Punch Coronation - Unknown (PQWRC)

[slowsmoke]

This is a single purchased from the Singapore duty free a few weeks ago, so box code is unknown.  Picked it up because I've never tried one before, and it wasn't outrageously priced.

The wrapper, and the cold draw, are tubo cedar, nothing else.  Draw is perfect.

The first flavors I get are milk coffee.  I rarely get that flavor, and this was a remarkably clear and distinct instance of it.  A medium roast coffee with cream.  The finish is a little bitter like espresso, and there is just a hint of twang trying to poke through.  Overall it is very nice and I am very impressed at this early stage.

Into the second third I get some creamy cedar, but still just lots of milk coffee, gradually more bitter.  I get a few random puffs with some chai tea spices, and I get excited thinking some Punch DNA is going to shine, but it never really develops, and then disappears.

Halfway, I am interrupted by my kids with an urgent need to refill the hummingbird feeder.  The cigar goes out.

On the relight, things are of course a little dank, and the coffee is darker and more bitter, but still a little cream to it.  And some good cuban tobacco, not unlike some of the better Quintero Favoritos I've had.  And it pretty much ends that way.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this cigar.  Nothing complex or outstanding, but thoroughly enjoyable, nice flavors with perfect burn and draw.  A great morning smoke.  On the scale of Crap<Decent<Good<Very Good<Excellent, I'm giving it a Very Good.  Definitely interested in trying a few more to see how consistent they are.  I have also quite liked the few Petit Coronations I've had.

 

[BeerPimp]

Awesome review.   I purchased a box of Petite Coronations and they are one of my favorite short smokes.   How do you think these two compare?

[slowsmoke]

27 minutes ago, BeerPimp said:

Awesome review.   I purchased a box of Petite Coronations and they are one of my favorite short smokes.   How do you think these two compare?

The petit coronations I've had were better.  They had a little of that sweet spice I get in a good Punch Punch.  But they also had a few years on them.  I suspect this could/would be the same with more time.

If I could find a box of either with some age, I'd probably go for it.

[BeerPimp]

The box I purchased towards the end of last year is has the date code TOS MAR 17.