Punch La Isla: RAG-SEP-18 (PDLRW)

[StogieSteve23]

 

Opening Remarks:  Well, I thought smoking a Punch would be fitting for this week’s review.  Smoked it on Valentines Day which also happened to be the 1 year anniversary of the day my fiancé and I got engaged. We decided to open a bottle of 18K prosecco (not actual gold) that I was given by our family friend, a jeweler who made the ring. Totally cheesy and I would not advise anyone buying a bottle of this stuff (it’s just not that good), but it was a fun memory made and good way to start the day. The double espresso paired nicely with both the cigar and bubbly. I’ve really enjoyed these sticks over the last couple years due to their size and flavors.

Cold draw was tighter than I like, but didn’t dry box this one and was able to power through it. The draw yielded apricot and golden raisins.

First Third: Upon toasting the foot I get nice flavors of golden honey and Juicy Fruit gum on the retrohale. Due to the minimal draw, the smoke has a light powdery feel.  Apple crisp/crumb cake sweetness are the main notes for the first third with a hibiscus like floral flavor to round out the smoke in my mouth.  Smoke coming off the foot has the scent of sweet chocolate. Burn line is very good but not razor sharp.   

 

Second Third: Draw has opened up favorably. The sweetness has subsided and made way for what I can only describe as buttered rice noodles with a boiled peanut finish.  Halfway through this third the sweetness comes back and reminds me of Golden Grahams cereal with a hint of milk chocolate.  Pine needles on the retro and a slight tough up to round out this second third. 

 

Final Third:  Peanut shavings that I think are like eating fresh chopped unsalted peanuts.  Hay with a little buttercream sweetness. Unfortunately, I was paying too much attention to my show and let the cigar go out. After a quick relight, mint and pine needles are on the retro. Milk chocolate fudge and overripe plums finish the stick. 

 

Closing Remarks: Aside from the draw, this stick was very enjoyable.  Nothing too complex but enough subtle flavor changes to keep me interested.  Good sweetness with a little bit of that famous Punch peanut note.  Happy I have a few more boxes because these cigars need a couple more years to fully develop in my opinion.

Burn: 4/5 (Sharp for the most part, one touch-up and a relight as fault of my own negligence)

Construction: 3/5 (Good not great draw, nice cool temp all the way through w/ no soft spots)

Flavor: 4/5 (Enjoyable – Sweetness, peanut, chocolate, fruit, pine like retro)

Smell: 5/5 (Sweet Chocolate)

Wrapper: 5/5 (Beautiful golden brown w/ no large veins – smooth to the touch)

Overall Score: 21/25

[Goodfortune]

Very nice review! Thanks

[StogieSteve23]

13 minutes ago, Goodfortune said:

Very nice review! Thanks

Thanks brother! 

[Bri Fi]

Love that golden graham flavor in a cigar. 

[StogieSteve23]

12 hours ago, Bri Fi said:

Love that golden graham flavor in a cigar. 

As do I.  Doesn't happen often but it's a nice flavor when it it hits. 

[Tstew75]

I like these so much more than the Short de Punch, they nailed the blend

[Chas.Alpha]

Thanks! I bought one box of these in late 2019, and have yet to open them. Sounds like another year is in order?

[StogieSteve23]

On 2/17/2021 at 2:18 PM, Chas.Alpha said:

Thanks! I bought one box of these in late 2019, and have yet to open them. Sounds like another year is in order?

Another year wouldn't hurt but if you feel compelled to crack that seal and try one out, you wont be disappointed IMO.  I've enjoyed these since they first came out but they keep getting slightly more complex and enjoyable as they age.  

On 2/17/2021 at 1:38 PM, Tstew75 said:

I like these so much more than the Short de Punch, they nailed the blend

TS, I agree that the blend is spot on. More fruit, cracker crumbs, sweetness I think.  I love the SdP though, lots of peanut for me and some cedar.  I've ripped through 3-4 boxes since they came out and I keep enjoying them.  For the price of the SdP, I'll hold onto a few boxes at all times now I'm sure.  Was fortunate to buy several boxes of Isla when in Havana a few years back but I find it hard to stomach the price for boxes on the secondary market now.