Strada Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 Here is the pairing I did, for my blog, with my Punch Super Selection 1 review I did for Cigar Inspector. I want to say a special THANK YOU to Lisa (Canadianbeaver) for introducing me to the Michel Couvreur single malt during the Montreal Herf last January. Great Scotch for pairing! Punch is one of the few marcas I would buy a box without having previously tried the vitola. I just love their flavor profile and with a few years on them, Punchs are just great. This is a pre-1960 release and it was discontinued 2009. My local b&m just got a 2007 cab of those so I had to try it. I brought it back home to let it sit in the humidor for a while but it kept looking at me every time I lifted the lid. This was a new cigar for me. I usually light it up before pouring myself a drink. This allows me to preview what kind of flavors I should expect. This is a pungent cigar at cold, plenty of sweetness, cocoa and slight spices.The pre draw shows a lot of cocoa aroma. 1st third This started with a bang, medium to full body right away. I did not expect that at all, with this cigar. There are some light spices, a little bit of wood. It feels as if the foot was full of something else because after just a few puffs this as settle at medium body. You can now taste the sweetness I had at the pre draw. Great chocolate flavor are all over this. There is a buttery feel as well. This is a smooth smoke, a little dustiness maybe but nothing to make this a bad experience. This is a sexy smoke, I am really enjoying it. I cracked open a can of Smithwick Irish Ale. I love this beer. A thick, spicy and complex beer. It complements the spices I experienced during opening. There isn't anything special here. Let's start fresh. After smelling a few bottles, I am now pulling out the Benriach 10 yrs Curiositas and Michel Couvreur Single Malt. Let's see how they pair up. 2nd third This cigar keeps on giving a velvety sweet tobacco with notes of cocoa. It is steady at medium body. There is some acidity that showed up in the back, almost like a fresh Montecristo 'twang'. This cigar has five years on it, so I doubt it is because of lack of aging. It is moving a little on the toasted side. The dustiness has left completely; this is turning out to be a great cigar. The burn is starting to require a little correction here and there. This is not a problem as this cigar is giving me lashes of creamy cocoa/chocolate flavor. Wow, I am impressed so far. Benriach: It is a good pairing; the sweetness compliments the Punch sweet side. The signature smokiness from this single malt is a bit overwhelming. Paired up with the Super Selection 1, the Benriach adds too much bitterness for my pleasure, it is too powerful. Michel Couvreur: This tastes good right away. The alcohol % really helps out the cigar. No bitterness and a delicious after taste. A lingering sweet finish. You can taste the flavors adding up to produce new ones. There is a minty undertone that is very special. I am happy with how this is turning out. I will now pour me a nice dram of Michel Couvreur to finish this great cigar. When I pair a cigar with a drink, I try to get something new out of it. I either try to create new flavors but the mix of the two or to highlight the ones already present. This has created a new one with mint. 3rd third After two good thirds, it is now giving me some bitterness, I hope it is not dying on me. I suspect it is the burning issues that are responsible. I let it go out and go for a fresh relight. Ok we are back in business. Toasty tobacco and 'twang' are welcoming me back to this stick. Chocolate/cocoa has gone but I still got the creamy butter feeling present. This is keeping at medium body and is showing some great toast flavors. I am nubbing this cigar. I wish it kept going with the sweetness but I can settle for what it is giving now. Toast and butter. Cigar 8/10 Pairing 8/10
cottierm Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 Nice review of one of my favorite cigars. Interesting pairing as well. Best, Michel
Strada Posted February 29, 2012 Author Posted February 29, 2012 Michel, I never tried it before but now I have to find a cab, a split or a few singles. This is a great cigar, good size, feel, and flavors
scradley Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 Wonderful review thanks! Your blog has been added to my regular reading list.
ckearns Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 Bravo Simon! Another splendid review. I also picked up a bottle of Michel Couvreur's single malt based on Lisa's recommendation and I'm itching for the right time to open it. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
Strada Posted February 29, 2012 Author Posted February 29, 2012 You won't be dissapointed Conor, it is pretty unique. At the herf scotch tasting, I wasn't sure but after a glass or two
laficion Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 Great review on a great cigar, well done Strada !!! Thanks for sharing a fine moment with us .
cottierm Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 In a word: to discontinue this vitola was a crime against the whole CC smokers community! Best, Michel
dvickery Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 Strada wonderfull review...while reading your review i was thinking...ss#1 is probably my all time favorite punch cigar. have smoked a few boxes and have a few boxes stashed away. thought...the bands spoil the presentation...i much prefer the ss#1 pre-banded cigars better. derrek
Strada Posted February 29, 2012 Author Posted February 29, 2012 Derreck, I can only imagine what a cab without bands would look like !!!! Hopefully I can find (and afford lol) a cab sooner than later. Thanks for the input D.
Scdalak Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 Good stuff Seemon! Cabs have got to still be around...if you find any, let me know! Schlo---- I asked Simon to do a Poutine Review for top 5 Places in Montreal, he refused citing health reasons. I think YOU are up to the task my friend, what do you say!!!??
Tony1T Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 Thanks for the review. I recently had one from 1999 and it was definitely one of the best smokes I've had so far...
Tony1T Posted February 29, 2012 Posted February 29, 2012 I thought anything pre-2005 didnt have bands? Was this one an add on aftermarket or something? I think so. It also has an added band from the merchant for his top shelf stuff, something like the PSP here
CanuckSARTech Posted March 1, 2012 Posted March 1, 2012 Cheers. Well done, Simon. Nice pics too - I love your use of props and background elements. Now, once you do a review on bacon-wrapped-seal, I think we'll all be happy then.
Scdalak Posted March 1, 2012 Posted March 1, 2012 ABSOLUTELY! I'll start now: 1 - Manzo's 2 - Decarie Hot Dog 3 - Bofinger 4 - 5 - Cant think of the others...lol YUM! Gotta tell you, M Burger was pretty pretty good!!!
dvickery Posted March 1, 2012 Posted March 1, 2012 Derreck, I can only imagine what a cab without bands would look like !!!! Hopefully I can find (and afford lol) a cab sooner than later. Thanks for the input D. this ones for strada...
Strada Posted March 1, 2012 Author Posted March 1, 2012 this ones for strada... That is sexy my friend ..... Thanks for posting and showing it!
ckearns Posted March 1, 2012 Posted March 1, 2012 this ones for strada... Wow! You're a very lucky man!
Strada Posted March 1, 2012 Author Posted March 1, 2012 Wow! You're a very lucky man! Unfortunately, he means the photo Not the cab Conor lol
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