It’s one of Cuba’s signature cigar brands: H. Upmann, one that counts more than 173 years of heritage and among the world’s oldest cigar brands.
Indeed, the Upmann brand, named after a German banker, was the favored brand of none other than John F. Kennedy, whose regular smoke was the H. Upmann Petit Upmann.
And while the brand’s range remains renowned, in recent years its Magnum 50 variety has been particularly popular among lovers of Habanos.
First launched in 2005, then made a permanent release in 2008, this is a larger cigar, with a 50 ring gauge and a length of 161mm.
The cigar has a nice-looking, slightly dark brown wrapper and a beautiful construction.
The flavor profile is decidedly woody and earthy, and as it opens up notes of leather, coffee, spice and even anise begin to emerge before showing more spice and black pepper toward the latter half of the smoke.
Still on the mild side, it’s perfect as a late afternoon smoke with a light rum or a cappuccino as one ponders the future of the day.
This is an elegant cigar, befitting its storied heritage.
— Alexander Britell