H. Upmann Magnum 50 OBM OCT 15 HURW

[Wailbait]

This was a fascinating smoke.  I sat down with my buddy @leepers for a cigar and a martini.  His was a fabulous Petit Edmundo.  It smelled great.  Mine was this Mag 50 from a box that I semi-forgot about.  

It’s super pretty.  Smelled great.  
 

First Half.

Strangely, my first comment was that it tasted like a cigar.  At first I was sort of unimpressed by it.  But @leepers contextualized it well.  I sort of complained.  But he took a drag.  He said, “Yes.  You’re right.  But you’re sort of missing it.  It tastes like tobacco.”

He was right.  It was a unique experience that pretty much continued for this smoke, but yes, this cigar tasted like tobacco.  
 

It wasn’t ashy.  It wasn’t tindery.  Conversely it wasn’t particularly nuanced.  But it had a twangy quality of Cuban tobacco.  
 

Second Half

I would love to say that this cigar turned some miraculous corner and stunned me with new revolutionary flavors but it didn’t. So in a funny way, it’s easy to be disappointed with it.  It’s not nuanced.  It didn’t really change.  (Dileep’s Petit Edmundo was more impressive in that sense) but it was an honest cigar, well constructed with an old-school subtle flavor.  
 

The closest analog I have is as follows:  Working in the food industry, I understand the current trend for new school IPAS.   They are juicy and not as bitter.  But sometimes you want to try the beer that may not be popular but is what these new beers are based on.  This Mag 50 felt like a throwback.  It was good tobacco.  Well presented.  I’m pleased.  

[rcarlson]

2 hours ago, Lrabold89 said:

This was an excellent review ...and love the way  you compared the IPA thing.....makes total sense....but with that said, i have been disappointed many times by mag 50, and none of those times did i rationalize my disappointment that way you did LOL ......this is a cigar that i simply will not put my money into because it is bland ..plain and simple.....i know there seems to be a loyal following on the forum, but these are not for me

also....wait......were you guys trying each others cigars? LOL

and please do more reviews !

My 19's were great.  Wondering if the blend of the older versions have the "umph" I got out of my freshies.  

[Wailbait]

I have heard good things about many of the 2019 sticks - very pleased to hear the Mag 50s are great now.  I will have to be sure to try one fresh.  I have had superb luck with 14 and 15 stuff.  This particular stick is my first from this box but I have observed many reblends in the last few years.  New 898s are far more smokeable out of the gate as are fonseca 1.  Would not be surprised if mag 50 had a reblend.

[sikfrayme]

I too have a Mag 50 cab from 2015 and it is one of my favorite boxes. Great review and keep it up!!

[SenorPerfecto]

Tobacco, you say... tell me more...