Puntilla throwback.

[El Presidente]

I somtimes forget about the many rabbit holes that I have gone down in my cigar journey. 

Frank (Puros y Vino) posted in the daily smoke that his choice for a smoke today was a Puntilla. 

It was 2017 that I collaborated with Alex of Commodoro Havana fame to blend a skinny for FOH lovers. It was fun coming up with a blend for the 6 x 40 gauge cigar and I named it the "Puntilla". The story is below. 

Over they years until Alex finally left Cuba, 1000's of these found homes with members across the world. I never took a cent from the proceeds as I simply wanted to lend a hand and put out to the community a cigar vitola that I loved and was no longer represented by HSA. 

For those who have tried them, for those that have still got them, let me know how they are holding up. 

 

I only met Alex (Alejandro Gonzalez Ariaz) a few years ago.  I was hearing rave reports of the “new Hamlet” and so I headed down to the Comodoro hotel where he was house roller and introduced myself.  Alex looked about 15 years of age but by jove the bloke could roll!

Excellent rollers are a almost a dime a dozen. Excellent rollers with an understanding of blending are as rare as rocking horse poop. Excellent rollers with an understanding of blending who answer email in a timely fashion are the second coming. Alex falls into this last category.

So last Christmas I popped into Alex’s new store (directly across the road from the Comodoro Hotel entry), introduced Di and sat down with him for a chat.  I had just done a run from Conde, Partagas, Riviera, 15^th, MH and I pointed out that I was struggling to find cigars that I would want to smoke myself. Elegant cigars, rich blend.  Alex simply said “let’s make one” and so we did! Actually the blend started with 6 variations that we tweaked and then we conducted a blind taste test of which Jose (Punch Joe) was also part of.  We all agreed on the standout cigar.

And so “la Puntilla” was born.  6 inch x 40 gauge.  I chose “Puntilla” as a name as that is the name of the thin stretch of land where my favourite house in Havana is located. “Puntilla” is also the thin nail used to make cigar boxes. Apt.

So if you are in Havana over the coming weeks for the festival, pop down and say hello to Alex. If you don’t know him, introduce yourself and let him know that you are a FOH member.  “Puntillas” are available for FOH member pick up from today at Alex’s shop. There is a limit of 30 sticks per person (one bundle + 5 singles) but I suspect they won’t last too long.  It is intended that Alex will roll the “Puntillas” when he can and hold them for FOH members passing through Havana.  In future you can email him to have them ready. That won't be the case over the next two weeks as the Habanos festival circus comes to town and there ill be no time. 

 No….they are not available for purchase through the online store 😊

After you give them a rest, let me know what you think!

Cheers!

 

Puros Y Vino (9/8/24)

2018 Alex La Puntilla 

 

[westg]

I will fire one up next week when I fly home.

[El Hoze]

I have probably another 20 puntillas, last one I smoked was about 2 months ago. They are smoking great. Fantastic cigar. This batch I bought in March 2019 from Alex. I am away from home now but will smoke one when I get back! 

[eg133]

I have 2 left and struggle to put them to the flame knowing I can’t get more. They have always been fantastic and have only been getting better with time.


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[Monterey]

I got some in 2018 and 2019, they were wonderful. However, they didn't age well. Perhaps Alex didn't receive the best leaf for the batches I got. I also had a Churchill of his each time and they likewise didn't age great. However, all cigars were good young. Just wish I smoked them all earlier.

[gojira]

I have a dozen from early 2018 left and really like the way they developed. They have lost most of their strength and have become a smooth and mild morning smoke. I like to start with a milder cigar on the days that I smoke more than two and they fit perfectly into that category.

[ha_banos]

9 hours ago, gojira said:

I have a dozen from early 2018 left and really like the way they developed. They have lost most of their strength and have become a smooth and mild morning smoke. I like to start with a milder cigar on the days that I smoke more than two and they fit perfectly into that category.

You gave me one of these ages ago. Still not smoked it. Must now remedy that!

[Monocle]

I’m enjoying a 2020 version right now from my trip a couple weeks before COVID hit. Just entering the prime enjoyment window for me. I disagree with my folks opinions that customs don’t age well. My experience has been the opposite.

[ha_banos]

Just had my one and only. It was great. Lasted 1h35, buttery, smooth sweet goodness to the nub. No relight needed. Perfect burn line throughout. Lovely aroma, such a good easy retrohale. Really couldn't fault it. I do like a lighter cigar. 

[Corylax18]

I loved them then and I love them now. I still have some left from three bundles. One each purchased from the original batch in 2017, 2018 and 2019. I think the OGs from 2017 are the best, sweeter, smoother and rounder than the other two bundles, but they're all good.