Punch La Isla 2018 RAG AUG (P&PLRW)

[ChangBang]

Was looking for a good opportunity to smoke this single I got from @La_Tigre in the PIF thread a while ago.  Had a chill most of the day so pairing this with a hot toddy.

1/3 - Starts off with a nutty(almond?) taste.  Gets mixed with some woodyness and the 2 flavors are the predominate flavors in this third.  Very rich and with a dense smoke which is really nice!

2/3 - Towards the end of the first and in the beginning of the second the flavors start to get really rich.  Richness gets to be a savory kind of spice.  Not pepper but something that I have a hard time putting my finger one...star anise?  As I smoke I start to think of where I've tasted this before, and it is almost like the partagas spice I get in shorts.  Entire second third is rich and savory.  First part is more of the savory spice and then towards the end it gets into a JL wood richness.

3/3 - Ashed again and the last third is more of the JL savory wood twang.  No orange like I've gotten in some JLs, but the overwhelming woody twang is the dominate flavor in this last third.  I'm a fan of JLs so I'm happy to smoke this last third.  

Overall - I'll give it a 7/10 - a great cigar!  Really did enjoy this cigar from start to finish and wish I had more!  Burn was a little wonky and ash was a tad flakey but still only had to ash it between thirds and didn't need a relight so I'll count that as a win.

[NSXCIGAR]

Similar experience with these. I would have to say the last three Punch ERs have been quite similar. The Duke, Preferidos and La Isla are pretty much the same blend although the Duke might be a tad lighter. 

[Capn_Jackson]

Nice! I just got a box of these, and am looking forward to busting into ‘em.

[madandana]

Thanks, sounds nummy. I’ll have to break mine out. I don’t think I’ve tried any yet.