In 2016 and 2017, Altadis U.S.A. released limited edition H. Upmann cigars under the Ingot name, a nod to the brand’s founder and his role as a banker. Later this month, a third version of the Ingot will be released.
Update (Nov. 26, 2024) — The cigars have begun shipping to stores.
According to a report from Cigar Aficionado, the H. Upmann The Banker Ingot Arbitrage is a 7 x 56 double Churchill that uses an Ecuadorian habano wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers from Nicaragua. In both blend and vitola, this release is different compared to the The Banker Private Holding Ingot and The Banker Ingot Rosé. That said, like the first two Ingots, it is made at Tabacalera de García in the Dominican Republic.
Each cigar has an MSRP of $15 per cigar and production is limited to 5,000 boxes of 12 cigars.
“Each H. Upmann Banker is a testament to the 180+ years of the brand and exemplifies our commitment to exceptional taste and innovation,” said Gabe Diaz, brand manager, in a press release. “This new offering provides a unique smoking experience that reflects the spirit of today’s discerning cigar connoisseurs, just how the Upmann brothers would have wanted it. We are proud to celebrate the H. Upmann legacy while continuously pushing the boundaries of excellence. With H. Upmann Banker Ingot we offer consumers not just the experience of an iconic brand, but an investment in quality and craftsmanship.”
An ingot is a piece of metal that is almost entirely pure, the most notable example of an ingot is a gold bar. H. Upmann was founded by Hermann Upmann, a German who emigrated to Cuba, established his own bank and eventually his own cigar factory and brands. As with the previous two releases, the packaging is designed to mimic the appearance of an actual ingot.
Due to the Cuban embargo and trademark issues, Altadis U.S.A. sells the non-Cuban H. Upmann brand only in the U.S.
Update (Nov. 4, 2024) — Added information and images from the press release.
Update (Nov. 26, 2024) — The cigars have begun shipping to stores. This post was originally published on Nov. 4, 2024.