In the grand tapestry of life's pleasures, a cigar is certainly the ultimate indulgence. In the seemingly never-ending Vitolas and brands in the Habanos portfolio, there exist a moment, a jewel of time, when drawing on the H. Upmann Magnum 46, the smoke from which transcends the mere act of indulgence, becoming synonym of the scenes. It was on such an occasion, amidst the blossoming embrace of a temperate spring day, that I found myself ensconced in the welcoming arms of a Marylebone restaurant-café, the city’s heartbeat a mere whisper against the stage of tranquillity set before me.

The Magnum 46 began its overture with a smooth, inviting opening, as the flame kissed the foot, the first draws were akin to the gentlest introduction in a concerto, where notes are soft, hinting at the richness to follow. The smoke opened with vanilla and ceder, with a whisper, a promise of the spice to come. It is at this point one comes to understand the illustrious heritage of the Upmann blend.
As the narrative of the smoke unfolded, the cigar evolved, its flavour deepening, much like the plot of a well-written novel that reveals its intricacies chapter by chapter. The Initial subtlety gave way to a richer, more complex profile. Notes of ceder, more pronounced, the promise; kept, giving way to an introduction to cinnamon and coffee adding a pleasant bitterness to contrast the initial sweetness. As the spice began to dance on the palate, each puff was a deeper exploration into the soul of the cigar, it was a journey that traversed a surprisingly wide spectrum of flavour, guided by the skilled hands of the creators in Cuba.

In its final act, the cigar reached its crescendo of intensity, laced with a potency unexpected, hitherto unseen from an Upmann. The final third boasts of wood, more akin to oak rather than ceder, coupled with a stronger spice profile. London with its bustling streets and quiet dignity of its parks, seemed to pause, almost acknowledging the perfection of the moment. It was as if the city itself had conspired to create an oasis of peace, a sanctuary where time stood still, allowing me to fully appreciate the Magnum 46’s evolving symphony of flavours.

In this setting, the H. Upmann Magnum 46 was a wonderful companion, a muse that whispered tales of lands afar, of hands that rolled with utmost care, and of the legacy of an inspiring brand that had stood the test of time. Notwithstanding the immaculate flavour, the construction and draw left some to be desired. As the smoke curtailed upwards, mingling with the air, I would sip on a double espresso. There exists a duet, to my knowledge, no greater than that of a cigar and an expertly pulled espresso shot, with crema thicker than the morning fog over the Thames. Each sip of the espresso, dark and rich, distinctly lacking the elbows and edges often experienced when using an inferior quality bean, did not just compliment the cigar, it completed it. One would dare to call the pairing a perfect marriage. The bold notes of the espresso, with its subtle undertones of chocolate and citrus danced on the palate along with the smooth, creamy beginning of the cigar, creating a liveliness that awakened the scenes. Together, they spoke of old worlds and new discoveries, a reminder of the beaty found in the moment, in the simple act of savouring, a testament to the art of enjoying life’s fleeting pleasures, as an ephemeral and delightful as the smoke that drifts into the ether.

I writing this review while I'm smoking the cigar
I think this is my first time smoking the 46
Chocolate Milk wrap
nice cigar started with spicy taste on the lips and after taste
then turn to old tobacco
the amount of smoke is accepbtable
the burn is fine , slow but also acceptable
firm white ash
sweet aftertaste
good cigar for the afternoon, medium body
I think H.Upman successful in reqular production more than EL

305. H. Upmann Magnum 46 Aged 2008

2019-05-13/ ANDREDIAS95

From my own collection.

Location: This review was made indoors in Mellgrens cigar lounge.

Information:
H. Upmann is a current pre-Revolution brand, established in 1844.
The range comprises light to medium strength cigars, using tobacco from the premium Vuelta Abajo region in Cuba.

Size: 5.6×46, Grand Corona (Coronas Gordas).

Wrapper: Milk chocolate, oily and silky-smooth with tiny veins.

Construction: Firm even feel when lightly squeezed.

Cold draw: Cedarwood.

1st third: Starts with a smooth note of toasted bread and a suave note of cedarwood in the background.

2nd third: Keeps the same.

Burn: Burns hasty, fairly sharp with a grayish stable white ash.

Smoke: Voluminous white smoke with a cool feeling with a light draw.

3rd third: No changes, well balanced with s smooth flavour profile.

Duration: 16:30-17:30, 1h.

Conclusion: A mild bodied cigar with a mild strength profile.

Result: In my book this is an 89 point cigar.

/Cigar Reviewer André

(A review by an apprentice aficionado)

My first Upmann Mag 46 was very nice. A lovely start of leather and honey, which remained throughout the first and second, later joined by a buttery smoothness in the second, all of which transitioned to a burnt caramel in the late second/early final third. I chose to leave the cigar halfway through the last third as it became decidedly bitter and I didn’t want to ruin the beginning tastes.

I have been looking for a cigar, which would potentially be my first box of cigars to purchase and this is a good contender in my list.

Despite being considered light to medium in strength, I find this Corona Gorda to be exceptionally mild and on a level with the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.1 (a cigar of the same size but of a supposedly lighter body). Construction is good and the presentation of this cigar in an SLB cabinet of 25 delights the eyes. It can almost be tasted before being set fire to. The delivery of smoke is consistent however, to my dismay, so is the flavour. It starts sweet and smooth and continues in the same manner until the end. It is by no means a bad cigar and dies in the ashtray with its dignity still intact. A good morning smoke but can barely be tasted after a substantial meal. Consistency, however, is key and this cigar never fails to deliver what you expect of it.