Description
The H Upmann Magnum 50: A Cuban Classic That Doesn’t Get Nearly Enough Love
Look, I’m just going to say it – the H Upmann Magnum 50 is criminally underrated. While everyone’s chasing after Cohiba Robustos and Montecristo No. 2s, this absolute gem sits quietly in the lineup, delivering one of the most satisfying smokes in the entire Habanos portfolio. I remember my first one – it was during a trip to Havana back in 2007, maybe 2008? Doesn’t matter. What matters is that it completely changed how I thought about H Upmann as a brand.
Here’s the thing – this isn’t some limited edition release that’ll drain your wallet and leave you wondering if the hype was real. This is a core production cigar that consistently delivers complexity, elegance, and that quintessential Cuban tobacco character that makes you remember why you fell in love with Habanos in the first place. And the Magnum 50 format? It’s basically perfect. Not too big that you’re committed for two hours, not so small that it’s over before you’ve settled into the experience.
What Makes the H Upmann Magnum 50 Special
The H Upmann brand has been around since 1844 – yeah, you read that right. When German banker Hermann Dietrich Upmann started this company, Abraham Lincoln was still practicing law in Illinois. That kind of history matters because it means they’ve had time to really dial in their blends and understand their tobacco.
But here’s what gets me about the Magnum 50 specifically: it sits in this sweet spot where it’s accessible enough for someone relatively new to Cubans, yet complex enough that seasoned aficionados keep coming back. The 50 ring gauge gives you enough tobacco to develop interesting flavors without overwhelming you with strength. And that length – we’re talking about roughly 6.1 inches or 155mm – means you get a proper smoking experience without blocking out your entire afternoon.
Thing is, H Upmann as a brand tends to fly under the radar compared to the flashier names. No celebrity endorsements, no overhyped limited editions every other month. Just consistently excellent cigars made with premium Vuelta Abajo tobacco. The Magnum 50 exemplifies – wait, scratch that – the Magnum 50 perfectly captures what the brand is about: refined, elegant smoking that doesn’t need to shout to get your attention.
This is a cigar for the aficionado who appreciates subtlety. If you’re the type who needs bold, in-your-face flavors, maybe this isn’t your stick. But if you want something that reveals itself slowly, that rewards attention and patience? Yeah, you’re in the right place.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Magnum 50 (Robusto Extra) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 155 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo region) |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-80 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: From Light to Last Puff
Real talk: the pre-light ritual on this cigar is something special. The wrapper has this gorgeous, silky feel – not too oily, not dry. It’s that perfect Colorado shade that tells you the tobacco was properly aged. The cold draw? Cedar hits you immediately, with this underlying creamy sweetness that hints at what’s coming. I always pick up a bit of hay and maybe some almond. It’s inviting without being aggressive.
Once you toast that foot and take those first few puffs, the Magnum 50 opens up with this beautiful creamy cedar profile. And I know everyone talks about cedar in Cuban cigars, but this is different – it’s not sharp or harsh. It’s more like walking into a well-maintained humidor, that warm, welcoming aroma. Behind that cedar, you get these notes of coffee with cream, not espresso. Think more like a well-made café con leche. There’s also this subtle cocoa thing happening that adds depth without sweetness.
The construction? Flawless, at least in my experience. I’ve probably smoked two dozen of these over the years – maybe more, I lose count – and I can’t remember having a bad draw or construction issue. The burn line stays razor-sharp with minimal correction. The ash holds firm for a good inch, sometimes more, with that classic grayish-white color that tells you the tobacco was properly fermented.
As you move into the second third – and this is where it gets interesting – the profile starts shifting. That creamy character remains, but now you’re picking up some white pepper on the retrohale. Not overwhelming, just enough to wake up your palate. The coffee notes deepen a bit, getting richer. And there’s this leather quality that emerges, smooth and refined. Some days I swear I taste a hint of vanilla or honey, but that might be the power of suggestion.
The strength builds gradually too. We’re still firmly in mild-to-medium territory, but by the midpoint, you definitely know you’re smoking a proper Cuban cigar. The nicotine level is manageable – you won’t feel like you need to sit down if you smoke this on an empty stomach, but you’ll definitely feel it.
Final third is where the Magnum 50 really shows its breeding. Instead of getting harsh or hot like some cigars do, it maintains that smooth, creamy character while adding layers of complexity. The pepper becomes more pronounced, you get some earth and espresso notes coming through, and that cocoa flavor from earlier circles back. The wrapper – oh man, the wrapper – contributes this subtle sweetness that balances everything perfectly. No bitterness, no tar, just a rich, satisfying finish that makes you immediately want another one.
Between you and me, the retrohale in that last third is something special. If you’re not retrohaling your cigars, you’re missing half the experience, but especially with this one. You get this wonderful aromatic complexity – spice, coffee, sweet tobacco – that elevates the whole thing.
How Does It Stack Up? Let’s Be Honest
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| H Upmann Magnum 50 | Mild-Medium | 60-80 minutes | All-day smoke, ideal for refined palates seeking complexity without strength |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill | Mild-Medium | 70-90 minutes | Similar profile but slightly longer commitment, more floral notes |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Mild-Medium | 50-65 minutes | Shorter smoke, creamier profile, less complexity overall |
| Montecristo Open Regata | Medium | 50-70 minutes | Bolder flavor, more strength, less refined than the Magnum 50 |
I’ll be honest with you – comparing cigars is always a bit subjective, but I genuinely believe the Magnum 50 offers something unique in its category. The Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill is probably its closest competitor in terms of profile and quality, but I find the H Upmann has better aging potential and more depth in the flavor department. The Epicure No. 2 is fantastic, don’t get me wrong, but it’s almost too approachable – there’s less to discover on your second or third cigar.
Perfect Pairings: What to Drink With Your Magnum 50
Okay, so pairing recommendations. I’ve tried this cigar with everything from single malt Scotch to rum to coffee, and here’s what works best in my book:
Coffee is an obvious choice, especially a good Cuban coffee or a smooth Colombian brew. The mild strength of the Magnum 50 means it won’t overpower your morning espresso, and those natural coffee notes in the cigar create this beautiful synergy. I’m probably biased here, but this might be my favorite breakfast cigar.
For spirits, I lean toward aged rum – specifically something like Havana Club 7 Year or Zacapa 23. The sweetness and complexity of aged rum complements that creamy, cocoa-forward profile without competing with it. If you’re a whisky person, go with something smooth and slightly sweet – maybe a Glenlivet 12 or a nice bourbon like Maker’s Mark. Skip the heavily peated Islay stuff; it’ll steamroll over the cigar’s subtle flavors.
And here’s an unconventional one: craft beer, specifically a good Belgian Dubbel or a smooth porter. The malty sweetness and moderate ABV work surprisingly well. I discovered this pairing by accident at a cigar lounge in Miami – the bartender thought I was crazy, but it works.
Time of day? This is versatile. Morning with coffee, afternoon as a work break, early evening before dinner – it all works. The mild-to-medium strength means you’re not going to knock yourself out.
Everything You’re Wondering About the Magnum 50
What’s the ideal aging time for the H Upmann Magnum 50?
Look, these smoke beautifully right out of the box, but if you can wait? Give them at least 2-3 years. I’ve had some with 5+ years on them that were absolutely transcendent – the flavors meld together, the cream becomes more pronounced, and you get this honeyed sweetness that isn’t there when they’re young. But honestly, if you’re not the patient type, don’t torture yourself. They’re excellent fresh too.
Is the Magnum 50 suitable for beginners to Cuban cigars?
Absolutely, yes. This is actually one of the cigars I recommend most to people making the jump from New World to Cuban cigars. The mild-to-medium strength means you won’t get knocked on your ass if you’re not used to Cuban tobacco, and the flavor profile is complex enough to be interesting without being overwhelming. Just don’t smoke it too fast – that’s the mistake I see beginners make. Take your time, let it develop.
How should I store H Upmann Magnum 50s to preserve their quality?
Standard Cuban cigar protocol applies here: 65-70% relative humidity, around 65-68°F temperature. I personally keep mine at 65% RH because I find they smoke better slightly on the drier side – the draw is easier and the flavors are more concentrated. But that’s personal preference. Whatever you do, don’t let them get too humid or you’ll have burn issues. And if you’re aging them long-term, check on them every few months to make sure everything’s stable.
What makes the Magnum 50 different from other H Upmann vitolas?
The ring gauge is key here. At 50RG with that length, you get a different ratio of wrapper to filler compared to, say, the Magnum 46 or the Half Corona. This means more filler influence, which brings out those deeper coffee and cocoa notes. The smoking time is also ideal – you get complexity without the commitment of a Churchill. Thing is, every vitola in the H Upmann line has its own character, but the Magnum 50 strikes the best balance between flavor development and time investment, at least in my opinion.
Can you taste the Vuelta Abajo tobacco character in the Magnum 50?
Oh, absolutely. That’s what makes it unmistakably Cuban. The Vuelta Abajo region produces tobacco with this distinctive creamy, slightly sweet character that you just don’t find anywhere else. In the Magnum 50, it shows up as that underlying smoothness, that cedar and earth combination, and that particular aroma when you retrohale. If you’ve smoked enough Cubans, you know exactly what I’m talking about – it’s that “aha, this is the real deal” moment. No joke, blind fold me and I could probably identify this as Cuban just from the aroma and first few puffs.
How does humidity affect the Magnum 50’s performance?
Huge question, and it matters more than people realize. Too humid – say above 70% – and you’ll struggle with the draw, the burn will be uneven, and you won’t get the full flavor because the cigar’s basically steaming instead of burning properly. Too dry – below 62% or so – and it’ll burn hot and harsh, you’ll lose that creamy character, and the wrapper might crack. I’ve experimented a lot with this specific cigar, and my sweet spot is 65% RH. At that level, the draw is effortless, the burn is perfect, and the flavors really pop. But I know guys who swear by 68% or even 70%, so there’s definitely some personal preference involved.
What’s the best way to cut and light a Magnum 50?
I’m a straight cut guy for this vitola – the 50 ring gauge is perfect for it. Cut just above the cap line, nice and clean. Some people like V-cuts or punch cuts, but I find a straight cut gives you the best draw and flavor concentration. For lighting, take your time. Use a butane torch or cedar spills, never use regular lighter fluid or you’ll taste it. Toast the foot evenly, rotating the cigar, until you see the entire surface glowing. Then take a few gentle puffs to get it going. The whole process should take maybe 30-45 seconds. Rush it and you’ll get an uneven burn that’ll haunt you for the entire smoke.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
Here’s where I land on the H Upmann Magnum 50: this is one of those cigars that deserves a permanent spot in your humidor. Not as a special occasion smoke – though it’s certainly good enough for that – but as your go-to when you want something reliably excellent without overthinking it.
Is it going to blow your mind with crazy flavor bombs or knock you over with strength? No. That’s not what it’s trying to do. What it will do is give you an hour-plus of refined, elegant smoking that showcases exactly what Cuban cigars are supposed to be about: balance, complexity, and that indefinable something that comes from centuries of tobacco-growing tradition in Vuelta Abajo.
I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t talk about this cigar. Maybe it’s because H Upmann doesn’t get the hype of other brands. Maybe it’s because the mild-to-medium strength doesn’t appeal to the “stronger is better” crowd. But their loss is your gain – and trust me, once you experience what this cigar offers, you’ll be glad it’s not sold out everywhere.
Whether you’re new to Habanos or you’ve been smoking Cubans since before I started, the Magnum 50 deserves your attention. Stock up on a few, age some if you can resist, and discover what a properly balanced Cuban cigar can deliver. You won’t regret it.
