H. Upmann Magnum 50 vs Gran Reserva: Straight Taste Test

In our latest video, we compare the H. Upmann Magnum 50 and the H. Upmann Magnum 50 Gran Reserva, two cigars with similar names but very different price points!

The Gran Reserva, released at the 2025 Havana Festival, is made with tobacco aged for five years before being rolled. This separates it from the standard production Magnum 50, which uses fresher leaves. While both cigars share a similar appearance, the smoking experience reveals significant differences in flavor and strength.

Construction was flawless on both cigars, with perfect draws and even burns throughout. The standard Magnum 50 offered a clean, balanced profile with notes of citrus, coffee, and earth, maintaining a mild character from start to finish. In contrast, the Gran Reserva opened with heavy, savory, and peppery flavors that were more intense and saturated, only settling down and becoming smoother closer to the halfway point.

The focus of the comparison is purely on the smoking experience, not on value, as both cigars are luxury products intended for different occasions and palates. While the Gran Reserva showcased the impact of aged tobacco with richer, deeper flavors, the standard Magnum 50 demonstrated how a regular production cigar can deliver an exceptionally balanced and classic Cuban profile straight off the shelf.

Both cigars highlight different aspects of Cuban craftsmanship, with the Gran Reserva offering a denser, heavier smoke and the standard Magnum 50 providing a more accessible and immediately enjoyable experience.

To see the full comparison, including detailed tasting notes, construction analysis, and final thoughts, watch the complete video below.