H. Upmann Magnum 46 NOV 05

[Colt45]

I have an '05 box ( don't know the codes offhand), that to date, has been lackluster.

I'm hoping they come around, but I'm not sure they have the stuffing.

Now...... Tom Selleck......Gonads.......Suck Dry.......?

What gives, chief?

[Jimmy2]

I Love this cigar when its on track there's nothing like them and yes they are very addicting.

[greenpimp]

Nice review. I have had very good luck with 05 Upmanns, my three Mag46 cabs all excellent, May and June I believe. As good as the 2002 box I only have a few left from.

[Professor Twain]

Rob, "butter almond" is exactly the phrase for what I love in the Mag 46.

Any other Upmanns that have that butter almond taste?

[smokum]

Lets hope OCT 05 is just as good or better !

[El Presidente]

» Rob, "butter almond" is exactly the phrase for what I love in the Mag 46.

»

» Any other Upmanns that have that butter almond taste?

I get a similar profile in Sir Winstons and only occasionally on very good Petit Corona's.

The old H. Upmann No 4 to me were a smaller format old school Magnum 46.

[shrink]

Excellent review, Boss! It's good to hear that the Mag may be coming back. This used to be one of my favorites, but I haven't had one worth mentioning since early 2004.

Along with the PSD4, this is one of the few Habanos that I used to enjoy "fresh". Back then, these were spicy masterpieces... colts that would bolt from the gate, and lead the field all the way to an upset win. Ahhh... those were the days!! :-D

[El Presidente]

» Excellent review, Boss! It's good to hear that the Mag may be coming back.

Let's hope so but I intend to review some 06 examples over the coming weeks to see if we can see some element of consistency. Would love nothing more than to see a full blooded comeback :-)

[anacostiakat]

The JUL05s I tried have been excellent. I actually bought both SIG VIs '04 and the Mag46s '05 at the same time and after trying one of each liked the Upmann's better. Hope I can leave them untouched...

[Guest cohiba]

I am anxious now to try my box NOV 04. Havent touched them hoping to let them go as long as possible. NO better time than now.

[Colt45]

I took a look - the box I have is SEP 05 BFI. I do hope they come around.....

[Well Armed]

I have a box from June 05 and they are exactly like you described. And when I smoked one last I remember remarking at how dark - almost black - the ash was and your pics show the same thing. I loved the Jun 05 example and promised to return to them in 6 months. might be time for round 2!

[Smooth]

A good Magnum46 has all of those little subtle hints of flavour you mentioned in spades, like running nude through a ripe olive feild with a glass of good red wine.

However a bland one is just that, very bland. The early to mid 06 offerings have been excellent so far, yet look a shade or two lighter in the wrapper colour compared to the one you smoked.

Still my favourite Cuban CG when they are on song...

[El Presidente]

» like running nude through a ripe olive feild with a

» glass of good red wine.

»

You nailed it. I almost put that in my review ;-)

[Ken Gargett]

i'm delighted to hear this, given you sold me a cab, but i have smoked through about 8-10 of the cab and rest away for the long haul. they really need time, i believe.

[Ken Gargett]

Had one left (the rest from the cab in deep storage) and they were actually October 05, not Nov, so thought i may as well have a check.

I think that the 46 are absolutely spot on for the 18 month rule. They just seem to evolve around that time. Have now seen this several times with different releases.

Still a long way to go but this was by far the best of the cab to date (have now had about ten from this cab and the rest away). Lots of nuts and raisins. Quite powerful and not what one would call a refined cigar but has lost the harsh edge. Some spice and a hint of mint just near the end.

I am amazed at how they really do seem to flick a switch at 18 months. Expect it to continue to improve for quite a few years yet. 89-90.

[El Presidente]

I have more than my fair share of average Upmann Magnum 46 of late. When I think of "Magnum" I am not thinking of Tom Selleck in Magnum PI (great show ) but rather that full bodied full flavoured corona gorda that I can only guess was originally blended by a man who understood what a quintessential Cuban cigar should be. That classic Magnum 46 which in its youth grabs you by the gonads and commands your attention through its forward palate delivery of strong Vuelta Abajo tobacco with tannins which suck the mouth dry. With a few years, it retains its strength but develops a complexity of strong coffee, toasted tobacco and hoppy grain notes.

It has been awhile since I have seen these characteristics. Of late (03/04/05) too often they have been lacking in mid palate intensity almost doughnut like in the absense of any heart and soul.

This example is of November 05. Good looking cigar, well rolled with a nice lumber yard aroma.

Cerrated the cap and tested the draw. Perfect. No semblance of a wind tunnel which have plagued many recent Magnum offerings. On the lips was a smoky oak wood flavour.

Fired the foot and rocked back in the chair. Big immediate flavours of burnt toast and charred wood with a tannic core. Settle down big guy. It was as if this one cigar wanted to make up for years of mediocrity all by itself.

Settle down it did after half inch (thankfully) as it reigned in its wilder side and found a medium full body platform of over roasted coffee beans, black tea and an almond butter core which somehow rounded out the more agressive elements. The aroma couldn't quite hide its rough edges as it had a wet dog quality to it which was a little perturbing but it was also mellowing. Surprisingly for such an upfront/in your face opening, there was little white pepper spice through the nose.

This cigar reminded me of a young thoroughbred which at its first big race bolts out to lead by three lengths but is straying all over the track. It will either settle down into a rythm or finsh bone motherless last.

Past the first third and the Upmann found its stride. Still Medium full its butter almond core is now the dominant feature. All agressive tarry notes are gone and while a one trick pony, I love this flavour combination. The further I progress the more coffee develops alongside the core flavour. This is the best Magnum 46 I have had in a long while.

Towards the band some burn't wood returns. Not bitter but adding a charred quality which accompanies an increase in body to full. Still detectable are the almond butter and coffee but into the strait this horse is showing signs that it is starting to lose composure. To its credit it holds off the worst elements of the darker side and continues to deliver a balanced flavour band.

I had no problem nubbing this cigar. The dreaded bitterness did not eventuate to any great extent. In fact it was enjoyable to the very end.

This Upmann Magnum 46 has potential with a capital P. It exhibited enough delineated core flavours / complexity to promise a bright future. Enjoyable now but it would be a waste to put too many of these to an immediate flame. 3-5 years.

88/100 4/6 Smokerings now. Potential for a 92 +