Wailbait Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 The best thing about these review competitions is that they compel me to dig a bit and try one of the sticks that I might not normally reach for. It so happens that the SCDLH La Punta is one of my top 5 favorite cigars but for whatever reason, I rarely smoke the Punta as evidenced by the fact that I don't think I have a single one of them that's more recent than 2014. It's not that I don't like the Fuerza, it's just that I LOVE the Punta. So it was exciting for me to revisit this cigar that I recalled being from an excellent box. I'm sure that others have pointed this out, but aside from the Subaru Swift and the Ford Aspire, this could be one of the most misnamed products on the planet. This cigar is many many things, but "Fuerza" it is not. I love martinis. A few years back, in the post-Hendricks craze, all the gin makers began the trend to highly aromatic (and slightly sweet) gins. They are impressive and unique and likely work in a G&T but most don't do it for me. So to drink them as a martini, my general rule is to do 2oz Bombay Dry, 1oz Aromatic Gin and 1oz Dry Vermouth. I find it helps tame the flavor and doesn't make it feel like I'm drinking a field of flowers. Today's gin is Grey Whale. It's from California and it's very nice. I hoped the martini would be a good partner for this cigar. It was. Predraw. Light and floral. Not that much to speak of actually. But the wrapper and fill was BEAUTIFUL. Nice weight and construction. First third. Very very mild. Almost restrained. Extremely elegant construction and flavor profile. Despite the darker wrapper, it doesn't have any of the cocoa or chocolate notes that one might think of. It was fruity and slightly game-y. Not unlike prosciutto and melon. Second third. Now things are really picking up. Not getting stronger but many more flavors coming through. I don't recall ever having had a Principe but others talk about the Pancake and Maple Syrup flavors of the SCDLH line. I have gotten that in the Punta but none of that so far in this Fuerza. The most unique aspect of this part of the cigar was a dark bread quality. I enjoyed. Final third. Construction and smoke have been superb on this cigar. It's surprisingly subtle and mild even to the end. The martini was a nice easy cocktail that didn't compete and cleansed the palate nicely. I'm not sure this particular box has ever had the complexity of the various Puntas I have had but it's an enjoyable mild smoke with lovely room notes. I'd recommend this cigar for those that like a subtle smoking experience with an excellently constructed cigar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandman Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 In my experience these are great fresh, then expire quickly. I finally gave up buying these after the third box, and that was 2015 or 2016, can’t remember. But they are great fresh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wailbait Posted December 9, 2018 Author Share Posted December 9, 2018 7 minutes ago, Sandman said: In my experience these are great fresh, then expire quickly. I finally gave up buying these after the third box, and that was 2015 or 2016, can’t remember. But they are great fresh. That is great insight. To be honest, I probably don't try enough stuff fresh. I think I lay almost everything down for extended naps before even sampling so it's possible i never have enjoyed these at their best. If my review comes across as being negative, I don't mean it to be. It was good. It's just that somehow, the Punta really works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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