H. Upmann Magnum 50 Cuban Cigar Review: A Grand Smoke from One of Havana's Oldest Houses
Overview
The H. Upmann Magnum 50 is a cigar of genuine stature — both in size and reputation. Produced at the H. Upmann factory (La Corona) in Havana, this is one of the most celebrated vitolas in the H. Upmann portfolio, a brand with roots stretching back to 1844 when German banker Hermann Upmann established his Havana operation. The Magnum 50 was introduced in 2002 as a Limited Edition before becoming a permanent global release in 2009, and it has since become a benchmark for medium-to-full-bodied Cuban smoking. This is a cigar that demands time, attention, and a worthy pairing.
Cigar Profile
- Origin: Cuba (Havana)
- Factory: H. Upmann Factory (La Corona)
- Format: Toro (50 ring gauge × 5½" length)
- Wrapper: Cuban Colorado Claro
- Strength: Medium to Full
- Smoking Time: 75–90 minutes
Tasting Notes
First Third
The Magnum 50 opens with authority. The cold draw reveals dark dried fruit, espresso, and a hint of dark chocolate — a bold promise of what's to come. Once lit, the first third delivers roasted coffee, toasted cedar, and a rich leather backbone, underpinned by a satisfying white pepper spice on the retrohale. The draw is firm but rewarding, the smoke thick and aromatic.
Second Third
The heart of the cigar is where the Magnum 50 truly earns its reputation. Complexity deepens considerably: dark cocoa, molasses, roasted nuts, and a developing earthiness layer beautifully over the cedar and leather base. There's a natural sweetness that emerges — almost like brown sugar — that balances the cigar's growing strength. The burn is even and the ash holds in impressive, dense columns.
Final Third
The final third is bold and deeply satisfying. Dark espresso, charred oak, black pepper, and a rich dried fruit sweetness converge in a powerful, lingering finish. Strength builds to full by the close — this is a cigar that finishes on its own terms. Not for the faint-hearted, but utterly magnificent for those who can handle it.
Scores
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Construction & Draw | 9/10 |
| 🔥 Burn & Ash | 9/10 |
| 👃 Aroma | 9.5/10 |
| 👅 Flavour Complexity | 9.5/10 |
| 💷 Value for Money | 8.5/10 |
| ⭐ Overall | 92/100 |
Recommended Pairings
🥃 Bourbon Pairing
The H. Upmann Magnum 50 is a bold, complex, full-flavoured cigar that demands a bourbon with equal presence and depth. Our top recommendation is Knob Creek 12 Year Single Barrel — its extended maturation delivers an intense profile of dark caramel, charred oak, dried dark fruit, and baking spice that stands toe-to-toe with the cigar's powerful character. The high proof cuts through the richness of the smoke, while the long, warming finish mirrors the cigar's own lingering conclusion perfectly.
Alternative bourbon picks: Booker's Bourbon, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, or Baker's 7 Year.
☕ Non-Alcoholic Pairing
A double espresso or a cold brew concentrate served over ice is the ideal non-alcoholic companion — the intensity of the coffee matches the cigar's full-bodied character without being overwhelmed by it. A dark hot chocolate made with 85% cacao is another outstanding option for the final third.
🍫 Snack Pairing
Aged cheddar or a sharp Manchego alongside a few squares of 85% dark chocolate will amplify the cigar's cocoa and dried fruit notes beautifully. A small glass of Pedro Ximénez sherry alongside the final third is also a revelation — its raisin and molasses sweetness is a natural counterpart to the cigar's bold finish.
Suggested Occasion
The H. Upmann Magnum 50 is not an everyday smoke — it's a landmark cigar for landmark moments. Its 75–90 minute smoking time and medium-to-full strength profile make it best suited to a long, unhurried evening where it can be given the full attention it deserves. Think a celebratory dinner with close friends, a milestone birthday or retirement, or a quiet evening by the fire in the depths of winter.
It's also the natural choice for a serious cigar enthusiast who wants to explore the upper reaches of the H. Upmann range. If you're buying for someone who knows their Habanos, the Magnum 50 will make an immediate impression.
For weddings and premium celebrations, the Magnum 50 is the prestige option — ideal for a VIP cigar lounge or as a luxury gift for the groom, father of the bride, or a distinguished guest. Pair with a bottle of Knob Creek 12 Year for a gift that will be remembered long after the day itself.
Final Verdict
The H. Upmann Magnum 50 is one of Cuba's great cigars — a bold, complex, and deeply satisfying smoke that showcases everything the H. Upmann factory does best. It rewards patience, demands respect, and delivers an experience that lingers in the memory long after the last draw. If you have the time and the occasion, this is a cigar that will not disappoint.
Rated 92/100 — Exceptional. Very Highly Recommended.