H. Upmann Ingot The Banker Private Holding is a limited release packaged in a box that looks like a gold bar, and features a gold foil wrap covering the majority of the cigar. While the main The Banker line has three sizes, the Ingot is only being released in one size—a 6 x 54 toro and is a significantly different blend, using specific tobacco vintages that are listed on the inside of the box lid.

While only a little bit of the cigar sticks out of the band and gold foil, once the foil is removed I notice a significant change in wrapper coloring from the head to the foot. While that’s not as visually appealing as it could be, it is a very pleasant tactile experience, having one of the softest wrappers I can remember feeling in recent history—reminding me more of velvet and silk than anything else. There is a little bit more give in the cigar than I would like, with the foot feeling and looking like it is slightly under filled. Dark rich fruit aromas of plums and raisins are the first thing I notice off the wrapper, with hints of spice and vanilla trailing after. The cold draw is very interesting, almost spot on Chips Ahoy chocolate cookies—kind of a mass produced, slightly chemical flavor, but mostly chocolate chip cookie.

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