AshMap
Overview
The H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona represents a refined distillation of what has made the Upmann house a cornerstone of Dominican cigar tradition for over a century and a half. General Cigar's decision to anchor the Magnum 46 line around a robust 46 ring gauge was a deliberate nod to modern preferences for fuller smoke volume, yet the Petit Corona format within this collection demonstrates a more measured philosophy—one that honors the principle that excellence need not demand an hour of your day. This specific vitola is a limited or regional offering, making it a discovery for collectors willing to venture beyond flagship releases.
From first light, the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona announces itself with characteristic Old World elegance. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper—dressed in a golden honey-tan hue with a silky, fine tooth—opens with gentle cedar and cream, buttressed by toasted almond and a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. The floral sweetness imparted by the wrapper is immediately approachable, never cloying, and signals a cigar engineered for refinement rather than bombast. As the smoke develops through the middle third, the profile evolves toward leather and dry hay, brightened by a subtle citrus zest and a creamy character reminiscent of butter on brioche. This is a cigar that builds complexity through restraint—each flavor emerges in its turn, allowing the palate to follow a clear narrative arc.
The final third brings the smoke into warmer territory, with roasted nuts and light espresso notes rising to meet the returning cedar. Construction from General Cigar's Dominican factory is exemplary: the burn remains even and self-correcting, the draw effortless, and the ash holds in firm grey-white columns of roughly an inch—the hallmark of hand-rolled precision. What emerges from start to finish is a mild-to-medium smoke that feels both complete and graceful, a cigar that honors the Upmann tradition of genteel restraint while delivering undeniable substance within its compressed format.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut (for standard) — Note: The Magnum 46 line is primarily known in a single vitola format; a dedicat — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — aged Dominican long-fillers, blend centered on Piloto Cubano and Olor Dominicano |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — General Cigar / Manufactura de Tabacos S.A. |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 4.25 x 46 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos undergo standard General Cigar aging protocols; no extended pre-release aging publicly documented |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The light begins with a gentle cedar and cream character, underscored by toasted almonds and a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. The Ecuadorian wrapper imparts a floral sweetness that is immediately approachable and refined.
Second Third
Flavors evolve toward mild leather, dry hay, and a subtle creaminess reminiscent of fresh butter on brioche. A faint citrus zest emerges mid-palate, keeping the profile bright and well-balanced without aggression.
Final Third
The finish delivers a warmer note of roasted nuts and light espresso, with cedar returning more prominently. Strength edges slightly upward but remains firmly in mild-medium territory — clean and graceful to the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent from General Cigar's Dominican factory — burn is even and self-correcting, draw is effortless with medium smoke volume. Ash holds in firm grey-white columns of roughly an inch.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Highland single malt Scotch — Glenmorangie Original or Dalmore 12 — whose honeyed vanilla notes mirror the wrapper's sweetness without overpowering
Wine
A lightly oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy (Mâcon-Villages) or a dry fino Sherry to complement the nutty, creamy mid-profile
Non-Alcoholic
A well-pulled single-origin Ethiopian pour-over coffee — floral, citrus-forward — that echoes the cigar's brightness and creaminess
Who Should Smoke This?
The H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona is ideal for the aficionado who refuses to compromise on quality but respects his own time. This is a cigar for the experienced smoker who has moved beyond the need for strength or showiness—someone who appreciates the quiet confidence of old-world craftsmanship. Morning and mid-afternoon sessions are its natural habitat, fitting neatly into a 30–40 minute window without sacrificing flavor complexity. It suits the gentleman who prefers substance over duration, and those building a collection of Dominican benchmarks. Beginners with some foundational experience will find it supremely accessible and educational.
Bottom Line
The H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona is a masterclass in restrained elegance—a cigar that proves premium doesn't require extravagance. For those seeking a full-bodied flavor profile on a gentleman's timeline, this is an essential experience.
Similar Cigars
Explore all H. Upmann Magnum 46 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona a strong cigar?
No. This cigar is classified as mild-to-medium (2/5 on the strength scale), with a strength that edges slightly upward in the final third but remains graceful and refined throughout. It is designed for nuance rather than power.
What does the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona taste like?
The profile begins with gentle cedar, cream, toasted almond, and white pepper. The middle develops leather, dry hay, creaminess, and citrus zest. The finish brings roasted nuts, light espresso, and returning cedar. It is a balanced, evolving smoke with floral sweetness from the Ecuadorian wrapper.
How long does the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona take to smoke?
At 4.25 x 46, this Petit Corona delivers approximately 30–40 minutes of smoking time—ideal for a focused morning or mid-afternoon session without requiring a substantial time commitment.
What is the best pairing for the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona?
Highland single malt Scotch (Glenmorangie Original or Dalmore 12) pairs exceptionally well, as do lightly oaked Burgundian Chardonnays or dry fino Sherry. For non-alcoholic pairing, a single-origin Ethiopian pour-over coffee echoes the cigar's floral and citrus brightness.
Is the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona good for beginners?
Yes—for beginners with foundational experience. Its mild-to-medium strength and refined, approachable flavor profile make it excellent for learning, though complete novices may benefit from lighter introductory cigars first.
Where can I buy the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona?
This vitola is a limited or regional release within the Magnum 46 line. Seasoned collectors should verify current availability against General Cigar's catalog through authorized premium retailers, as it is not a flagship offering in all markets.
What is the price of the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona?
The H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona typically retails between $10–$14 per cigar, positioning it in the accessible premium segment for quality Dominican hand-rolled production.
Is the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona worth aging?
The tobaccos undergo standard General Cigar aging protocols, and no extended pre-release aging is publicly documented. The cigar is released ready to enjoy; additional cellaring would be discretionary and depend on personal preference for development.
What wrapper does the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona use?
The cigar features an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper in a Colorado Claro shade, displaying a golden honey-tan color with a silky texture and fine tooth. This wrapper imparts floral sweetness and refined character.
Where is the H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona made?
The H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at General Cigar's Manufactura de Tabacos S.A. facility. It features a Dominican binder and filler of aged Dominican long-fillers centered on Piloto Cubano and Olor Dominicano tobaccos.