The H. Upmann Magnum 50 was introduced in 2005 as part of the Magnum series. This robusto extra format showcases the classic H. Upmann elegance with progressive strength, becoming a must-have for Cuban cigar enthusiasts worldwide. Learn more →
Starts with spicy cedar interspersed with chocolate and cocoa, along with woody flavors. Creamy, almost vanilla-like smoothness with leather and earth notes. Progressive strength increases toward the final third.
H. Upmann is one of Cuba's most storied marcas — every cigar hand-rolled in Havana from sun-grown Vuelta Abajo leaf, aged and crafted by master torcedores under the official Habanos S.A. seal.
It's not just a cigar. It's an experience reserved for the true connoisseur.
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Every H Upmann Magnum 50s is guaranteed 100% authentic, sourced directly from Habanos S.A. with the official seal and full traceability from Vuelta Abajo to your door.
I’ll never forget the first time I lit up a Magnum 50. It was 2003, sitting on the terrace of the Hotel Nacional in Havana, watching the sun dip into the Caribbean. My buddy Carlos – this old Cuban roller I’d met through a mutual friend – handed me one with a knowing grin. “Try this,” he said in his broken English. “Is perfect for sunset.” Twenty years later, I still think about that evening whenever I reach for this particular magnum cigar.
The H Upmann Magnum 50 isn’t just another stick in the famous brand’s lineup. It’s got character. Real character that separates the casual smokers from those of us who’ve been chasing that perfect Cuban experience for decades.
Let me be straight with you – the appearance of these cigars can be hit or miss, depending on when and where you get them. I’ve had boxes where every single cigar looked like it was hand-selected by angels, and others where the wrapper looked like it had gone a few rounds with a cage fighter. That’s Cuba for you. The tobacco is phenomenal, but their quality control… well, let’s just say it’s gotten better over the years, but it’s still not Swiss watch precision.
The Magnum 50 measures 5⅝ inches with a 50 ring gauge (hence the name – brilliant marketing, right?). It’s got this beautiful robusto extra format that feels substantial in your hand without being overwhelming. The wrapper, when you get a good one, has this gorgeous Colorado shade – not too dark, not too light. Perfect.
Construction-wise, I’d say about 80% of the ones I’ve smoked over the years have been solid. The other 20%? Well, that’s why you always buy a few extras. (I learned this lesson the hard way during my early collecting days when I’d buy singles and inevitably get the one dud in the box.)
Forget all that nonsense about “first third, second third, final third” – that’s not how real smoking works, at least not for me. A good cigar evolves like a conversation, and the Magnum 50 is quite the conversationalist.
Right off the bat, you’re getting classic H Upmann DNA. There’s this creamy, almost vanilla-like smoothness that hits your palate. It’s refined without being pretentious – kind of like that friend who went to an Ivy League school but never mentions it unless you ask directly.
About an inch in, things start getting interesting. The earth shows up – not heavy, muddy earth, but more like that rich soil smell you get after spring rain. There’s wood there too, cedar mainly, but sometimes I swear I catch hints of oak. My wife thinks I’m making this up, but after two decades of smoking these things, I stand by what I taste.
The middle section is where this magnum cigar really shows its class. Leather notes start weaving in and out, along with this subtle spice that never overpowers but keeps things from getting boring. I’ve had some that threw in nutty flavors – almonds, maybe hazelnuts. Others stayed more in the cream and wood territory.
Here’s where I might lose some of you: I don’t always smoke these to the nub. Sometimes the flavor profile just naturally concludes around the two-thirds mark, and I’m fine with that. Life’s too short to force a smoking experience that’s not bringing you joy. The Magnum 50, though, usually rewards patience. The final portion often brings this wonderful honey sweetness that balances everything out perfectly.
Everyone’s going to tell you to pair this with rum or cognac. And sure, that works – Zacapa 23 is phenomenal with the Magnum 50, and I won’t argue with anyone who reaches for a nice Hennessy Paradis if you can get your hands on it.
But let me share what I actually drink with these most of the time: coffee. Good coffee. Not the burnt stuff from the chain places, but a proper medium roast from a local roaster. There’s something about the combination of that creamy cigar smoke and a well-made cappuccino that just works. I discovered this pairing by accident during a business trip to Milan back in ’08, and it’s been my go-to ever since.
Beer? Absolutely, but be careful. IPAs will fight with this cigar and nobody wins. I go with Belgian ales – Chimay Blue is outstanding with the Magnum 50. The fruitiness of the beer plays really nice with those honey notes I mentioned earlier.
And here’s something that might sound weird: I’ve paired these with good sake. Not the rough stuff you get at the grocery store, but proper junmai daiginjo. My brother-in-law got me into sake about five years ago, and one evening we were smoking on his deck in Portland with some he’d brought back from a business trip to Tokyo. The clean, subtle complexity of the sake didn’t compete with the cigar at all – they just danced together beautifully.
If you’re new to cigars, start somewhere else. The Magnum 50 isn’t harsh or overwhelming, but it’s complex enough that you might miss what makes it special if your palate isn’t developed yet. Cut your teeth on some milder Dominican or Connecticut stuff first.
This is perfect for the intermediate to advanced smoker who appreciates subtlety. If you’re the type who needs bold, in-your-face flavors to stay interested, you might find this boring. That’s not a criticism – we all like what we like – but know yourself before you commit to a box.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys the classic Cuban profile but wants something that won’t knock them on their ass. It’s refined, sophisticated, but not so delicate that you need to treat it like fine china. I’ve smoked these on golf courses, at backyard barbecues, and in high-end lounges. They work in all those settings.
Who should skip it? Honestly, if you’re someone who thinks all cigars should be full-strength flavor bombs, this one isn’t for you. Also, if you’re not patient – this isn’t a cigar you rush through. It rewards contemplation.
Keep these at 65-68% humidity, maybe 70% if you live somewhere really dry. I’ve found that Magnums can get a bit loose in their construction if you store them too wet. (Learned this the hard way with a box I kept at 72% that turned into a bunch of soggy disappointments.)
Here’s something most reviews won’t tell you: these actually improve with age, but not indefinitely. The sweet spot seems to be 3-8 years. I’ve got some 2015s right now that are absolutely singing. But I also opened a box of 2010s last year that had gone flat – they weren’t bad, just kind of meh.
Box codes matter with H Upmanns more than some other brands. If you’re buying online, don’t be afraid to ask about the factory codes. Some factories just do this marca better than others. (I won’t name names because these things change, but if you’re serious about Cuban cigars, you probably already know what I’m talking about.)
One more thing: these can be a bit plugged sometimes. Always do a cold draw test before lighting. If it’s too tight, a careful bit of surgery with a draw poker usually fixes things right up.
How long does it take to smoke? Give yourself 75-90 minutes. Don’t rush it – that’s missing the point entirely.
Are they worth seeking out? Compared to what? If you’re comparing to Nicaraguan premiums, these are a different animal. But for authentic Cuban tobacco with this level of complexity? Yeah, they’re worth it. Just maybe not as your daily smoke.
Should I buy a box or try singles first? Singles if you can find them, but honestly, Cuban cigars are made to be consistent within a box. If you smoke one and like it, the others from that same box will likely be similar. The variation is more box-to-box than cigar-to-cigar within a box.
How do these compare to other H Upmann vitolas? The Magnum 50 is probably the most approachable in the line. More complex than the Half Corona, less demanding than the Sir Winston. It’s kind of the goldilocks of the H Upmann family.
The H Upmann Magnum 50 represents everything I love about Cuban cigars when they get it right. It’s not perfect – the construction can be inconsistent, and sometimes you get a box that’s just okay rather than great. But when everything aligns – good construction, proper aging, ideal storage – this magnum cigar delivers an experience that reminds you why people have been obsessing over Cuban tobacco for centuries.
I keep coming back to these. In a humidor full of options from all over the world, I still reach for the Magnum 50 when I want something familiar yet engaging. Something that pairs with contemplation and good conversation.
Would I recommend them? Absolutely, with the caveats I mentioned above. Just don’t expect perfection – expect character, complexity, and occasionally, something approaching magic. In my book, that’s more than worth your time.
Browse all H. Upmann cigars, see our H. Upmann price guide, or try the H. Upmann Magnum 56 EDICION LIMITADA 2015 and H Upmann No.2. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.
Customer Reviews
Grabbed a box last month and I'm already planning my next order. These have become essential in my rotation. Smooth, reliable, enjoyable.
The Magnum 50 offers enough flavor to stay interesting but enough smoothness to never overwhelm. That balance is the real achievement here.
These H. Upmanns deliver old-school quality without old-school stuffiness. Just honest, well-made cigars that smoke beautifully.
Shared a few with colleagues during a work retreat. Everyone appreciated the smoothness and quality. Several asked where to buy them.
The vitola size is ideal for my schedule. Not too quick, not too long. Flavors are smooth and creamy throughout. Perfect balance.
Had one at a cigar lounge and the staff agreed - these are underrated. Great smoke that doesn't get enough attention. Hidden gem.
Burn line stays remarkably even. Ash is tight and holds well. Draw is effortless. All the technical aspects are dialed in perfectly.
The 50s have become my recommendation for friends wanting to try quality Cubans. Approachable price, accessible flavor, excellent construction.
Enjoyed one after a steak dinner. The medium body complemented the meal perfectly. Creamy smoke with hints of toasted nuts and vanilla.
Not the strongest cigar, not the most complex, but definitely one of the smoothest. Sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for.
These deliver consistent performance every single time. No duds, no surprises, just reliable quality. That dependability is valuable.
Had one while watching the sunset. The Magnum 50 was the perfect companion - undemanding, smooth, satisfying. Exactly what the moment needed.
The wrapper has a nice sheen, the construction feels firm, the cap cuts perfectly. Before even lighting up, you know it's quality.
Flavors are refined rather than bold. Think gentle sweetness, creamy texture, smooth finish. Perfect for when you want relaxation over intensity.
Picked up a five-pack to test them out. Now I keep a box on hand at all times. That evolution from curious to committed says it all.
Great value proposition. You're getting quality Cuban tobacco and solid construction at a reasonable price. Smart addition to any collection.
The 50 ring gauge is comfortable without being oversized. Burns for about an hour, delivers smooth flavors, asks for nothing in return.
Had one during a beach vacation. The mild profile was perfect for the heat. Smooth, refreshing, easy to enjoy. Bought more before leaving.
These H. Upmanns remind me why I fell in love with cigars. Nothing flashy, just excellent tobacco rolled with skill. Pure enjoyment.
Smooth from first light to final puff. The flavor profile stays consistent - cedar, cream, gentle spice. No surprises, just quality.
Shared one with my father-in-law who's smoked for decades. His verdict: 'Classic quality, fair price.' Coming from him, that's high praise.
The Magnum 50 pairs well with so many beverages. Coffee, beer, whiskey, rum - it complements without competing. Versatile stick.
Not trying to blow your mind with complexity. Just offering clean, well-balanced tobacco flavor. That honesty is refreshing.
Had one at a cigar bar and was impressed enough to buy a box. The smoothness and consistency won me over. These deliver every time.
Creamy texture with notes of almond and light cocoa. The 50s deliver quality without demanding attention. Perfect background smoke.
Grabbed a handful for a bachelor party. Everyone enjoyed them - approachable flavor that didn't intimidate the less experienced guys.
The vitola gives you enough time to truly relax. Burn rate is moderate, flavors are smooth. Great choice for unwinding after work.
Construction is impressive across the board. Tight seams, smooth wrapper, perfect cap. These are made with care and it shows in every puff.
Enjoyed one after dinner last night. The medium body was perfect - satisfying without being heavy. Clean finish with hints of vanilla and cedar.
These have earned a permanent spot in my humidor. The Magnum 50 is reliable, flavorful, and priced right. Hard to ask for more.
Smoke production is generous without being overwhelming. Flavors stay in the creamy, nutty range. Very enjoyable from light to nub.
Not chasing awards or limited edition hype. Just a well-crafted cigar that does its job beautifully. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Had one with a glass of single malt. The pairing worked beautifully - neither overwhelmed the other. Smooth cigar with refined taste.
The 50s offer classic Cuban character without intensity. Toasted bread, light spice, smooth finish. Perfect for afternoon enjoyment.
Bought a box after trying a single. Every one has smoked exactly the same - consistently good. That reliability is worth paying for.
Clean wrapper, firm construction, excellent draw. The fundamentals are all there. Flavors are mild to medium with creamy sweetness.
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“Exceptional selection and the cigars are genuine Habanos — correct bands, codes and a flawless draw. Shipping was fast and everything arrived in perfect condition.”
“The best online experience for Cuban cigars I have found. You can tell they care about quality and service from the first email to delivery.”
“Beautiful packaging, perfect humidity and the cigars are always flawless. After three orders this is my trusted source for Habanos.”
“Ordered a full box and it cleared customs in three days with zero issues. Fresh, well-humidified and exactly as described.”
“Discreet packaging, excellent communication and authentic cigars every time. Highly recommended for any collector.”
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