Let's talk about the H. Upmann The Banker Currency - a 5½" x 48 parejo with $177.05/box price tag that's been burning holes in humidors since 2015. This Honduran-made cigar sports an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper so oily it could grease a diesel engine. The Nicaraguan binder and filler combo promises "financial advisor approved" smoking sessions, though my wallet still cries during tax season.
Unwrapped smells like a damp leather wallet stuffed with old coffee receipts. Cold draw gives cedar planks dipped in blackstrap molasses - that "pretending to be sophisticated" vibe before lighting up.
First Third: Sweet hay stacks catch fire quickly, burning into warm walnut shells and baking chocolate shavings. Retrohale carries more attitude - white pepper sneezes cut through the dessert menu.
Mid Section: Earthiness barges in like Wall Street bros at happy hour. Coffee grounds mix with almond skins, transitioning to charred oak staves. Smoke output stays medium - no mushroom cloud shame here.
Final Inches: Mineral tang surfaces like unexpected overdraft fees. Dry cocoa powder dominates last 2", with cinnamon sprinkle on the tongue. Watch that heat buildup past the band unless you enjoy licking ashtrays.
These need 60% RH max unless you want flaccid burn lines. Box-press shape helps prevent canoeing but demands precise torch work. Pairing? Skip the cognac - try cold brew coffee to match its bitter-sweet mood swings.
