Seriously. A good Cuban coffee or even a well-made cappuccino with this cigar is pretty much perfection. The creaminess mirrors what you’re getting from the smoke.
For spirits? I’m reaching for aged rum every time. Specifically something like Havana Club 7 or Diplomatico Reserva. The caramel and vanilla notes play beautifully with the cigar’s natural sweetness. Scotch works too – go for something Speyside, not too peaty. Glenfiddich 15 or Balvenie DoubleWood are solid choices.
Afternoon smoke with espresso? Yes. After dinner with a nice cognac? Also yes. This is a versatile stick that doesn’t demand one specific pairing. I’ve enjoyed these on golf courses with nothing but water, and they still delivered.
Time of day recommendation? Honestly, anywhere from mid-morning to early evening. It’s not a breakfast cigar unless you’re on vacation and feeling adventurous. And it’s not quite hefty enough for a late-night smoke unless you’re pairing it with food. Sweet spot is that 2-6pm window for me.
Everything You’re Wondering About This Cigar
How long should I age H Upmann Magnum 50 cigars before smoking?
Look, minimum six months if you want them to really shine. I know that’s tough to hear if you just bought a box, but trust me on this. The sweet spot I’ve found is 12-18 months at proper humidity (65-68% RH). I’ve got some from 2019 that are smoking absolutely beautiful right now. That said, if you can’t wait – and I get it – they’re still pretty good fresh. Just expect sharper edges and less complexity.
What’s the difference between Magnum 50 and Magnum 46?
The Magnum 46 is slightly thinner (obviously, 46 vs 50 ring gauge) and a touch shorter at 5.9 inches versus 6.2 inches. Smoking time drops to about 45-60 minutes. Flavor profile is similar but the 46 smokes a bit cooler and has slightly less smoke output. Honestly? I prefer the 50 because I like having that extra time and the fuller draw, but the 46 is great if you’re pressed for time or want something a bit more elegant in the hand.
Is the H Upmann Magnum 50 good for beginners?
Absolutely. This is actually one of my go-to recommendations for people moving into Cuban cigars. The medium strength won’t knock you on your butt, the flavors are clear and approachable, and the construction is forgiving enough that minor smoking technique issues won’t ruin your experience. Just make sure you’ve eaten something first and don’t smoke it too fast. That advice applies to everyone, but especially if you’re new to cigars.
How do I know if my Magnum 50 is authentic?
Can you smoke H Upmann Magnum 50 on an empty stomach?
I mean, you CAN, but should you? Depends on your tolerance. I’ve done it plenty of times without issues because I’m used to it, but I’ve also seen friends get lightheaded from smoking this without breakfast. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s got enough oomph in that second and third third to make you feel it if you’re not prepared. Have at least a snack and stay hydrated. Coffee doesn’t count as breakfast, despite what I tell myself.
What temperature and humidity should I store these at?
I keep mine at 65% RH and whatever room temperature is (usually 68-72°F). Some people go higher on humidity, but I find 65-68% gives you the best burn and flavor development. Too high and they get spongy and burn issues pop up. Too low and they dry out and lose complexity. If you’re in a really dry climate, maybe bump it to 68%, but don’t go over 70% in my opinion. These aren’t Davidoffs that need babying, but they’re also not construction-grade lumber.
How does the Magnum 50 compare to other H Upmann vitolas?
The Magnum 50 sits right in the middle of the H Upmann lineup strength-wise. The Half Corona is milder and quicker, the Sir Winston is bigger and slightly stronger with more complexity, and the Magnum 46 is its slimmer sibling. If you want the quintessential H Upmann experience without committing to a two-hour smoke, this is your best bet. The Sir Winston is amazing – don’t get me wrong – but you need time and the right occasion for that beast. The Magnum 50 is versatile enough for regular rotation.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Smoked Too Many of These
So here’s where I land on the H Upmann Magnum 50 after years of keeping these in my humidor: it’s a cigar that does elegance without pretension, complexity without confusion, and tradition without being stuck in the past. Not gonna lie, there are flashier cigars out there. There are stronger ones, more complex ones, ones with better stories attached to them.
But this one? This one just works. It’s the cigar I reach for when I want to remember why I fell in love with Cubans in the first place. It’s what I hand to friends who think they don’t like “fancy” cigars, and then watch them change their minds halfway through.
If you’re building a humidor and you’re wondering whether this deserves a spot – yeah, it does. Grab a five-pack first if you’re cautious, but I’m betting you’ll be back for a box. Just let them rest a bit before you light up, smoke them slow enough to appreciate what’s happening, and pair them with something you actually enjoy drinking.
That’s it. That’s the recommendation. Sometimes the best cigars aren’t the ones everyone’s talking about – they’re the ones that consistently deliver exactly what you want, every single time you light one up. The Magnum 50 does that for me, and I think it’ll do it for you too.
