In Cuban cigar terms the H. Upmann Magnum 54 is a very recent release. Only 5 short years have passed since this vitola first became available to smokers and, save for a handful of Regional Editions in 2020, it is only H. Upmann who have used it. The significant width of the cigar – 54 ring gauge by 4 ¾ inches – means that, despite the somewhat short length, it will smoke for a good 70-80 minutes. The thickness gives the blend of tobacco plenty of opportunity to develop and express its usual flavours and medium body, and the smoking time makes it perfect for a lazy summer afternoon, hence the inclusion in the EGM Cigars Summer Smokes Collection.
One of the most endearing aspects of Havana cigars is their ability to improve with age. The cigar for this review came from a box I laid down a year ago, with an ABR 21 stamp on the bottom. When it arrived last summer I cracked it almost immediately, and the cigars smoked well; after leaving the second half of the box to mature for another 12 months they have only got better.
Construction: 10/10
- The wrapper on this cigar was smooth and silky, and the fill was flawless throughout. No sunspots or other blemishes to the wrapper.
Draw: 10/10
- From the first puff to the last there was plenty of smoke flowing freely along this cigar, with no moment when I had to exert any extra effort.
Combustion: 10/10
- A perfect, straight burn for the entirety of the smoke. No assistance required.
Ash: 4/5
- Solid and compact, light grey in colour and keen to hold on to the burning foot until it rolled off about an inch at a time.
Smoke: 5/5
- Thick plumes of silver and blue smoke, carrying a rich aroma, filled the air as I enjoyed this cigar.
Flavour: 21/25
- This cigar began light in body and built as it went on, and the flavour followed suit. Intricate development and a wide range of flavours, even by usual Cuban standards, made this a delight to fill my afternoon with.
Overall: 33/35
- Most of us will be well aware by now the benefits of allowing your cigars to age in the box for a while, but I was still surprised by the improvement of this stick. Readers should not infer that the fresh version was in any way disappointing, but the richness and maturity of flavour following a relatively short period of time were almost incredible to me. A magnificent smoke, from start to finish.
Final Score: 93/100
- Scrolling through the Summer Smokes Collection gave me inspiration to revisit this cigar after last year’s purchase, and I am very glad I did. The initial notes were of buttery biscuit – like a traditional Scottish shortbread – with a touch of hazelnut and a lightness of body which belied the size of the cigar. After a while the mouthfeel of the smoke became richer and creamier, but the flavour notes seemed to contrast it, with floral and grassy notes now dancing across the palette. The final third of the cigar became much richer: coffee, leather and earth intertwined, with a fresh bread aftertaste lingering after every puff. I am used to Cuban cigars being delicious, but this one caught me a little by surprise with just how good it was.