Punch 48 LGR JUL 17 (PQWRC)

[Notsocleaver]

Punch and I have a strange relationship. Two of the of my top ten cigars from the past year have been punches, a Punch RS 12 and a Punch Corona. Both were over 10 years old and some of the most wonderfully complex cigars I have ever had. Yet most of the time I am strangely underwhelmed and left wondering why I don't enjoy Punch as much as I think I should. I have a couple of gorgeous boxes of '16 Punch Punch with the greatest wrappers and perfect construction. Yet every time its just not there. Whenever I read other's Punch reviews, I just don't get it. I simply don't taste notes anything like what I read. Peanut butter? seriously? This is my first Punch 48, so lets see if it helps me understand Punch any better

Wrapper is a thin claro. Draw is firm but open. nothing to complain about construction wise

The Punch 48 opens with ceder and clove, pretty typical Punch flavors in my experience. There is a little cream. Seems a little more rounded and smoother than most of my Punch Punch experience. Burn and construction remain fine, no touch ups or relights necessary. As the cigar progresses I pick up some other notes, a touch of odd herb and spice combinations like nutmeg and wormwood. A complex cigar full of flavors I don't particularly care for. The complexity is entertaining, but I can't say I'm finding it pleasant. Still, it feels like there is more going on in the background that age could refine.

Punch remains a mystery to me. I would call this a mid 80s cigar at best. 86 maybe? Who knows, maybe someday in the far future I get to try to 10 year old sample and its a 100 point cigar, but I still haven't found a young Punch that does it for me.

[Chucko8]

Nice review. Thank you