Punch Punch REG AGO 18 (PQDRW)

[kevpro]

I am excited to finally contribute to these reviews. This box of Punch Punch was my first ever CC box purchase and I got it right here on 24:24. 

I've also never done a review before, but this seems like the perfect place to start. 

 

Pre-light:

I smoked the one on the right with a friend. Construction was great, a few visible veins but nothing abnormal and firm throughout. The one on the left looks a little rougher in this picture but I was happy with the construction on both. 

The aroma off these is almost a musty tobacco and cedar. I froze them for 3 days upon receipt and the have been in the dress box sealed with Ziplock / Boveda for about 10 days until finally moving to my freshly seasoned humidor yesterday.

I cut using the Cuban Crafters Perfect Cutter which works great! (I thought of using punch on the Punch Punch... but I've had tight draw issues in NCs using a punch in my limited experience. So as this was the first of my CCs to smoke I went with the standard cut) 

Cold draw was nutty tobacco with a slight sweet aftertaste.

 

First Third

I enjoyed this on the first day of the year over 55F in Chicago on a high rise balcony. My pairing was a Stella, which worked pretty well but I wouldn't necessarily recommend either. 

I am still learning but did my best attempt at toasting and the burn began very good. (I was worried about this considering the short rest period)

There was decent smoke output at the start and immediately tasted roasted nuts and cream. The roasted flavor left after the first few minutes which may mean the light contributed to this. The remainder of the first third continued with nuts, cream, and tobacco at a mild to medium body and strength.

I also experimented with a retrohale which brought white pepper and to quote Ron Burgundy "it stings the nostrils". I did not notice any pepper outside of retrohaling a few times, so this may be more a factor of my inexperience than a true flavor profile. 

Second Third  

Sorry no pics as conversation got the better of me and I forgot. The second third brought a noticeably sweeter cream and hints of citrus on various draws. I had to do a touch up after the second ash, which may be the result of a short rest since freezing. The body was at a solid medium while the strength progressively trended towards medium by the end of the second third.   

 

 

Final Third

The final third was mostly nuts and roasted tobacco. The tobacco flavor really intensified and may be what is considered the "Cuban twang". The strength also picked up at the end, but was still medium in body and strength. I smoked it down about half of the picture before pitching it. I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar as did my friend. We were both impressed at how smooth and light the cigar was (while medium bodied it was much lighter than the NC pepper bombs I used to reach for).

 

Rating: A- / 92

I am not sure these need much age, but I hope the burn will be more consistent with rest. I am excited to see what a year of age does to these though. I really like the Coranas Gordas vitola as well. 

Overall is was a great smoking experience with a great view. 

 

[TheMonk]

For a first review, this was a great job! In fact, it was a great job regardless! Keep sharing.

[kevpro]

2 minutes ago, TheMonk said:

For a first review, this was a great job! In fact, it was a great job regardless! Keep sharing.

Thanks! Now I just need to pick up some new marcas to review