H Upmann Magnum 56

The weight surprised me first. Heavier than expected, substantial in a way that made me pause before reaching for my cutter. The wrapper caught the afternoon light streaming through the lounge window—dark, oily, almost magnetic in its perfection. I could smell the tobacco even before bringing it closer, that distinctive Cuban earthiness mixed with something sweeter, more complex.

Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Distinct Acts

The opening draws delivered exactly what that pre-light aroma promised. Sweet and fragrant smoke filled my palate immediately, with creamy notes dominating those first precious minutes. Light wood characteristics emerged as the burn line established itself, creating a surprisingly gentle introduction for such a majestic looking cigar. The retrohale brought black pepper—not aggressive, but present enough to remind you this isn’t a mild morning smoke.

Everything shifted around the forty-minute mark. Those initial creamy notes gave way to something more serious, more Cuban. Earthy undertones took control, with botanical characteristics weaving through heavy earth-dominant profiles that made me think of the Vuelta Abajo region where these leaves originated. The sweetness didn’t disappear entirely—it just moved to the background, supporting rather than leading.

The final third rewarded my patience with layers I hadn’t expected. Cocoa emerged first, followed by roasted coffee notes that paired beautifully with the nutty undertones running throughout. This fairly beefy cigar maintained its complexity right to the nub, never becoming harsh or overwhelming despite its full strength profile.

Construction and Appearance

H. Upmann has always impressed me with their construction quality, but the Magnum 56 sets a new standard. The wrapper shows that perfect oily sheen you want from premium Cuban tobacco—flawless with uniform coloration and just enough light veining to prove it’s real leaf, not some artificial perfection.

The expertly applied triple cap caught my attention immediately. No rough edges, no loose spots, just the kind of precision that tells you this cigar received proper attention during its very slow roll at the factory. In my experience, construction this clean usually translates to an even burn, and the Magnum 56 delivered exactly that throughout my smoking session.

I’ve found that cigars of this ring gauge sometimes struggle with draw issues, but not here. The 56 ring gauge feels substantial without being unwieldy, and the draw remained perfect from first light to final puff.

Technical Specifications

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

Honestly, the Magnum 56 isn’t for beginners. With its medium-full to full strength profile, this is a cigar that demands respect and experience. I’d recommend it for seasoned smokers who appreciate complex flavor development and have the time to properly enjoy a medium-bodied excursion that can easily stretch past two hours.

The price point puts this in special occasion territory for most of us. This isn’t your everyday smoke—it’s what you reach for when celebrating a promotion, closing a big deal, or simply wanting to treat yourself to something exceptional. The edicion limitada status makes each cigar feel even more special, knowing you’re experiencing something that won’t be around forever.

For timing, I’ve found late afternoon or evening works best. You need uninterrupted time to fully appreciate what this cigar offers, and rushing through it would be a waste of both money and experience.

Perfect Pairings

My go-to pairing with the Magnum 56 is aged rum—specifically something like Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva. The rum’s sweetness complements those initial creamy notes while providing enough complexity to match the cigar’s evolution through its different thirds.

For whiskey drinkers, I’d suggest a smooth Highland Scotch like Macallan 18 or Glenfiddich 21. The whiskey’s oak notes play beautifully with the cigar’s woody characteristics, creating a harmony that enhances both experiences.

Coffee works surprisingly well too, particularly a medium roast Colombian or Guatemalan bean. The coffee’s acidity cuts through the cigar’s richness without overwhelming the more delicate flavor notes. I’ve enjoyed this combination during weekend morning sessions when I had the luxury of time.

Wine enthusiasts should consider a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or aged Malbec. The wine’s tannins complement the tobacco’s earthiness, while the fruit notes provide an interesting contrast to the cigar’s more serious characteristics.

Storage and Aging Potential

Proper storage is crucial for a cigar of this caliber. I maintain my humidor at 65-68% humidity and 68-70°F temperature—any higher and you risk issues with the larger ring gauge. The Magnum 56 has superb aging potential and will reward smokers who understand the importance of a quality humidor environment.

I’ve had excellent results aging these cigars for 2-3 years. The flavors integrate beautifully over time, with the earthier notes becoming more refined and the overall smoking experience gaining smoothness. If you can afford to buy a box and forget about it for a couple years, you’ll be amazed at the transformation.

For those serious about cigar storage, I recommend reading up on proper humidor setup techniques. Cuban cigars this premium deserve the best care possible.

Cutting and Lighting Technique

The triple cap construction requires careful attention when cutting. I prefer using a sharp guillotine cutter, making clean cuts about 2mm above the cap line. The 56 ring gauge means you’re dealing with a substantial surface area, so take your time and ensure an even cut to prevent draw issues.

For lighting, I always use a butane torch with this size cigar. Cedar strips work well too if you prefer the traditional approach. The key is patience—with a ring gauge this large, you need to ensure even ignition around the entire foot. I usually take 4-5 gentle draws while rotating the cigar to establish an even burn line.

Don’t rush this process. Proper lighting technique makes the difference between a good smoking experience and a great one, especially with cigars of this quality and price.

Authenticating Your Purchase

Given the premium nature and limited edition status, counterfeit Magnum 56 cigars exist in the market. When examining an authentic H. Upmann Magnum 56 Edición Limitada 2015, look for the golden Edición Limitada 2015 label positioned near the cap. This detail is crucial for authentication.

The wrapper should display that characteristic oily sheen with uniform coloration I mentioned earlier. Authentic examples feature minimal veining and flawless construction. The band should be crisp and properly aligned, with no spelling errors or color inconsistencies.

Construction quality serves as another authentication marker. That expertly applied triple cap should be perfectly smooth with no rough edges or loose spots. The cigar should feel substantial but not overly firm when gently squeezed.

When making your order, ensure you’re dealing with reputable dealers who can verify authenticity. Established Cuban cigar retailers typically provide guarantees and have relationships with authorized distributors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the H. Upmann Magnum 56 take to smoke?

In my experience, plan for 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on your smoking pace. I’ve personally finished one in exactly 90 minutes during a focused session, but more commonly they run closer to 2-2.5 hours when I’m relaxing and taking my time. The large ring gauge and quality construction allow for a very slow smoking pace if desired.

Is this cigar suitable for beginners?

No, I wouldn’t recommend the Magnum 56 for new cigar smokers. The medium-full to full strength profile can be overwhelming for inexperienced palates. Additionally, the price point and limited availability make it better suited for seasoned enthusiasts who can fully appreciate its complexity and craftsmanship.

How does this compare to other H. Upmann cigars?

The Magnum 56 represents the largest ring gauge ever released under the H. Upmann brand name, making it unique in their portfolio. It’s fuller-bodied than many traditional Upmann cigars, which tend toward the medium-bodied range. The edicion limitada status also means different tobacco selections and aging processes compared to regular production lines.

What makes this an Edición Limitada release?

Edición Limitada cigars use tobacco aged for a minimum of two years and feature unique vitolas not found in regular production. The 2015 release of the Magnum 56 was produced in limited quantities with specially selected wrapper and filler tobaccos. Once these cigars are gone, they won’t be produced again with the same specifications.

Should I smoke this cigar now or age it further?

That depends on your preference and patience level. These cigars smoke beautifully now, offering the full complexity I’ve described in my reviews. However, they also have excellent aging potential and will continue developing over 3-5 years in proper storage conditions. If you have multiple cigars, I’d suggest smoking one now and aging the others to compare how they evolve.