H. Upmann The Banker

Gotta hand it to Altadis - the big European tobacco company which owns Upmann, Romeo, Montecristo, et all - which is itself a division of an even bigger tobacco conglomerate called Imperial Tobacco. Because it's a ballsy move naming a cigar blend "The Banker" at a time when the public views the integrity of bankers, oh, somewhere between that of Nancy Pelosi, Mephistopheles, and the Fort Hood terrorist (oops, I guess they call that workplace violator).

But it's a bit contrarian, I like it. Plus, it happens to have an integral connection to the brand's roots, paying homage to the German banker Herman Upmann who created the brand in Cuba back in 1844. 

It's also a surprisingly good blend that was rated 91 by Cigar Aficionado. The wrapper is a lovely Habano-seed leaf grown in Ecuador and the filler is composed of a robust mix of vintage long leaves from the Dominican and Nicaragua. Together the result is an earthy, full-flavored core enhanced by spice and creaminess. Medium to full in body.

More blends from H. Upmann: H. Upmann Herman's Batch, H. Upmann Hispaniola By Jose Mendez, H. Upmann Nicaragua Heritage by AJ Fernandez, H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon