H. Upmann Magnum 52 Year of the Tiger 2022

Ex. Intertabak (Switzerland). UK duty-paid.

The H. Upmann Magnum 52 Year of the Tiger 2022 is a limited-edition Cuban cigar released to celebrate the Chinese Lunar Year of the Tiger. This unique vitola, known as "Segundos," measures 5 7/8 inches (148 mm) in length with a 52 ring gauge, offering a robusto extra format that is exclusive to this release. Each cigar is hand-rolled using select tobaccos from Cuba's renowned Vuelta Abajo region and presented in a striking hexagonal red lacquered box, adorned with gold oriental motifs and an additional zodiac-themed band at the foot. With only 18 cigars per box, this release is both a collector's item and a luxurious smoking experience, designed for special occasions and discerning aficionados.

This is the third year in a row that Habanos released a cigar to mark this auspicious event, following the 2020 Romeo y Julieta Maravillas No.8 (Year of the Rat) and the 2021 Hoyo de Monterrey Primaveras (Year of the Ox). The Magnum 52 is a unique size within the Habanos portfolio — its familiarity may owe something to its similarity to the Cohiba Siglo VI, being just 2 mm shorter and sharing the 52 ring gauge. Although created with the Chinese market in mind, these cigars are available worldwide and have proved popular with smokers and collectors across the globe. As an exclusive production, they are available only in limited quantities.

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About H. Upmann

Founded in 1844, H. Upmann was established in Havana by German banker Hermann Dietrich Upmann, who had arrived in Cuba in 1843 to expand his family's banking business. Captivated by the local tobacco industry, he purchased a cigar factory and began producing cigars under his own name. H. Upmann is credited with introducing the cedar box for cigar storage and gifting — a practice that became an industry standard. These boxes, often stamped with the H. Upmann name, were initially used to promote the family bank and later became a hallmark of the brand. Alongside cigar production, the Upmann family ran a bank catering to tobacco dealers and manufacturers, creating a vertically integrated business that managed everything from seedbed to shipping.

Read our complete H. Upmann guide for the full history, the range and how to spot a genuine Havana, or browse the H. Upmann brand page.

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Tasting Notes

The H. Upmann Magnum 52 Year of the Tiger 2022 offers a refined and evolving flavour journey:

• Initial third: Opens with rich, earthy aromas and notes of cedar and leather, quickly developing into subtle spices and a creamy chocolate undertone. The smoke is smooth, with a touch of sweetness from the aged wrapper.
• Middle third: The profile evolves with pronounced earthiness, toasted nuts, and hints of cinnamon and almonds. A gentle citrus zest adds brightness, while the creamy texture persists.
• Final third: Finishes with a rich, creamy smoke layered with lingering sweetness, spice and a touch of dried fruit — balanced, complex and deeply satisfying, with a long, elegant finish.
• Aroma: A harmonious bouquet of earth, cedar and subtle herbal notes, complemented by hints of leather and cocoa.
• Pairing: Beautiful with single malt Scotch, bourbon or a rich espresso, all of which enhance its nuanced flavours and creamy texture.

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Fun Facts

• Third in the zodiac series. The Magnum 52 was the third consecutive Habanos Chinese-zodiac release, following the Year of the Rat (2020) and Year of the Ox (2021).
• A one-off vitola. The "Segundos" (148 mm × 52) is a robusto extra format exclusive to this release — not found elsewhere in the Habanos range.
• The Cohiba Siglo VI's near-twin. It sits just 2 mm shorter than the Cohiba Siglo VI and shares its 52 ring gauge — part of why the format feels instantly familiar to seasoned smokers.
• A collector's box. The hexagonal red-and-gold lacquered box of 18, with its zodiac foot band, is as much a display piece as a humidor item.
• The brand that gave us the cedar box. H. Upmann is credited with introducing the cedar cigar box — now a universal standard — originally to promote the family's Havana bank.

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FAQ

What is the H. Upmann Magnum 52 Year of the Tiger 2022?

It's a limited-edition Cuban cigar released to mark the Chinese Lunar Year of the Tiger — the third in Habanos' zodiac series. It uses the exclusive "Segundos" vitola (148 mm × 52), comes in a hexagonal red lacquered box of 18, and is hand-rolled from Vuelta Abajo tobacco.

How strong is it?

Medium-to-full and beautifully refined — cedar, leather, earth, creamy chocolate, toasted nuts and gentle spice, evolving through the smoke to a long, elegant finish. Complex rather than powerful.

Is it a genuine Cuban cigar?

Yes — genuine Cuban H. Upmann. This stock is duty-paid, ex-Intertabak (Switzerland).

Why is it collectible?

It's a limited zodiac-series edition in a one-off vitola and a striking hexagonal lacquered box, produced in restricted quantities — exactly the kind of release collectors seek out.

What does "ex-Intertabak" mean?

It means the cigars came from Intertabak AG, the official Swiss Habanos distributor — a mark of provenance. This stock is UK duty-paid.

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