H.Upmann Magnum 56 Edicion Limitada 2015 (LUB Jun 2015)

[JohnS]

Format: Double Robusto

Dimensions: 56 ring gauge x 150 mm

Date: Saturday 25th of June, 2016

Cold Draw: A lovely, quality barnyard and tobacco smell. The cold draw was good with cocoa, bean and barnyard flavour coming through.

Lit: 1:00 p.m.

Initial Draw: I used my 3-in-1 Credo Punch Cutter, using the largest 14 mm cut, to make a perfect punch. (After) The first few draws in and I could easily tell that this was quality cigar. It was medium to medium-full in body, but the smoke output was exceptional. Chocolate, Upmann Shortbread, perhaps licorice, and a hint of pleasant spice through the nose.

First Third: I've paired this with a nice black espresso, my usual beverage of choice. I'm telling myself to slow down as I want to take multiple puffs, much like what Laurence Davis does in his Sautter Video Cigar Reviews when he enjoys a cigar. Thankfully for me, the burn is a little uneven, so this forces me to slow down and reflect/contemplate the cigar experience so far. (There's) Some nice, mild spice is detected now with each puff. As I see the burn start to correct itself (the sign of a quality cigar), I can make out the iconic H.Upmann toasted tobacco profile married with hints of pepper. (There's) Exceptional smoke still per draw.

Second Third: The Upmann toasted tobacco and pepper is coming through stronger now, but is not overpowering the cigar to the point where you'd want to re-visit this in 3-6 months to get some flavour out it, as there's flavour to be had now! There's a little licorice to each puff, I'd describe it as being more than your standard chocolate flavour which you associate with recent Limited Edition releases. I am really enjoying the subtle spice and pepper on the aftertaste. The burn has corrected perfectly and smoke output is consistently outstanding.

Final Third: At the beginning of the final third, and the question I ask myself is, "how do I slide off the band/s?" Experience tells me to slide off the 'El 2015' band forward, and use the heat of the cigar to attempt to slide off the other one later. The intensity is identical to the second third, again, another sign of the quality of this cigar. As I draw down I marvel at how smooth this is in comparison to the second third and I'm well-pleased that I have had the opportunity to review it at the 12-month stage. With very careful manipulation, I was able to slide off the large H.Upmann 56 band towards the head of the cigar.

Completed: 2:30 p.m.

Conclusion: I am indebted to my dear friend and brother-of-the-leaf Jimmy (jimsta10) for gifting me this superb cigar to review. I also struggled (mentally) with the concept of a 56 ring gauge cigar prior to lighting, I much prefer a standard ring gauge 42 mm Marevas or Corona/Corona Grande cigar. I'm not going to excuse the size though, it is a jaw-breaker. I compensated for this by 'sipping' from the 14mm punch cut all the way throughout smoking the cigar, at least the smoke output was able to compensate for small draws and maximum flavour/s!

It's easy to understand why El Presidente has found it difficult to keep his hands off these so young, the fact is that this is brilliant. If you've haven't committed to getting a box or partaking in a split, the simple truth is, you've made a mistake. You simply must get your hands on this! My recommendation is to smoke one every 3 to 6 months, and patiently wait until they get to 3 to 5 years in age, when they will become exceptional in my opinion. In the meantime, I aim to re-visit the other recent Limited Editions (2015 Ramon Allones Club Allones, 2014 Cohiba Robusto Supremo, Bolivar Super Corona and Partagas Seleccion Privada) in the next coming weeks to compare.

[jimsta10]

Excellent review and it was my pleasure...

[mrastigue]

Thanks for the review. I have purchased 4 boxes of this 2015 LE and have smoked a few sticks from each box. Though there are definitely some more than subtle differences between boxes; all have been a pleasure to smoke. I concur with you/Rob how special this release is and have my stash aging comfortably. 

 

[skalls]

I splurged (early birthday present I tell myself) but the box is off to the ohs.  next year I'll give this a try

[Optic101]

Great review John as usual. And thanks for tempting us. 

[Scrubber]

The RG really doesn't appeal to me but based on this and the video review I had to grab a 5 pack of these from today's 24:24.

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[dflan82]

Great review as always John. I loved the fact that this cigar had its powerful yet not overbearing moments and also was also able to deliver subtle complexity in flavor. Even if you are like most of the members on FOH and prefer a smaller ring gage than this beast offers, it is indeed a box-worthy cigar (IMO).  Thanks to you and Jimmy for sharing!

[Arnehaj]

Thanks for a give us the changes to read this great review. It's a jawbreaker for me to that's what holding me of to get a box.

Skickas från en telefon

[TheMonk]

Very nice review, I agree with most of your impressions!

[Fuzz]

1hr 30min to complete the review? It took you an hour to type all that after you finished the cigar?

[JC67]

Excellent review John.. I love the Upmanns but not a fan of the size.

 

You have made me feel like trying one out though! Good job

 

Regards

JC

[TheMonk]

Excellent review John.. I love the Upmanns but not a fan of the size.

 

You have made me feel like trying one out though! Good job

 

Regards

JC

If you can, do try it - it's worth it.

[Cubatabaco]

The only part of this cigar I'm not a fan of is the price.

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[TheMonk]

10 hours ago, cubatabaco said:

The only part of this cigar I'm not a fan of is the price.

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True, and the ring gauge is also a bit much, IMO... but either of them in no way deter from the wonderful cigar it really is.

[Cubatabaco]

True, and the ring gauge is also a bit much, IMO... but either of them in no way deter from the wonderful cigar it really is.

I'd love to grab at least a 5er to try.

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[JohnnyCigar]

Thanks for the review!

[demer]

I agree with some of the thoughts about the ring gauge. Its too big but it is a fantastic cigar non the less.

[Mycroft]

I just picked up a single locally. A wind-tunnel. Some nice flavours in there but no intensity. Big disappointment for the price.

[TheMonk]

2 hours ago, Mycroft said:

I just picked up a single locally. A wind-tunnel. Some nice flavours in there but no intensity. Big disappointment for the price.

You must have caught a bad stick. At this point I've smoked halfway through a box, and it's a great cigar, with a superb blend. Just not a fan of the huge ring gauge (and the price), apart from that it's fabulous IMO.

[Sean3]

6 hours ago, Mycroft said:

I just picked up a single locally. A wind-tunnel. Some nice flavours in there but no intensity. Big disappointment for the price.

That's too bad, this and the HDM EE are two of my top sticks this year.  Could have just been a dud, or...different strokes for different folks.  Cheers.

[Sean3]

Bravo sir.  I do not have the patience to hand write a review, especially such a detailed one!  I agree, a terrific stick, I bit the bullet and ponied up the cash for a box from our gracious host.  The ring gauge makes my jaw come unhinged, but it's oh so good!  Well done.  Cheers.

[Mycroft]

Yes, I am sure it was a dud. Glad that everyone else has good ones.

[Slyclient]

Has anyone tried one of these from this box as of late? I'm thinking about dipping into my box tonight. Curious to know if you've noticed any changes

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[Mycroft]

I've had three of these since that first bad experience. All very good to excellent. So that first one was just bad luck I guess.

[Slyclient]

I've had three of these since that first bad experience. All very good to excellent. So that first one was just bad luck I guess.

Nice! I just took one out to dry box. I'll have it at some point this weekend.

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