San Cristobal La Punta : 48 and Over Review Weekend

[slowsmoke]

This is from the noob sampler, don't know the box code.  It was the biggest ring gage CC I have, and it's been resting just about 30 days, so here we go.

Had it with a bubbly, per El Pres recommendation.  A cheap Mumm Napa leftover from a party, but was actually a perfect pair.  Bready, dry, with a little green apple.

The wrapper on this thing was not pretty.  Rippled, with spots of discoloration.  But construction was nice and puffy the whole way through.  Wrapper smelled woody, and toast.  The foot had a little sweetness to it.  With only a small cut on the tip, draw was perfect.

First puffs were nutty, with something else that immediately caught my interest.  Best I could describe it was a good, hearty meal.  The burn was nice and slow, lots of smoke, great draw.

Within the first third, I tasted it: pancakes.  Couldn't believe it, but there it was.  A plain, moist, pancake.  Also some nutty flavor, very rich, maybe peanut.

Started to burn uneven, and just as I thought about touching it up, it fixed itself and kept burning like a champ.

Caught a hint of sweetness, and thought oh my god is this the pancakes and syrup!  But it disappeared.  I still tasted something extra.  Several puffs later, I figured it out: butter.  It was a buttered pancake.  Maybe brown butter.  Really nice.

Absolutely no spice, no pepper.  Just buttered pancake.  Occasionally I thought a little cream, but then it would go away.  Some lingering nutty flavors.  It is going SO well with the champagne.

Halfway, the draw got tight.  I clipped a little, it was perfect again.  The burn is still wandering, but solid.  Flavors went a but muddled, ashy.  I got sad, thought it was over, I guess this is what I get for smoking it so soon.

Final third, the pancake came back, but slightly burned.  I know a thing or two about burned pancakes, thanks to the wife.  Then, buttered popcorn.  Genuinely surprised me.  First time I have tasted pancake, or popcorn, in a cigar.

The popcorn got stronger, and I smoked this thing to a nub, wished it wouldn't end.  Body and strength were a perfect medium all the way.  The smoke was never dry, the flavors were fresh.  The few times I thought it was going bitter or tar, it went away just that fast.

This was the most enjoyable CC I've had.  I generally prefer smaller ring gauge cigars, but I will buy a box of these.

 

 

[joshhooper7]

If your wife reads your review you might not be alive to buy a box!

Great write-up, makes me want to order a box or three.

[slowsmoke]

Is it just coincidence that La Punta showed up in 24:24 today?! It was meant to be. I’m a happy guy.  

[Lucass111]

1 hour ago, slowsmoke said:

Is it just coincidence that La Punta showed up in 24:24 today?! It was meant to be. I’m a happy guy.  

I thought the same thing! I have one resting. Can't wait to give it a go.