The H. Upmann Magnum 46 is one of them. There are some cigars you reach for without thinking. This afternoon, the weather was playing its part—clear skies, a gentle breeze, and that kind of golden light that makes you want to slow down. It reminded me of when I bought this very box in Havana back in February 2020, during the cigar festival.
I had wandered into the Hotel Nacional, a place that breathes history through its marble floors and polished wood. The H. Upmann boxes were stored high on the shelf, and I had to borrow a step stool to reach them. That’s when I spotted it—a November 2018 box, already carrying two years of quiet rest. That kind of patience is a gift in the world of Cuban cigars.
H. Upmann Magnum 46 First Impressions & Pre-Light
From the first glance, the Magnum 46 shows off its Corona Gorda elegance. The triple cap was neatly applied—slightly wavy but perfectly serviceable. The aroma rising from the wrapper was sweet and faintly barnyard, with a touch of dried hay. On the cold draw, there was a mild resistance, offering early hints of cream and light wood—a prelude to what this cigar does best: subtlety over force.
What size is a H. Upmann Magnum 46?
It measures 5 5/8″ by a 46 ring gauge—the smallest of the Magnum range, a classic Corona Gorda format that wears its elegance lightly.
Lighting the Legendary H. Upmann Magnum 46
I favor a soft flame for cigars like this, but the breeze pushed me toward a jet lighter today. The flame touched the foot gently, and soon a ribbon of smoke curled upward—creamy, fragrant, and unmistakably Cuban.
What are the tasting notes for H. Upmann Magnum 46?
From the first third, the star is cream. Baking spices make a cameo—soft cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg—but the dominant note is that silky, classic H. Upmann creaminess. The draw is excellent, the burn steady, and the smoke output generous.
The Middle Story
By the halfway mark, the cream deepens, joined by an almost oily texture on the palate. The spices retreat, leaving a smoother, more rounded profile. For those who love power and pepper, this is not your battleground—this cigar speaks in quiet, confident tones. Fleeting hints of espresso appear on the retrohale, proof that patience is rewarded.
Final Third & Closing Notes
Removing the band is effortless—a sign the humidity in the humidor has been just right. Past that point, the sweetness edges up ever so slightly, like burnt sugar on a custard. The wood remains, the cream persists, and there is still no harshness. Toward the nub, I’m reminded why this cigar is perfect for a late afternoon: it doesn’t demand your attention; it rewards it.
Price, Value, and Availability
As a benchmark H. Upmann Magnum 46 review note, this cigar has earned respect over time, with strong ratings and a reputation for aging gracefully from intensity to creamy espresso. The H. Upmann Magnum 46 price can be very reasonable for a Cuban, and when you find the H. Upmann Magnum 46 in stock, it’s worth picking up more than one. You’ll often see the H. Upmann Magnum 46 for sale in dress boxes or cabinet selections. The H. Upmann Magnum 46 Tubos offers the same blend with travel-friendly presentation.
Final Reflection
Cuban cigars have a way of teaching patience. The Magnum 46 has been teaching it quietly for years—a sleeper size that doesn’t shout, yet lingers in memory. As the last curl of smoke fades into the evening light, I think back to that high shelf in the Hotel Nacional. If I hadn’t climbed for a better look, I might have missed this box entirely. Sometimes, the best treasures are just out of reach—until you take the extra step.
