H. Upmann Magnum 50

Size: 152 х 52

Shape: Double Robusto

Filler: Cuban

Binder: Cuban

Wrapper: Cuban

Smoking Time: 2 hours

Beverage: Saison Dupont Ale

The Upmann Magnum 50 was first released as a limited edition cigar in 2003 and sported a two-year aged wrapper.  It was then added to the regular production lineup in 2008 without the special wrapper, but with a new second band reading "Magnum 50", which is unusual in regular-production Cuban cigars. The cigars smoked for this review were from a 2008 box.

The Magnum 50 is an impressively sized smoke with a nice clean wrapper. Several of the cigars I've smoked from this line have suffered from draw problems, but this one clipped easily with a perfect draw. There were a few small soft spots, but these didn't turn out to be burn problems later on. The initial pre-light notes were of tobacco and cedar, and the first few puffs produced plenty of smoke. Overall, the early body was mild and imparted flavours of cream, hay, and caramel. However, the cigar quickly became somewhat bitter, which is a surprise because none of the others I've smoked from this vitola have included this undesirable quality. We speculated that the bitterness could be due to overhumidification: I've recently moved my humidor to a new location because of renovations in my home, and the frigid outdoor temperatures caused condensation to form inside the cabinet. In any case, the bitterness remained throughout, but was not bad enough to detract from the pleasant notes of vanilla and chocolate that appeared during the second half, where the cigar's predominant medium body came into full form.

To be honest, I really like the Magnum 50 overall, and it's a tasty, long-lasting cigar that I turn to when I'm looking for a big, enjoyable smoke. However, the two that we smoked for this review left us feeling disappointed, a sentiment that is unacceptable for any Friday Cigar. While we will probably review this cigar again sometime in the future, right now I have to give it no more than three Fidels out of five.

Liga Privada No. 9 Parejo Oscuro

Size: 52 х 152 (5.98")

Shape: Toro

Filler: Honduran and Dominican

Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Smoking Time: 1 ½ hours

Beverage: Cappuccino

Liga Privada was created by Drew Estate, a company known best for their infused cigar line, and is touted as being a cigar created to be the personal smoke of the company president – Steve Saka.  The company has taken the liberty of making this point well known by printing “Hecho Exclusivamente Para El Jefe” or crudely translated “Made Exclusively for the Boss” on the cigar’s band.  Personally, I find the “private blend gone public” approach a little gimmicky, but that’s a personal matter and one that should not affect the ultimate decision on whether a cigar is good or not.  The Liga Privada No. 9 has an interesting story (click here for more information on the creation of this cigar) and, according to the Drew Estate website, is actually a blend of seven different tobaccos from seven farms.  Perhaps the most striking aspect of the cigar is the dark wrapper that is rough to the touch, but exceedingly attractive and well-applied.  It is slightly oily and the thick, protruding veins do not seem to take away from the cigar.  The simple yet classy band adds to the overall appearance.  The Liga Privada No. 9 reminds me of a fine antique piece of furniture that has been restored beyond its original luster.  I have read other reviews that claim that the flavor profile should be full bodied with notes of earth and espresso…I guess we’ll see.

The smell of the cigar reminds me of a Partagas, specifically a No. 2, although even stronger with notes of dried grass, earth, and hints of espresso.  Similar notes are detected in the pre-draw.  Upon lighting the foot I am nearly overwhelmed by the strength of the stick and have to let it cool slightly before touching it up with my Xikar lighter.  I find myself greatly enjoying the dense smoke and near perfect draw, as well as the hearty flavors of coffee, tobacco and earth.  However, I am disappointed that the cigar begins to mellow out after the first centimeter or so and remains unchanged in flavor for the rest of the stick.  Although I do enjoy the underlying taste profile of the cigar, I find myself wanting more.  It is difficult to ignore the gorgeous appearance of the Liga Privada No. 9, but unfortunately you can’t smoke good looks and I am only able to give the cigar 2 ½ Castro heads out of five.

Ramon Allones Eminencia Swiss Regional Edition 2007

Size: 44 × 143 (5.6")

Shape: Corona

Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Smoking Time: 45 min

Beverage: Knob Creek Bourbon and cola

Cuban 'regional editions' began to appear in 2005 as special blends and/or sizes that are commissioned by a regional distributor for sale in a specific market.  They are generally limited to a few thousand boxes and come with a premium price. While the limited nature of these cigars may increase their desirability (especially for collectors), many of those released differ insignificantly from regular production lines. However, a few regional editions stand out from the rest (the Edmundo Dantes Mexico RE comes to mind). The Ramon Allones Eminencia Swiss Regional Edition was one of the first RE's to come to market, and was (presumably) so popular that it was re-released in 2007. Today's review is of the second release.

The cigar was not the prettiest, with a somewhat sloppy application of the wrapper and cap. There was a small soft spot underneath the second band, as though the bands were applied in an attempt to conceal the flaw. The cigar seemed somewhat light for its size, and was fairly spongy when squeezed. After I clipped the cap, the cold draw was perfect and imparted subtle notes of hay and fresh tobacco.

I lit the end with a long strip of cedar, and the first puff tasted wonderfully of hay and honey.  Plenty of smoke wafted from my mouth, and I was surprised at how aromatic and dry it smelled. As the cigar progressed, cedar and tea joined the fray, and a great floral flavour settled in. The body and strength remained mild to medium, but the flavours were very present, except in the second third, where all flavour seemed to mysteriously and suddenly vanish for a puff or two. However, the cigar never became harsh or bitter, even as I smoked it down to the nub.

Overall, this was a pleasant and elegant mild to medium smoke that I really enjoyed.  It would be great with a glass of aromatic champagne (Perrier Jouet Grand Brut comes to mind). It reminded me at times of a milder and simpler version of the Cohiba Siglo IV, which would make it great for a beginner.  I give it three and a half out of five Fidels.