AshMap
Overview
There is a particular kind of quiet confidence that arrives with a cigar that doesn't need to shout. The H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo is precisely that—a study in understated grace, a cigar that whispers its intentions from the first light and trusts you to lean in. It is not a cigar for the impatient; it is a reward for the attentive, a slow-burning meditation wrapped in a golden-straw Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf that feels almost silken between the fingers. The torpedo cap, a nod to the storied Cuban No. 2 format, is a promise of ritual—the careful cut, the deliberate toast, the first gentle draw that reveals a cold breath of cream and sun-dried hay.
From the moment the flame kisses the foot, the narrative unfolds with a deliberate, unhurried cadence. The opening salvo is a study in contrasts: a bright, cleansing white pepper that dances on the retrohale, immediately softened by a wave of toasted almonds and a clean, aromatic cedar. The smoke itself is a marvel of texture—a creamy, almost buttery mouthfeel that coats the palate, carrying with it faint, elusive floral undertones that are the hallmark of a well-executed Connecticut blend. This is not a wrapper that dominates; it is a canvas, and the aged Dominican fillers are the artists, sketching their initial strokes with a delicate hand.
As the burn line marches past the halfway point, the composition deepens. The initial cedar begins to mellow, transforming into a richer, creamier oak that provides a sturdy backbone. Roasted cashew emerges, adding a savory depth, while a gentle leather note introduces a subtle earthiness. The true magic, however, lies in the finish—a whisper of sweetness that evokes condensed milk, lingering long after the smoke has been exhaled. It is a masterclass in balance, where each element appears in its proper time, never crowding the others, building a quiet complexity that rewards a slow, contemplative pace.
The final third is a graceful denouement, not a climax. The flavors, having matured, settle into a harmonious close. A mild espresso note grounds the profile, while the return of dry hay and a faint hint of white chocolate provide a nostalgic callback to the cigar's opening moments. The pepper, which had receded, reasserts itself on the retrohale with a gentle insistence, a final reminder of the cigar's structure, yet it never overwhelms. The smoke remains cool and composed to the very end, finishing cleanly without a trace of harshness. This is a cigar that understands its own identity—refined, elegant, and profoundly satisfying in its restraint. It is a testament to the art of blending, a cigar that proves power is not a prerequisite for profundity.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic aged long-fillers, blend of seco and ligero primings |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic (General Cigar's La Romana facility) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.1 x 46 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling; some batches show additional post-rolling box rest |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw hints at cream and hay; upon lighting, the first third opens with white pepper on the retrohale, toasted almonds, and a clean cedar note. A creamy texture coats the palate with mild floral undertones reminiscent of the classic Connecticut wrapper profile.
Second Third
Complexity builds modestly as the burn tightens — roasted cashew, mild leather, and a gentle baking spice emerge. The cedar transitions into a creamier oak characteristic, and a subtle sweetness resembling condensed milk lingers on the finish.
Final Third
The final third introduces a mild espresso note alongside dry hay and a whisper of white chocolate. Pepper reasserts itself on the retrohale without overwhelming the palate; the smoke remains cool and balanced, with a clean finish that is characteristic of well-aged Dominican filler.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — the torpedo taper draws effortlessly with just the right resistance, producing a firm, pure white ash that holds for an inch or more. Burn line is even and self-correcting, requiring minimal touch-ups.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A lightly aged rum such as Bacardí 8 Años or Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva; alternatively a mild Scotch lowlander like Auchentoshan 12
Wine
White Burgundy (Chablis Premier Cru) or a light-bodied Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley — the cigar's delicacy demands restraint from the wine
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian drip coffee with milk, or a jasmine green tea — both complement the creamy Connecticut profile without overpowering it
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of bold, high-octane blends but finds himself, on a quiet Sunday morning, craving something different. He's the type who has been smoking for a decade, who can appreciate a full-bodied Nicaraguan powerhouse, but who now seeks a different kind of engagement. He's sitting on his porch with a fresh cup of black coffee, the newspaper unread beside him, and he wants a cigar that won't demand his full attention but will reward it when given. He already enjoys the creamy profiles of an Ashton VSG or the finesse of an Arturo Fuente Hemingway, but he's looking for something with a bit more structure and a longer, more contemplative arc. This torpedo will give him that—a 60-minute journey of subtle evolution, a palate cleanser that recalibrates his senses and reminds him that elegance is a language of its own. It's a cigar for the man who has nothing to prove, only a moment to savor.
Bottom Line
The H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo is a masterclass in restraint, a Connecticut-wrapped gem that proves complexity doesn't require strength. It is an essential smoke for any aficionado seeking a refined, contemplative experience, and a stunning value at its price point. This is a cigar that earns its place in the rotation not by force, but by finesse.
Similar Cigars
Explore all H. Upmann Magnum 46 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means the nicotine delivery is gentle and unlikely to cause any lightheadedness, even on an empty stomach. The flavor profile is full of nuance but the body is light, making it an ideal choice for a morning smoke or for those who prefer to taste the blend rather than feel its strength.
What does H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo taste like?
The flavor journey begins with white pepper, toasted almonds, and clean cedar. The middle third evolves into roasted cashew, mild leather, and a creamy oak with a finish of condensed milk sweetness. The final third introduces a mild espresso note, dry hay, and a whisper of white chocolate, with the pepper returning gently on the retrohale.
How long does H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo take to smoke?
Given its torpedo vitola and 6.1 x 46 dimensions, you should expect a smoking time of roughly 60 to 75 minutes. The tapered head and moderate ring gauge encourage a slower, more deliberate puffing cadence, which is essential to experiencing the blend's full flavor arc.
What is the best pairing for H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo?
For a spirit pairing, a lightly aged rum like Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is excellent; its subtle vanilla and caramel notes harmonize with the cigar's creamy texture without overpowering it. If you prefer wine, a Chablis Premier Cru offers a mineral and citrus profile that beautifully contrasts the cigar's nutty and oaky characteristics.
Is H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo good for beginners?
Yes, its Mild-Medium strength makes it physically approachable for a novice. However, the $12–$16 price point is a significant investment for someone still exploring their palate. A beginner who is serious about understanding a high-quality Connecticut profile and is willing to smoke slowly and attentively will find it an excellent educational smoke, but a less expensive cigar might be a more prudent starting point.
Where can I buy H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo?
As a premium, hand-rolled cigar, it is best purchased from a trusted local tobacconist who can ensure proper humidification. It is also widely available from reputable online retailers like Famous Smoke Shop, Cigars International, or Neptune Cigars, which often provide better pricing and a larger inventory.
What is the price of H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo?
The expected retail price is between $12 and $16 per cigar. This places it in the premium tier, but it is competitively priced for a hand-rolled torpedo with aged Dominican fillers and an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, offering a value proposition that undercuts many of its peers.
Is H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years, this cigar can benefit from additional box rest. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and Dominican fillers have the structure to meld further over 1-3 years, which will likely deepen the creamy and oaky notes and soften the white pepper. However, it is also highly enjoyable fresh, so aging is a matter of preference, not necessity.
What wrapper does H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper. This leaf is prized for its silky texture, light golden-straw color, and its ability to deliver a creamy, mild profile with subtle floral and hay notes, providing a delicate yet flavorful canvas for the aged Dominican fillers.
Where is H. Upmann Magnum 46 No. 2 Torpedo made?
It is hand-rolled at General Cigar's La Romana facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This factory is renowned for its precise construction standards, which is evident in this cigar's excellent draw, even burn, and firm ash—hallmarks of a well-made premium cigar.