The Magnum R line was formulated in the late 2000s by current Arturo Fuente patriarch Don “Carlito” Carlos Junior at a time when the cigar industry was focusing on releasing sticks that were full-bodied and increasingly stronger and stronger. But being the creative visionary he is, Carlito decided to buck this trend and go in the opposite direction, producing a milder cigar that’s medium-bodied, yet still full-flavored on the smoker’s palate.
Magnum Rs feature a refined blend of Dominican tobaccos sealed in a Dominican binder and wrapped in Ecuadorean sun-grown Sumatra leaf that’s nearly 10 years old. While all the other vitolas in the Arturo Fuente Magnum R line are numbered according to their ring gauge circumference, the box-pressed, 44-named Magnum is actually a 47 ring size (the “44” refers to the number of cigars in a box).
The extra sizing in this case just means more enjoyment for the smoker, and that’s exactly what these cigars deliver. With a perfect triple cap, tight seams and additional high-quality construction, the R 44 has a medium-body, is medium-to-full-flavored and offers medium-plus strength. Smoke production is plentiful, and the ash generated is firm. Tastes presented to the palate include nutmeg, cinnamon, espresso and shortbread cookies. Smokers have also reported creamy, sweet, peppery/spicy, salty/nutty and leathery flavors, while the finish has been described as creamy and mineral-ish, with a champagne-like fruitiness.
In 2012, the Magnum R 44 vitola took the fifth-place ranking (and an accompanying rating of 94) in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 for that year, with the magazine noting it was one of the least-expensive selections listed. Nonetheless, these are sophisticated, nuanced cigars that acquire even more character with age in a humidor. While some in the know may claim the Magnum R line is made exclusively for experienced smokers, those just recently introduced to the world of cigars may appreciate the Magnum R 44s as a way to learn about what makes a great stick.