Roman

I remember well a box of Trini Vigias from 2014, smoked during a period of one summer month in 2020. Flavor had evolved, into a somewhat less aggressive cream and biscuits Cohiba, with a touch of lime on the side. Excellent. So, those initial releases, do age well into the 5-8 year period of time. More recent Vigia, from 2019-2022, have been more consistent in construction, mondain in appearance, less oily, but mundane in flavor profile. Give these, 1-3 years. The time period from 2016-2018 is a bit of an oxymoron for the Vigia. I have had both excellent boxes and some total undefiled, horrible disasters. I would avoid this period when buying blind. I have been smoking and collecting them since release in 2014 and the Vigia is in my top 5 cuban cigars and #1 in the short, fat robusto format. Currently, I would suggest older boxes from 2014-2015 or those magnificent ARS 2019 boxes, released together with the new then Esmeralda and Topes. Cheers!

The PL Small Robusto is in the same size category of the beloved HDM Petit Robusto. It is a short and fat cigar that you will spend 30 - 45 min with. It is a regional release for Italy and is by far the most beautiful looking cigar in this specific category. It is adorned with the gold PL band, followed by the usual Regional Release band - the combination of colors is fantastic! But apart from looks, this one also has substance indeed... Hazelnut followed with strong scents of wood and chocolate, a touch of lime maybe and a touch of spice near the end, overall sweet and medium bodied. Construction is close to perfect and while it is not cheap, it is far better than other short cigars from more "prestigious" brands - and EL by the way - like the Partagas Serie D No 5 EL from 2008 or the Trinidad EL from 2010. One of the best Regional Releases from Habanos and truly in line with the country it is released for. Cheers!

I have now smoked two of these Edition Limitadas - from the same box - and I have to report that while the aroma and overall palate was very promising and pleasant, the draw was tight. I can't say if this is something that will eventually better with time, but it was not pleasant - especially from an EL. The size of the cigar is perfect and I am glad to see an EL from Punch. That being said, the final third of the cigar was by far the best part and for this reason, and this reason alone, I will choose to revisit them every three months for the next year to see if this final third starts to evolve and turn the cigar to something potentially much better. As it is now though, it is not worth the 420 euro that I paid to purchase a box of 25 from a retailer in Geneva and would much prefer a box of H. Upmann Robustos EL 2012 - an excellent release from last year. Cheers!