Punch 898 Unknown (L&SRW2)

[Bijan]

Good cigars to end a trouble filled week. First my kid threw up on Monday (probably some stomach bug going around daycare), but that meant he couldn't go back to daycare until he had a negative covid test (thankfully that only took a day and a half). Then I got an allergic reaction from some exotic coffee I had gotten in a trade, and was alternately itchy and sleepy from the anti-histamines (finally got over that Friday night). And last and most bothersome my sewer drain got clogged by tree roots and I had to deal with 3 plumbers before it got fixed for a reasonable price. And I had to deal with a stressful week at work while all of this was going on, in what is usually a relaxed job.

This was actually the 2nd cigar I had but the first one (a nudies N1) didn't go so well. I'll review that one later.

Cigar was just over official weight, but looked tightly bunched. I used a 12mm punch.

Draw was tight so I used the perfecdraw a fair bit. (Maybe halfway in).

Aroma of sweet barnyard, cold draw of tobacco.

First third: Lights up with twang, then fruit, then very light leather. The fruit is like juicy fruit but less sweet. Cigar alternates between fruity twang, and savoury twang. Cumin is next then citrus, then savoury again. Juicy fruit and then another savoury spice of herb. Back and forth cumin and fennel then twang again.

Second third: Starts with a bit of nut, the regular juicy fruit then savoury, then a bit of licorice, fruit and berry, and ends with a bit of wood, and then some cream comes in. Key lime pie for a while.

Final third: Draw tightens up a bit. And cigar starts to require some touch ups. Tarragon and mint. Then bittersweet citrus peel. Creamy savoury herbs again. The second half of this third finishes with the juicy fruit but with some rich tobacco taste.

70 minutes not quite to a nub.

Weather was -6C to -7C (about 20F). It was supposed to be pretty windy, but the trees around seemed to have blocked most of the wind.

4.5/5. Mainly lost some points due to the tight draw on the final third and the citrus peel part being a little too bitter.

Thanks to @El Presidente and team for this cigar, as it was from the Christmas contest prize pack.

[Kaptain Karl]

Killer review man!! Sorry to hear about your week but nice to have a cigar like that to end the week on! 

[SpecialK]

Sorry about your week bud... I remember when mine was young, I can't imagine having one during Covid. Great review though 👍

[Shrimpchips]

Sorry to hear about the week Bijan - thought we didn’t see you around too much. Hopefully some good cigars for the weekend to make up for it.  

[Chas.Alpha]

Ah, the old “tree root thru the sanitary line!” As a construction worker, I was obliged to fix it myself! Step #1: Bring a Sawzall and a garden hose!!! 🤢

Just received my Christmas sampler prize yesterday. I’m going to rest these for a few. Thanks again to the CigarCzar team for the most generous prize package!