H. Upmann Magnum 54

HISTORY

Herman Upmann was a banker from Germany who so loved Cuban cigars that he moved to Havana in 1844 and set up as both banker and cigar maker. His bank closed in the early 1920s but his cigars live on as a fine example of an elegant, light to medium flavoured Havana.

The brand is particularly welcome in the UK as Hunters & Frankau has represented H. Upmann in Britain since the 1850s and, between 1925 and 1937, owned the factory in Havana as well as the worldwide brand rights.

Amongst the best-known H. Upmann sizes are the Magnum 46, Magnum 50 and Magnum 54. As the name suggests Magnums have heavy girths – the number represents the ring gauge of each size. Other important sizes include the Sir Winston, the Connoisseur No.1 and in smaller vitolas the Corona J and Half Corona, which was introduced in 2011.

H. Upmann’s blend is composed exclusively of filler and binder tobaccos grown in the Vuelta Abajo zone and all sizes are ‘tripa larga, totalmente a mano’ – long filler, totally handmade.

Joining the '50' and the '46' this is both the shortest and widest of the three. Released in 2017, its shape seems the epitome of a modern-day Havana.

TASTING NOTES

The larger ring gauge maximises the volume of creamy, medium-bodied smoke. The cigar begins with rich notes of buttered toast, sweet cedar, and caramel, quickly developing into complex layers of roasted cashews, white pepper spice, and light vanilla. The smoke remains consistently smooth and cool, delivering a short, intense flavour burst that finishes with a refined blend of cocoa and clean earth.

This rich and creamy cigar pairs beautifully with drinks such as a Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a Smooth Speyside or Highland Single Malt, or a rich Dark Roast Coffee.

CIGAR INFORMATION

Country of Origin: Cuba

Flavour profile: Light to Medium-bodied

Vitola: Magnum 54

Size: 54 ring gauge, 4 3/4 inches

Smoking time: 45 minutes