BOX PASS REVIEW SERIES: H. Upmann Mag 46

[maverickdrinker]

Been hearing a lot of good things about this cigar so I was happy to see that one arrived in the box pass.

The construction is ok. Tbe Mag 46 is soft and the foot and middle and gets firmer at the head of the cigar. The draw on this should be interesting. The cigar is more spongy than I prefer. Might be due to travel humidity though.

The wrapper is a dark brown leathery colorado brown. Reminds me of an old school weathered, leather chair. chocolate and earth aromas emanate from the wrapper.

The triple cap is nicely done and takes easily to my punch. Cold draw reveals more chocolate, earth, cedar, a slight woodiness, vanilla baan and baker's chocolate. The draw itself is very open. No resistance at all.

Time to take this to the flame...

[maverickdrinker]

The ash is a 'Dirty" Grey. cedar, nutmeg, cream, earth start the show. The burn line is a little wonky. I am guessing that this cigar is slightly underfilled vs. overhumidified. Hope that the burn corrects itself.

very aromatic smoke and lots of it. This thing is billowing. Very clean tobacco flavour and a hit of chocolate in the aftertaste. Doesn't last that long though.

This is a medium bodied cigar so far. A cigar to chill with.

A little creaminess starts to hit the forefront interlaced with cedar, earth, a little nuttiness and toast???

Burn line has straightened out a bit . No touchups needed yet.. This reminds me of a Monte?

[maverickdrinker]

2nd third: flavours stay consistent. not much change in strength as well. getting some baker's chocolate in the afterfinish but stil a little shorter than I am accustomed to.

ash still holding on strong. You can see where it is underfilled.

There is a nice sweetness to this cigar now. Complements the earthy, creamy, leathery notes. Vanilla beam, and cocoa are starting to make their presence felt as well.

Pretty straightforward flavours. No suprises or zingers yet.

[maverickdrinker]

Final third: chocolate, earth, molasses, vanilla bean and cream. The leather notes have picked up as has the strength. Would say a higher medium/full. Just enough oomph so you don't get board.

draw is tightening up?!?! cigar wasn't as soft at the top so I guess this makes sense. Never experienced that before.

more earth and cedar now. draw has tightened up significantly. wierd but true. LOL

final draws reveal more cedar and earth tones mixed in with vanilla bean and cream.

Time to put this one to bed.....

[maverickdrinker]

FInal impressions: In a word: consistent.

Not much change throughout the cigar. Fairly straightforward flavours. No real changes or surprises. Old faithful would be a good description.

The construction was ok. I am guessing that this was a young cigar. Would be interesting to try one with a few years on it to see if complexity develops.

Overall, a nice enjoyable,consistent flavours kind of cigar.

[isa]

Great detailed review Art, thanks

[Charltonc]

I am going to smoke an 08 Magnum 46 tonight.

[LGC]

Nice review! It sounds like you had a sub-par specimen. In general, I don't find the H Upmann line to be quite as complex as others. I don't own any Upmann's newer than 2004, but I find the the line to be "dependable" in general. Most Upmann's have a "dirty" quality absent in other marcas. Ignoring the older blends, I find the fuller Upmann's to be earthier than the "nuevo Bolivar" blends.

Although, as much as they have diluted the line, I don't see how they can maintain blend quality. In addition, many folks have reported "fresh" cigars as being smokable or approachable. With this being said, I don't see how the cigars will hold up to aging, without any "balls" to begin with.

[maverickdrinker]

i think i will. first time ive had to do this. might dry box a few for a couple of days to see what happens