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The other night, I headed to the lounge with my buddy for a relaxed smoke. To our surprise, the manager brought out this beauty for us to try, a cigar I’d been curious about for a while. We lit up immediately and it didn’t disappoint; great draw, smooth flavor, and the perfect setting to really appreciate it. Priced around $50-60 depending on the market, this 5 1/8 x 53 Singulares vitola has that classic Cuban elegance.

Let’s explore this limited gem.

The Roots

H. Upmann, founded in the 1840s by German banker Hermann Upmann, is one of Cuba’s oldest brands under Habanos S.A., known for its light-to-medium-bodied cigars from Vuelta Abajo tobacco. The Edición Limitada program showcases specially aged tobaccos for collectors. The Magnum Finite, released as the 2024 EL, was announced in February 2024 and premiered in October 2024 at Madrid’s Las Ventas. Rolled at the Partagás factory in Havana, this Singulares vitola (5 1/8 x 53, ~$50-60 per cigar, ~$1,250 for a 25-count box) uses aged Vuelta Abajo wrapper, binder, and filler, delivering a refined, medium-bodied smoke.

The Experience: From Start to Finish

First Look: Pre-Light Impressions

Back home now, I’m replaying that moment at the lounge, holding the Magnum Finite like it’s some rare artifact. That golden-brown wrapper is smooth as silk with just a couple of faint veins as it catches the light, and the triple cap is so tidy it’s practically begging to be clipped. The cigar’s firm in my hand. I give the wrapper a sniff and get cedar and a touch of earth, while the foot teases roasted nuts and a hint of cocoa. The cold draw? Smooth as a Cuban sunset, with a whisper of sweetness and spice that’s got me curious. It felt like a treat just holding it.

Lighting it up with the lounge crew was pure anticipation.

Foot to Cap: The Flavor Journey

The first third hits nicely with cedar and roasted almonds, with a soft cocoa vibe that makes me sink into my chair. The smoke’s creamy, rolling out like a slow wave, and the gray ash holds tight like it’s showing off. It’s mild-to-medium, in that classic H. Upmann lane, but with this EL depth that feels special. A retrohale brings a touch of earth and some shy dried fruit notes, like the cigar’s telling me to slow down and savor it. Compared to a regular H. Upmann, it’s got more polish.

By the second third, I’m hooked. The cocoa steps up, blending with earthy tones and a subtle spice that tingles just right. The smoke’s still velvety, and the burn’s so even I barely notice it. The draw’s flawless, like sipping a fine rum, it’s got that Cuban refinement. I’m sitting there thinking, “Man, this is why I love ELs.”

The final third ramps up with cedar and dried fruit taking center stage, like a dessert you didn’t see coming. There’s a refined finish, no bitterness, just smooth elegance that lingers for a solid 60 minutes. This cigar’s got that collector’s vibe but delivers for smokers too.

Build & Burn: The Craftsmanship

The Magnum Finite is built right, straight from the Partagás factory. That wrapper’s seamless, the pack’s firm, and it feels like a premium Cuban in your hand. The draw’s medium, just the right resistance, and the burn’s sharp, with a sturdy gray ash that hangs on like it’s proud. At $50-60 a pop, this 60-minute smoke feels worth it. Habanos knows how to craft an EL, and this one’s no exception.

Flavor Deep Dive: What’s Cooking

Right off the bat, the Magnum Finite lays down cedar and roasted nuts with a cocoa backbone that’s smooth. The retrohale adds an earthy layer with hints of dried fruit, like raisins hiding in the mix. The second third brings a gentle spice and more cocoa, keeping things lively but never overpowering. By the end, cedar and fruit meld into a refined, clean finish that’s got that H. Upmann elegance dialed up for an EL. It’s lighter than a punchy Cuban like a Partagás but more complex than a standard H. Upmann.

Strength & Body: The Power Within

This Singulares starts mild-to-medium, building just enough to keep you engaged without a big nicotine kick, perfect for a chill session. The body’s creamy, pumping out cedar, nuts, and cocoa with a touch of spice that keeps it interesting. It’s less bold than a hefty Cuban but feels like a refined step up from a standard H. Upmann. I’m sipping my coffee, thinking this is the kind of smoke you savor with good company.

Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Experience

These pairings make the 60-minute smoke even better:

• Drinks: A bold espresso to match the cocoa notes; a buttery Chardonnay to vibe with the cedar; a smooth rum to play up the nutty sweetness.
• Foods: Roasted almonds to amplify the nuttiness; dark chocolate for that cocoa richness; dried figs or raisins to echo the subtle fruit.

This cigar’s made for those quiet moments with a drink and a snack, just soaking in the vibe.

Value: Worth the Price?

At $50-60 a stick, or ~$1,250 for a 25-count box, the Magnum Finite isn’t cheap, but it’s got that EL swagger. The aged tobaccos, slick packaging, and Habanos craftsmanship make it feel like a collector’s prize. For a 60-minute smoke, it holds its own against other premium Cubans, and I’m betting a few months in the humidor will make it even better. If you’re an aficionado or chasing that limited-edition thrill, it’s worth grabbing a few.

Our Rating:

The H. Upmann Magnum Finite earns a Refined rating. Its cedar, nuts, and cocoa deliver a 60-minute, mild-to-medium smoke with solid construction. As an EL, it’s a gem for collectors, though a little rest could take it to the next level.

Final Thoughts

I’m still buzzing from the Magnum Finite. That creamy mix of cedar, nuts, and cocoa was a classy 60-minute ride, and the Habanos craftsmanship had me grinning. It’s got some magic, definitely one to share with the crew next time we’re at the lounge.

Own the Smoke: Make It Yours

The Magnum Finite is a must for collectors or anyone craving a refined, mild-to-medium Cuban with that EL flair. This one’s made for those moments you want to feel a little fancy.

Great smokes are to be shared!

See you next time.