H. Upmann Magnum 56 LE SOM DIC 15 (RELERW)

[MrGlass]

A few weeks back, I started a topic about cigars assigned to personal goals.  This weekend, I was extremely close to hitting one these goals and breaking out the La Gloria Cubana Revolution.

https://youtu.be/t9s_eV7pyC4

This is the closest we have ever come to catching that trick, and it still warrants something special, so this Magnum 56 will be my consolation.  I remember the amazing reception these got when they came out, so I got five of them in a box split to check them out. And they were incredible.  So incredible, that I scrounged the money together and actually bought a box of my very own, at the time the most expensive box I had ever bought.  

This cigar had a perfect draw, and opened strongly with stewed fruits and bitter chocolate. After the first few minutes, the bitter chocolate was replaced with a nuttiness, but those stewed fruits are still there as it settled down to a medium body.  The cigar feels effortless at this point, like it’s bounding along with long loping strides, never overexerting itself.

As we moved to the middle third, the strength begins to increase as the cigar changes to strong black coffee loaded with sugar.  There is that bitterness you get with an espresso, but that is contrasted with the sweetness that comes through, almost turning to caramel at times as we get further through the middle third.

Going into the final third, the espresso continues to pick up in strength even further.  The sweetness is gone, and it feels like I’m just eating coffee beans now.  The burn, which has been perfect to this point, starts getting a little wonky and requires a small touch up to even it out.  The cigar is putting absolutely everything into the final straight, and is blowing me away with its pure strength.  

I have been sparingly smoking these, confident they would continue to evolve into something very special. And they haven't disappointed.  But with that powerhouse display this one put on in the final third, I think they still more time to rest for my tastes.  

[JohnS]

Great review! Thanks for sharing!

[CountingStogies]

Great review and timely for me, I just picked up a box. I purchased “blind” so to speak, based on reputation and my love for other Upmanns. So this is reassuring! Thanks for sharing. 

[Mikeltee]

Is that a dude catching a dude? Is this normal nowadays? Which dude are you? Man that is so cool. Are you an aspiring performer or is this just a hobby? Freaking cool hobby/job. I always have been amazed by the high wire balancing acts and trapeze. 

[MrGlass]

8 minutes ago, Mikeltee said:

Is that a dude catching a dude? Yes

Is this normal nowadays? Pretty normal.  There are commercial trapeze rigs all around the world now where people can take casual lessons.

Which dude are you? The one that does the flips.

Man that is so cool. Are you an aspiring performer or is this just a hobby? Hobby.  I didn't start learning trapeze until I was 32, so after the age where most professional performers have retired their act.  Besides, circus doesn't pay very well.

Freaking cool hobby/job. I always have been amazed by the high wire balancing acts and trapeze. Cheers - it is like nothing else.  You should definitely try it sometime if you have the opportunity.