TX Duo Review - Punch 8-9-8 ER 2019

[Çnote]

'Yeah we can Duo that!' - @Capn_Jackson

A rare treat obtained from a variety of circumstances.

Smoked extemporaneously with Jackson so perhaps terser notes than this deserves.

Spiced meringue, very mild and slowly building over the 1st third, as Jackson sez, 'symphonic'. 2nd third builds on the spice with citrus zest and lemongrass. 3rd brings the heat, a dab of mushroom cream sauce and then into warm cream rich with nutmeg and a trace of coffee.

Exquisite nub, creamy rich and spicy. I refused to put this down to the extent of uncouthly smoking in Jackson's driveway.

Really incredible but the conversation was better.

Who cares about numbers at a certain extent? It isn't about that.

[Çnote]

Nice edits @JohnS

[Capn_Jackson]

An 8-9-8 that comes in boxes of 10…what more could you ask for? Cold draw has wood and a little saltiness, but that’s all I can really make out.

Light-up, on the other hand, has a lot of berry, some cream, and splashes of soda around the palate. The finish, quite a long one, has some nuttiness. Going on, it gets remarkably more rich right away, having a berry compote on toasted rye, with a dash of black pepper. The result is actually something like a Dr Pepper, or his poor imitation, Mr Pibb (“Dude didn’t even get his degree.” RIP Mitch).

The flavor is excellent, but the burn leaves some to be desired. One side of the cigar seems to be flame-retardant, even though this has been in a dry box for three days. After a touch-up, things are rolling again. I always find that immediately after a touch-up, there is a burst of added flavor, and in my mind I’m thinking that’s the portion of wrapper I’m tasting, that I wasn’t tasting on the previous few draws. If you think wrapper leaf doesn’t matter, and yes I know that exactly none of you think that, just notice the difference after you have to touch up one side of a stick. Big pop in flavor.

Heading into the second third, this is a swirling palate of flavors. Everything from nuts (almond, cashew), to fruits (blueberry, strawberry), to dried fruits (raisins, cranberry), to damp wood and cheesy funk. Other than a honeyed sourdough base, nothing is lasting a particularly long time, but there are also not many elbows. I wouldn’t call them flavor transitions, more like comparing overlapping melodic lines in a Renaissance madrigal that continuously cycle. Interesting blend. And yes… I’m working right now, hence the musical comparison. And no, my students can’t tell a Renaissance madrigal from a Medieval chant. The semester is young, though.

Around the midpoint, the cigar inexplicably goes out. Not that long between draws, and it’s not overly moist, so there’s a ding on construction there. After a relight, there is a bit of a dumb phase, but eventually we seem to be back on track. Flavors turn here to a fruity stout, with a custard finish. Sprinkles of coriander.

Last third gives me dark agave, some citrus and vanilla spice, a little bit more pepper heat, and toasted brioche with fig jam. It also gives me lots of trouble. Had to relight twice more, a definite detriment to the construction. Gets bitter towards the nub. Unfortunately I cant say I enjoyed the latter half of this very much, but I think it’s down to the construction. I do have one more of these, and I’ll give it another go, hoping it comes out better than this one did.

[Capn_Jackson]

Looks like mine was a dud. I’ll give it another shot with the other I’ve got. It started off absolutely great, too bad it ended the way it did.

[Capn_Jackson]

On 1/19/2026 at 11:50 AM, Çnote said:

'I refused to put this down to the extent of uncouthly smoking in Jackson's driveway.

…that’s totally acceptable, you were buying Girl Scout cookies off me! 😄

On 1/19/2026 at 11:50 AM, Çnote said:

Who cares about numbers at a certain extent?

8-9-8’s, 8,888 boxes of 10!

[Çnote]

17 minutes ago, Capn_Jackson said:

8-9-8’s, 8,888 boxes of 10!

898s in 10s is so silly.

21 minutes ago, Capn_Jackson said:

Looks like mine was a dud. I’ll give it another shot with the other I’ve got. It started off absolutely great, too bad it ended the way it did.

You didn't see me relight this 3 times? I just figured it was wet, I pulled this from a 62% RH Boveda. I didn't get an overwhelming amount of bitterness though. Oh, CC!

[griller]

Bummer on the construction issues. The several Punch 898s I've smoked didn't encounter the issues you described, but maybe I was just lucky. Dry boxing should have cured any lingering over humidification issues so not sure why you had to fight this cigar so much if it isn't down to poor construction...

Love your tasting notes. Wish my palate were as refined to pick up the diversity of flavors you describe.