H Upmann Magnum 56

Description

Fifty-six ring gauge—the biggest in the H. Upmann portfolio. The Magnum 56 debuted as a 2015 Edición Limitada before earning permanent status in 2019, proof that Cuban blenders can master modern American-style dimensions without abandoning their heritage. This vitola exists nowhere else in the Habanos catalog; the format was created specifically for this cigar. If you’ve ever wondered what H. Upmann’s refined elegance tastes like through a substantial ring gauge, the Magnum 56 provides the definitive answer.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The wide gauge delivers immediate smoke volume—thick, creamy clouds with each draw. Light wood establishes the foundation, characteristically H. Upmann in its refined approach. A creamy base builds beneath the woodiness, soft and inviting. The ring gauge means cooler smoke, allowing subtler flavors to emerge: botanical notes, a hint of sweetness. Earth undertones anchor the profile while the draw remains effortless. Despite its substantial size, this opening is surprisingly gentle—the marca’s signature elegance intact.

Mid-Section: The heart of the Magnum 56 builds into medium-full territory. Sweet notes integrate with heavy earth-dominant undertones, creating classic H. Upmann depth. Rich cocoa emerges, followed by roasted coffee bean—dark, satisfying flavors befitting the format. Leather and spice join the profile, adding complexity. Musk appears, that unique Cuban quality difficult to describe but impossible to mistake. Chocolate intensifies as the cigar progresses. The large ring gauge prevents any harshness, keeping the experience smooth even as intensity grows.

Final Third: The conclusion delivers everything the format promises. Spice becomes more pronounced—consistent, lasting, perfectly balanced. Coffee notes drift in and out, trading places with creamy nuttiness. The toasted quality from the middle section deepens. The burn remains razor-straight throughout ninety minutes, the construction flawless. Some draws bring dark chocolate; others emphasize the roasted, almost charred tobacco notes. The cigar maintains its oily sheen to the end, visual confirmation of the quality within.

Flavor Profile

Evolution of a Classic

H. Upmann’s history stretches to 1844, when German banker Herman Upmann established the brand. The marca has always represented refined Cuban smoking—elegant rather than powerful, nuanced rather than bold. The Magnum 56 represents an evolution: taking that established character and expressing it through a modern, substantial format. The 2015 Edición Limitada sold quickly enough that Habanos brought it back permanently in 2019, initially for travel retail before wider distribution. The market had spoken: H. Upmann can compete in the big ring gauge arena without sacrificing its identity.

Perfect Pairings

• Coffee: Double espresso or café Cubano—the cigar’s roasted notes harmonize with coffee’s natural bitterness.
• Rum: Aged añejo, 7-12 years—Havana Club 7 or Diplomático Reserva. The sweetness complements without overwhelming.
• Bourbon: High-rye expressions like Four Roses Single Barrel—spice meeting spice, vanilla matching cream.
• Chocolate: 70% dark chocolate, perhaps with sea salt. Echo the cigar’s cocoa notes while the salt enhances everything.

Ideal For

The H. Upmann Magnum 56 serves smokers who appreciate the H. Upmann profile but want more ring gauge, more smoke, more presence. The ninety-minute smoking time makes it an evening commitment, appropriate for extended relaxation or celebration. Modern cigar enthusiasts accustomed to 60-ring Nicaraguans will find familiar proportions with distinctly Cuban character. Traditional Cuban aficionados will discover that their beloved marca translates beautifully to substantial formats. The superb construction ensures these cigars age gracefully—buy a box, smoke a few to understand the baseline, then let the rest develop for two to three years. The Magnum 56 proves that Cuba can evolve its offerings while honoring its heritage.

Format Note: This is the only cigar in the entire Habanos portfolio using the Magnum 56 vitola—a format created exclusively for this release. You’re not just smoking an H. Upmann; you’re smoking a format that exists nowhere else in Cuban production.