AshMap
Overview
There is a particular kind of quiet confidence that arrives with a short smoke. It is not the bombast of a double corona nor the hurried apology of a cigarillo; it is the assuredness of a man who knows exactly what thirty-five minutes of his afternoon are worth. The H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona is that assurance, rendered in a 4.25-inch package that punches far above its physical stature. This is the cigar equivalent of a well-tailored linen suit—understated, crisp, and correct in almost any setting, yet possessing a texture and depth that demands a second look from those who know where to find it. Within the Magnum 46 lineage, this vitola is the secret handshake, a smaller-format release that distills the house profile into a single, potent act of concentration rather than a prolonged narrative.
The pre-light ritual sets the stage with a deceptive simplicity. The Colorado Claro wrapper, a golden honey-tan leaf with a fine tooth and a whisper of oil, yields to the touch with a silky resistance. The cold draw is a breath of cedar shavings and sweet cream, a preview that hints at the refinement to come without giving away the plot. Once lit, the first third unfolds with a gentle authority. A wave of soft cedar and dairy cream washes over the palate, but the true signature is the toasted almond—a dry, nutty richness that grounds the smoke. A whisper of white pepper dances on the retrohale, a fleeting spark that keeps the senses alert without ever threatening aggression. The floral sweetness of the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper is immediately present, not as a perfume, but as a subtle, honeyed undertone that makes the opening moments feel almost delicate.
As the ash column holds its firm grey-white form, the second third transitions with a shift in texture rather than volume. The cedar recedes slightly, making way for a mild, supple leather that carries the profile into more savory territory. A dry hay note emerges, evoking a sun-baked field, but it is quickly balanced by a creamy richness that recalls fresh butter melting into a warm brioche. Just as the palate settles into this comforting rhythm, a faint citrus zest—lemon, perhaps, or a hint of yuzu—flashes across the mid-palate. It is a moment of brightness, a sharp intake of light that prevents the smoke from becoming too soporific. This is the blend's cleverness: the Dominican Piloto Cubano and Olor fillers provide a sturdy, earthy base, but the interplay of these lighter, more ethereal notes keeps the experience feeling alive and engaged.
The final third is where the Magnum 46 Petit Corona reveals its quiet ambition. The strength, still firmly in mild-medium territory, edges up just enough to add a welcome warmth. The roasted nut character returns, but it is now deeper, darker, and more pronounced, joined by a light espresso note that lingers on the finish. The cedar, which opened the smoke, returns with a more prominent voice, bringing the experience full circle. There is no harshness, no bitter collapse; the cigar burns clean and graceful to the nub, leaving a final impression of polished wood and gentle roast. It is a masterclass in pacing—a full flavor arc that respects the constraints of its format, delivering a complete thought without a single wasted word.
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?
This is for the collector who has a cellar full of aged Havanas but finds himself reaching for a quick, dependable companion on a Tuesday afternoon. He is not a novice, but he is past the point of needing to prove anything with a heavy, nicotine-laden smoke. He is the man who has just finished a long lunch, has a 3 PM conference call that requires a clear head, and wants a moment of quiet ritual before re-entering the fray. He already enjoys the creamy, nutty profiles of an Ashton VSG or a Davidoff Signature, but he is looking for something with a bit more old-world Dominican soul. This cigar will give him that moment of polished solitude, a brief interlude of cedar and cream that resets his focus without demanding the hour-long commitment of a larger vitola. It is the smoke he reaches for when he wants quality, not quantity, and knows the difference is a matter of minutes, not inches.
Bottom Line
The H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona is a perfectly executed short-form study in balance and restraint. It delivers a complete, satisfying journey of cedar, cream, and toasted nuts that never overstays its welcome. For the aficionado who values precision over power, this is an essential addition to the rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all H. Upmann Magnum 46 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, you will feel a gentle warmth in the final third, but it will not produce a significant nicotine buzz or cause lightheadedness. It is designed for a relaxing, contemplative session where the flavors are the focus, not the strength.
What does H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona taste like?
The flavor profile is a progression of gentle, refined notes. It opens with cedar, sweet cream, and toasted almonds, with a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. The middle third introduces mild leather, dry hay, and a fresh butter on brioche character, accented by a faint citrus zest. It finishes with roasted nuts, light espresso, and a return of prominent cedar.
How long does H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona take to smoke?
Given its Petit Corona vitola and compact size of 4.25 x 46, you can expect a smoke time of approximately 30 to 40 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a focused break or a shorter session when you cannot dedicate a full hour or more to a larger cigar.
What is the best pairing for H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona?
A Highland single malt Scotch, such as Glenmorangie Original or Dalmore 12, is an excellent choice. The honeyed vanilla notes of these Scotches mirror the wrapper's inherent sweetness and the creamy mid-profile of the cigar, creating a harmonious and reinforcing flavor experience without either component overpowering the other.
Is H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona good for beginners?
Yes, its Mild-Medium strength and approachable flavor profile make it a very good option for a beginner who is ready to move beyond infused cigars. However, the $10–$14 per cigar price point is a significant investment for someone still exploring their palate. It is a premium experience, so it might be better suited for a special occasion smoke for a novice rather than a daily driver.
Where can I buy H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona?
As a premium, limited-release vitola, your best bet is a well-stocked local tobacconist that carries a broad General Cigar portfolio. If not available locally, reputable online cigar retailers that specialize in premium and hard-to-find releases are your next option. Given its limited documented release data, you may need to search specialty retailers or auction sites to find current stock.
What is the price of H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona?
The expected retail price is between $10 and $14 per cigar. This places it in the premium tier, reflecting the quality of its aged Dominican long-fillers and the craftsmanship of its hand-rolled construction in the Dominican Republic.
Is H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona worth aging?
While the tobaccos have undergone standard General Cigar aging protocols, there is no extended pre-release aging documented for this blend. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper is typically at its peak within the first few years. We recommend smoking it within 1-2 years of purchase to enjoy its bright, creamy characteristics. While it won't fall apart, extended aging may mute the delicate citrus and floral notes that make it special, without adding significant complexity.
What wrapper does H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, specifically noted as a 'dedicat' shade of Colorado Claro. This golden honey-tan leaf is silky with a fine tooth and light oil. This wrapper is the primary source of the cigar's floral sweetness and contributes to its smooth, refined character, providing a delicate counterpoint to the earthier Dominican fillers.
Where is H. Upmann Magnum 46 Petit Corona made?
It is hand-rolled at General Cigar's Manufactura de Tabacos S.A. factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This facility is known for its excellent construction standards, which is why the burn is typically even and self-correcting, and the draw is effortless with a medium smoke volume.