Punch Royal Selection No.12 OPM OCT 09 (VVRW#2)

[Bijan]

Cigar is on the heavy side. 9mm punch, one small hit of perfecdraw and draw is good.

Last two from this box were a bit bitter, last one unpleasantly so, this one turned out to be savoury without much bitterness. Generally neutral on tastes with a balance of tastes of bitter, sour and sweet, all very faint.

First third: Opens with leather and baking spice. Then nut and cedar. Smokey, gunpowder for an instant. Nut again salivating a bit. Savoury umami sensation. Woody. Light pepper. Pepper (white/black) not capsaicin. Woody a hint of fruit, juicy fruit (mainly the flavour but never tasting too sour or sweet).

Second third: Baking spice, savoury. Cocoa. Juicy fruit. Woody, cedar. Savoury. Tingling nut and pepper and smokey. Fruit.

Final third: Nut a bit bittersweet. Savoury Smokey, herbs savoury and astringent (I realize all the savoury umami has had an astringent quality). Fruity. Smoke output picks up. One touch up. Nut, fruit. Cigar is quite strong now. Herbs: tarragon, thai basil and lemongrass. Getting a bit hot so I slow down. Fennel seed. Anis. Touch up again. Finishes with sweet tobacco.

90 minutes to a nub.

4.5/5 or 5/5. 5/5 because it was wonderful, but 4.5/5 if 5/5 means go deep on boxes, as this box will last me a long time as this is really a special occasion, take your time and enjoy cigar.

Weather just under 4c/39F high 90%s humidity.

Practically no wind, so it was almost like smoking indoors, but nice. to hear the birds chirping.

[Enduin]

Awesome review! And sounds like an awesome cigar as well, with some badass complexity!