Punch Super Selection No 2 (EAR FEB 02): Discontinued Cigar Review Weekend

[Philc2001]

When I discovered the SS#2 in the late nineties, I immediately took a liking, the flavor and body were right in my sweet spot. This cigar drew me into the Punch world, and over the years became my go to cigar, along with Punch SS#1. By 2002, if I were stranded on an Island and could have just two cigars, these two super selections would have been the ones.

So, it is with a heavy heart I post this review from a very small handful I have left from that great Punch Super Selection cab era.

I have always loved the cedary tones of Punch paired with a good Speyside single malt, but for this occasion I picked a great Bourbon I discovered through our FOH BOTLs.

The wrapper on this stick has a green tinge, and it's not very attractive. But I've come to realize over the years not to judge a book by its cover when it comes to Cubans. Some of the ugliest cigars turn out to be absolute flavor bombs.

Cutting, draw and lighting went smoothly. First draws filled my patio with that familiar Cuban farm aroma and sweet cedar tone.

To me the flavor of the SS#2 always had more intensity and body that the other CGs in the line, which is why I always favored it. And so it is with this one. First third was delightful and rich, with toasted tobacco, nuts, cedar and hints of cumin.

The second third was much like the first, with flavor intensifying further. A little more spice, a little less cedar. Premium tobacco and quality rolling is evident, with a straight and consistent burn and ample chewy smoke volume.

The last third grew a bit more intense. Now the nutty flavor has evolved into leather, and the smoke volume has decreased somewhat. Loads of earthiness and garden loam seem to rise in the smoke trail. The body has kicked up into a strong medium, and the nicotine is giving me a buzz. At this stage I'm slowing down my draws, trying to make the moment last, but also trying to minimize the nicotine hit.

Yet another great Punch SS #2 sacrificed, with smoke signals sent to HSA pleading with them to stop the carnage. I will truly regret the passing of this great vitola. Despite its ugly wrapper, this was a treat that I will cherish.

Enjoy the weekend!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TheMonk]

Good job!

[Luca]

Nice Great pics!

[BrightonCorgi]

These are some tannic powerful cigars when young.  I have one cab from mid 90's and one near end of production with bands.  I think mid 2000's.  The 90's cab is wonderfully woody tasting.  The newer cab I had one cigar from it like 7 years ago and was like "no need to revisit for another decade..."

[BrightonCorgi]

50 minutes ago, BrightonCorgi said:

These are some tannic powerful cigars when young.  I have one cab from mid 90's and one near end of production with bands.  I think mid 2000's.  The 90's cab is wonderfully woody tasting.  The newer cab I had one cigar from it like 7 years ago and was like "no need to revisit for another decade..."

Just went to check what I actually had...  The are both cabs of SS #1 with the newer cab from 2008...

[BuzzArd]

Great review.  Hard to be getting down to your last best friend....  

[PigFish]

Nice!

Shame to see old friends getting less and less! Nice review and fine read. -R