H Upmann Magnum 46 REG DIC 17 (VRRW/C)

[ayedfy]

Happy Father’s Day from Australia! Done all the dad things and the kids are finally asleep. I’ve been looking forward to this cigar ever since my youngest woke me up at 2am. Then 4:30. Then 6:10.

I’m about 40% through this box now. Last one I reviewed was towards the end of last year and it was hitting a great spot with its ageing. A few months shy of 6 years and I’m hoping it continues its good form.

H Upmann Magnum 46. Box code REG DIC 17. Coronas Gordas (46x5⅝).

Opening third: Full-flavoured and sweet. Dried apricots standing out initially, with a secondary aniseed note. Draw is tight, tight, tight. Tried to ride it out but got frustrated and began hacking away with the perfecdraw which relaxed the pull a little, but still facing some issues with burn. Midway through, a salty character developed, suggesting savoury pastries like a quiche/frittata.

Middle third: body dropped a little but still on the right side of medium. A distinct rum flavour driving what is still a predominantly sweet profile, alongside a dry nuttiness (walnuts) and pencil shavings. Still putting up a lot of resistance and needing constant relighting as well as touch ups to combat some horrendous tunnelling.

Final third: Body back up to full, the dried fruits from the opening return, and are joined by digestive biscuits and a gentle oak woodiness. There’s still a nutty aspect, now putting me more in mind of hazelnuts. Finally the draw has loosened up on its own, but I’m still fighting a losing battle with relights and tunnelling. Flavour-wise, this third has generally been the best for this cigar/box and it still is today. A thick butterscotch sweetness eases in, as well as some juicy plums and rolled wafers.

This box continues to deliver on taste. I have yet to be disappointed by any flavours I’ve found in these. I also haven’t found one that's smoked like a cigar should and hasn’t made me work bloody hard to actually smoke it! Want to give it 95 on flavour but I’m still a bit mad at the struggle.

92/100