H. Upmann Magnum 46 April 07

[jqmunro]

At least it's good news that it wasn't a complete upset.

...enjoying a bottle of 2004 provenance cab

[cls515]

» At least it's good news that it wasn't a complete upset.

»

» ...enjoying a bottle of 2004 provenance cab

Rob, thanks for the review. They sound very promising. I have not had a Mag46 in probably two years, I had a bad batch that was a bit disappointing. Although I'm sure I had some to do with that by not allowing enough aging. From what I remember, I recall leather and cedar, maybe that is pulling from your cheesecake..

I'll be sending an order in asap. Thanks again.

[Ziggy]

Rob, I always evjoy your reviews. I'm setting on a cab of '06's right now that are developing real nice.

Zig

[stever]

I've been purposely holding off on buying the Magnum because of a lack of consistentcy. Hope it's on a turn-around. In the meantime, I may have to have you sample me a box and then ship. :-D

[tigger]

Great review Rob, as ever!

Minorly interesting to note: The Nov06 Cab I have has the red/white/gold bands. I thought I had read that the brown bands had been phased out. Maybe not until later in '07? Or maybe I dream about cigar bands.

[kirill]

» Great review Rob, as ever!

»

» Minorly interesting to note: The Nov06 Cab I have has the red/white/gold

» bands. I thought I had read that the brown bands had been phased out.

Out of curiosity what exact box code was your Mag from, Rob? Because I have a cab of Mag46 from April 07 too, it was made in ROA and has the new anillos (gotta appreciate the Cuban love for packaging diversity ;-) ).

Smokewise, they are pretty similiar, just that I don't particulary like that taste that you describe as 'aged cheese rind'. Can't wait till the nutty profile will be more present and the smell of the cab promises great things for 2009.

[El Presidente]

» Out of curiosity what exact box code was your Mag from, Rob? Because I

» have a cab of Mag46 from April 07 too, it was made in ROA and has the new

» anillos (gotta appreciate the Cuban love for packaging diversity ;-) ).

» Smokewise, they are pretty similiar, just that I don't particulary like

» that taste that you describe as 'aged cheese rind'. Can't wait till the

» nutty profile will be more present and the smell of the cab promises great

» things for 2009.

Just checked and they are ROA APR 07. You can't throw out good anillos :-)

[Cal-Duck]

Nice review! here is to hoping that the come back of the 46 is underway.

What is your general perception of the 07 vintage? Anything sticking out as tell tale sign of the vintage?

[greenpimp]

Don't know how I missed this. I had emailed Lisa about Mags earlier. I think you got me convinced there Rob. :-)

[Claudius]

Never had a Mag46 I liked. Talking 05 and 06 here... I have an 06 box of 25 that I smoke one every 2 months out of, and they're all disappointing, harsh, slightly bitter. I just buy Sir Winstons and am always enchanted by every single one I smoke :-)

[Benzopyrene]

I loved these cigars last year. Had a few from 07, and it was probably my favorite habano of the year. Granted... I didnt smoke a ton of habanos last year, but I still loved it. Cheers!

[Lanthor]

I had one of these from an MAR 07 box, had the new band.

My review wouldn't do Rob's justice, so I will just say that I liked it, great construction, draw, flavor.

Still has some edges to be smoothed, but I got the sense these are going to be fantastic before too long.

[El Presidente]

H. Upmann Magnum 46 April 07

Has it returned from the wilderness? At times in 06 I thought so only to be disappointed by subsequent boxes. They all certainly showed more than 05 but I noticed tremendous variability in core strength and complexity even taking into account their youth and their penchant for age. I kept one box of NOV 06 for myself based on an excellent example. I looked for another in DIC 06 but passed. Looking forward….albeit with a little trepidation to this April 07

Looks great. Colorado Maduro shade, nice oils with a leathery aroma at cold. Firm to the touch but perfectly bunched foot and nice wait in the hand gives me hope of a good draw. Assessing this cigar reminds me of a footballer with all the skills but woefully out of form…..will this be the day?

Cerated the cap and the draw was stellar. Proper amount of resistance which will ensure it has the opportunity to showcase what it has to offer. Pre light draw reveals only clean tobacco on the palate. Fired up the foot and was met with full body and hit of black pepper. Nice promising start. The smoke is thick, the burn slow and calculated. “Take your time son….evolve at your own pace.”

The body drops quickly to medium full. Black pepper remains but is now more a secondary flavour to a heart of sour cheesecake, aged cheese rind. I love this feature in a cigar particularly when young as it often evolves into a nutty nuance when a little older. Slowly burning, great consistent controlled flavour delivery.

The mid section produces a surprise with that cheesecake core showing some toasted almond characters. Pure Upmann. Medium bodied now and the smoke is thick, white and rolls over the tongue like a wave over sand on an incoming tide. Relaxing cigar, mature cigar for its age. It has substance and is true to its Marque. The burn takes a little touching due to the cigars youth. It is the only feature which betrays a performance well above expectation.

The final third and the Upmann is becoming a little confused. Going quickly are the much enjoyed cheesecake and Almond core. Some charred woody notes enter the fray and the body increases again to medium full. It is becoming a little dirty..a little ragged on the palate. There are touches of leather and earth but the charred wood slowly takes over like a rising mist. There is only so much a cigar can hide its youthful nature. This Upmann 46 has done a good job until this point but it is being betrayed by forces greater than itself. It needs another 18 months to two years to develop its final consistency and evolve its core characters. Three to five years and it will join the pantheon of Upmann 46’s from the late 90’s and early 2000’s.

Overall a very good return to form. Every bit as good as the NOV 06 box I retained for myself. I have every confidence it will develop into a 92 ranking cigar. Today it is a solid 87/88. I will continue to review 07 releases of the Upmann 46 to see if it is a consistent turnaround or merely a flash in the pan.