Punch Punch LGB JUN ‘21 (FFSDec24)

[Capn_Jackson]

Grabbing another favorite today, with just a few years’ down time. Lovely, slightly-dark wrapper, somewhat bumpy but with that lovely hue that I love on a Punch.

Cold draw promises notes of coffee and spice, also a hint of dark agave.

Opening light is pure pleasure, full of coffee and dried fruit. Going on, some pecan takes shape, with just a hint of black licorice on the finish. Texture is buttery, and smoke output is good. Not voluminous, but plenty.

The ash is a little timid, letting go at the most importune moments. Only one chunk so far has made it into the ashtray, but I’ll forgive it. Touch-up needed as I head into the second part.

Second third is more of the same, although the agave (or is it dark honey?) lays itself over everything like a blanket, especially the finish. Some toasted sourdough here, too. Around the midpoint, I almost detect a little raisin or dark cherry, and the sugary vibes turn to a delectable leather jacket. The burn keeps getting wonkified, but corrects itself here without touch-ups.

I’ve had some Punch Punch from the mid-teens, and still have a few. They’ve been excellent, very nutty and woodsy, but I believe I actually prefer these ‘21 sticks. More leathery, more spiced fruit. Maybe that’s just my palate.

The last third gets very, very creamy. Good notes of coffee remain, although with occasional flits of fig and berry. Leather still lays over everything, and I’m starting to get heavy doses of anise or clove. Not quite as sweet as the licorice from before, more earthy.

The end turns to roasted fig, in a cream sauce with dark caramel and crushed hazelnut drizzled on top, all wrapped in a thick leather jacket. Lots more coffee here, as well. A satisfying, decadent end to a rich, complex smoke. 

Must get more.

94/100. Excellent flavor throughout, but main detractor being a wonky burn that persisted, almost, the entire way.

[Capn_Jackson]

This review was from the weekend, actually, and just got around to posting. The stick was so good I tried another tonight, this time from a ‘20 box. Was absolutely terrible. Muddy and bland, at the same time. Maybe I don’t need more that badly…or maybe I need some from ‘21/‘22.

The joys of being a CC smoker.