Punch Super Selection No. 1 (NPD JUL03)

[shrink]

I was in the mood for a smoke before bedtime, and curiosity got me thinking about this cigar, which I haven't smoked since a single sample late last year.

The Punch SS No. 1 is a corona grande, an increasingly uncommon vitola, surviving with the likes of the Cohiba Siglo III and Hoyo des Dieux. It's a nice size, with a corona's ring size (42), but with an additional half inch in length. "All the better to hold you, my precious".

My chosen cigar was very dark, exhibiting a good amount of oils on the wrapper. It was quite dense and firm between the fingers, which caused me to wonder how it would draw. After cutting the head, the draw seemed perfect, showing just the right amount of resistance. The pre-light flavors were classic Punch, sweet fermented fruits and nuts with just a slightly bitter note on the tongue.

Upon ignition, I was not prepared for the incredibly strong and bitter blasts that followed. I am accustomed to strong cigars, but this was not at all pleasant. It was so tarry and acrid, that I considered just tossing it. But I'm a stubborn, cheap (and not to mention curious) bastard, so I persisted.

I'm glad that I did. By the time I had finished (survived?) the first third, the cigar mellowed considerably, although it retained its full-bodied character. There were still hints of bitterness, but they were well-integrated into the overall profile, which was reminiscent of a strong, sweetened espresso. The underlying fermented fruity quality remained.

The cigar continued to improve (or perhaps I just developed a tolerance!) right on through to the end. Strong bittersweet espresso, and dank stewed fruits, with that trademark Punch core of strong, toasted tobacco.

I sure don't recall having smoked any SS No. 1 this strong. It reminded me of a young SS No. 2: a bit too tannic for prime time. I'll revisit in a few months, but if it's siblings are similar, I think they deserve at least a couple more years to reach their pinnacle. Not that this wasn't "smokeable"; it was, just a little on the wild side for a Punch.

[El Presidente]

Great review Shrink

Few cigars age as well as the Punch Super Seleccion No 1. It is the stongest (body) of the Punch line and along with the Royal Seleccion No 11 the most complex in flavour. With the departure of the Punch Super Seleccion No 2, the Super Seleccion No 1 and the Royal Seleccion No 11 (corona gorda) remain not only benchmark cigars in the Punch line-up but two of the finest cigars in the world.

[josie67]

» Great review Shrink

»

» Few cigars age as well as the Punch Super Seleccion No 1. It is the

» stongest (body) of the Punch line and along with the Royal Seleccion No 11

» the most complex in flavour. With the departure of the Punch Super

» Seleccion No 2, the Super Seleccion No 1 and the Royal Seleccion No 11

» (corona gorda) remain not only benchmark cigars in the Punch line-up but

» two of the finest cigars in the world.

Yup, I agree here....this cigars needs a ton of aging to mellow out the tannins (I'm thinking 5-6 years) , but DAMNED the wait is good. I have a box from '06 that will have to hibernate for a few more years, but It's worth the wait.

[Well Armed]

I love this cigar. It always surprises me. Easily my favorite Punch. I love the format too.

[smokum]

I would have picked up another 50 cab of SS 2's had I known they were going away. No Royal 11's listed in the Czar Rob....not in stock ?

[El Presidente]

» I would have picked up another 50 cab of SS 2's had I known they were going

» away. No Royal 11's listed in the Czar Rob....not in stock ?

instock but not in huge numbers. It has become a personal favourite and I am a greedy SOB :-D E-mail Lisa ;-)

[Zaphod42]

Does the SS #1 only come in cabs of 50?

[Colt45]

» Does the SS #1 only come in cabs of 50?

That is correct.