Punch Short de Punch RAT ENE 20 (P&PLRW)

[saltbox]

Had an evening smoke with the life. The Punch was for me, the Bolivar Corona Junior MSU NOV 19 was for my wife. I believe this is my second ever Short de Punch, with the first one being quite bland.

First third: Opens up with a nice creamy nuttiness and savory spices. There's a touch of fruity sweetness on the retrohale, kind of like breathing out through your nose after chewing some Juicy Fruit. That's definitely a flavor note I had read previously but not gotten from Punch until I smoked some aged Punch, after which that note jumped out at me and has since appeared, though much more faintly, on younger Punch I've had.

Middle third: More cream, nuttiness, and that unique lush fruitiness. Still not as flavorful as the Punch Punch I've had, and definitely lighter bodied than I'd prefer especially for the flavor profile.

Last third: The overall profile doesn't change too much, but in the last third it veers a bit darker and richer, picking up a roasted nuttiness that helps give a bit more oomph to the profile and brings it a bit closer to my liking.

Overall: Not bad, definitely better than my first SdP experience, but the Punch Punch seems to just pack more flavor to me. 87/100. Wife's verdict on the Bolivar CJ: meh.