Description
Why the Magnum 56 Deserves More Credit Than It Gets
I’ll admit something right off the bat – when H. Upmann released the Magnum 56 back in 2008, I wasn’t exactly rushing to pick up a box. Another big ring gauge cigar? Really? Thing is, I was wrong. Dead wrong. This cigar turned out to be one of those sleepers that catches you off guard, and after smoking through a few boxes over the years, I’ve come to appreciate what makes it genuinely special in the H. Upmann lineup.
What you’re about to read isn’t some carefully crafted marketing pitch. This is what I’ve learned from actually smoking these cigars – sometimes perfectly aged, sometimes too young, occasionally at the wrong time of day with the wrong drink. The Magnum 56 is a cigar that rewards patience and understanding, but it’s also more approachable than you might think for a stick with this kind of size.
What Makes This Upmann Different
H. Upmann has been around since 1844, which makes it one of the oldest Cuban brands still in production. But don’t let that history fool you into thinking they’re stuck in the past – the Magnum line represents their willingness to embrace modern preferences for bigger ring gauges without sacrificing the elegance the brand is known for.
The Magnum 56 sits in an interesting spot. It’s a Toro Gordo format, which means you’re getting a substantial smoke that still maintains some restraint. Not quite a baseball bat, but definitely hefty enough that you know you’re holding something serious. The wrapper is typical Vuelta Abajo leaf – that rich, oily Cuban tobacco that comes from the most prestigious growing region on the island.
Who should smoke this? If you’re the type who gravitates toward medium-bodied cigars with complexity but don’t want to get punched in the face with strength, this is your wheelhouse. I’ve recommended it to friends transitioning from Dominican cigars to Cubans, and it’s been a solid bridge. There’s enough going on to keep experienced smokers interested, but it won’t overwhelm someone still developing their palate. The aging potential is seriously underrated too – I smoked a five-year-old one last summer that was absolutely singing.
The Technical Stuff
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Magnum 56 (Toro Gordo) |
| Length | 5.6 inches / 143 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 56 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
What It’s Actually Like to Smoke One
The cold draw on a well-constructed Magnum 56 gives you hints of what’s coming – there’s this subtle sweetness mixed with earth tones, maybe a touch of barnyard funk if it’s been resting properly. Not overwhelming, just… present. The ring gauge means you’re getting a lot of air flow, which some purists complain about, but honestly? It makes for an easier, more forgiving smoke.
Light it up and that first third comes in surprisingly creamy. I mean genuinely smooth – not harsh, not aggressive. You get cedar notes right away, that classic H. Upmann signature, but there’s this underlying sweetness that reminds me of light cocoa powder. Not chocolate exactly, more like the dusty cocoa you’d find in a French press coffee. The leather notes are there too, subtle at first but building. The wrapper contributes this gentle spice on the lips that’s pleasant rather than challenging.
Here’s where it gets interesting – the second third is where this cigar earns its keep. The flavor profile shifts into this more complex territory. That initial creaminess doesn’t disappear, but it gets layered with earthier tones. I’ve picked up notes of toasted almonds, more pronounced leather (like a well-worn jacket, not fresh tanned hide), and this interesting herbal quality that’s hard to pin down. Maybe dried oregano? My buddy insists it’s hay, and he might be right. The strength stays firmly in medium territory, which I appreciate because you can smoke this mid-afternoon without needing a nap afterward.
The construction on these has been consistently solid in my experience. I’m talking straight burn lines, firm ash that holds for an inch or more, and none of that annoying tunneling you sometimes get with bigger ring gauges. The draw stays cool throughout – that big ring gauge working in your favor here. Actually, scratch that – I did have one box from 2019 that was rolled a bit tight, so maybe 9 out of 10 are perfect rather than 10 out of 10.
Final third? This is where you need to pay attention. The flavors concentrate as you get closer to the band. More pepper shows up, not overwhelming but definitely present. The cocoa notes deepen into something richer, almost coffee-like. If you retrohale (and you should, at least once), you’ll catch this wonderful interplay of spice and smooth leather that makes you understand why people get obsessed with Cuban tobacco. The finish lingers in a good way – not harsh, just present enough that you’re thinking about it for a few minutes after you set it down.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| H. Upmann Magnum 56 | Medium | 75-90 minutes | Afternoon smoke, complex but approachable |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full | 50-60 minutes | Bolder flavors, shorter commitment |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Medium-Mild | 50-70 minutes | Lighter profile, more delicate |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 80-100 minutes | Special occasions, more intensity |
What to Drink With It
I’ve paired this cigar with enough different drinks to have some strong opinions here. Coffee is the obvious choice – a good Cuban espresso or a medium roast pour-over complements those cocoa and earth notes beautifully. But honestly? I keep coming back to aged rum. Something like a Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or even a well-aged Havana Club brings out the sweetness in the tobacco without overwhelming it.
Scotch works too, but stick to something not too peaty. A Highland single malt like Dalmore 12 or Glenmorangie pairs nicely. The sherry cask influence in those whiskies plays well with the natural sweetness of the wrapper. I’ve also had success with a good old-fashioned bourbon – nothing too corn-forward, maybe something wheated like Maker’s Mark.
Time of day matters with this one. It’s substantial enough for an evening smoke, but the medium strength means it works perfectly for a late afternoon session too. Saturday at 3 PM on the patio? Absolutely perfect. After a heavy dinner? Maybe go with something fuller-bodied instead.
What People Usually Ask Me About This Cigar
How long should I age a Magnum 56 before smoking it?
Honestly, they’re pretty good straight from the box if they’ve been properly stored at the retailer. But if you can wait? Give them six months to a year minimum in your humidor at 65-68% humidity. I’ve found the sweet spot is around 3-5 years – the flavors really marry together and that creaminess becomes even more pronounced. Past seven years they start getting a bit mellow for my taste, but some people love that.
Is the 56 ring gauge too big for someone used to smaller cigars?
I get this question a lot. Thing is, the larger ring gauge actually makes it more forgiving, not less. You get better airflow, cooler smoke, and it’s harder to overheat the cigar with rapid puffing. If you’re coming from coronas or robustos, yeah, it’ll feel substantial in your hand, but the smoking experience isn’t more difficult. Just takes longer, so plan accordingly.
How does this compare to the Magnum 50?
Good question. The Magnum 50 is a bit shorter and obviously skinnier, which concentrates the flavors more. It’s also a slightly quicker smoke at around 60 minutes. I’d say the 50 is a touch more refined and elegant, while the 56 is more generous and forgiving. If you want precision, go with the 50. If you want to relax and not think too hard, the 56 is your friend.
What’s the best way to cut a cigar this thick?
I use a straight guillotine cut on these, but make sure your cutter can actually handle a 56 ring gauge – some of the cheaper ones can’t open wide enough. A punch cut works too and some people swear it focuses the smoke, but I prefer the fuller draw you get from a straight cut. V-cuts are fine but unnecessary in my opinion for this vitola.
Will this cigar get stronger as I smoke it?
Yeah, it does build a bit, but it’s not dramatic. You start in the mild-to-medium zone and by the final third you’re solidly medium, maybe creeping toward medium-full if you’re smoking it fast. But we’re not talking about a Partagás-level strength increase here. It stays pretty manageable throughout, which is part of its appeal.
Can I smoke this cigar right after a meal?
Depends on the meal, honestly. After something light like fish or chicken? Absolutely perfect. After a massive steak dinner with all the sides? It might get lost a bit – you’d probably want something with more oomph. I’ve found it pairs best after lunch rather than after a heavy dinner. The medium body just works better when your palate isn’t completely saturated.
Are these good for sharing with friends new to Cuban cigars?
Actually, yes – this is one of my go-to recommendations for that exact scenario. It’s got enough complexity to be interesting, the flavors are approachable and won’t scare anyone off, and the medium strength means nobody’s going to turn green halfway through. Just make sure they know it’s at least an hour-plus commitment. I’ve converted more than a few friends to Cubans with this stick.
My Final Take
The H. Upmann Magnum 56 isn’t trying to be the most complex Cuban on the market, and it’s not shooting for full-bodied intensity either. What it does brilliantly is occupy this middle ground where smoothness meets character, where size meets sophistication. It’s a cigar that rewards attention but doesn’t demand it, that improves with age but doesn’t require it.
If you’re building out your humidor and looking for something reliable that guests will enjoy and you won’t tire of yourself, grab a box. Let them rest a few months if you can manage the patience. Pair it thoughtfully. And when you light it up, give yourself the full 90 minutes to appreciate what Upmann was going for here – accessible complexity in a generous format. That’s not a contradiction – it’s exactly what makes this cigar worth your time.
