Punch Double Corona OER JUL 20 (XNYRW4)

[saltbox]

I've enjoyed other Punch cigars so far but none of them have grabbed me the way other marcas have. This box has been resting for nearly a year now untouched as it's not easy to find time for a DC frequently, but I'm hoping that the high praise I've seen the DC matches my experience.

This one got nicked a bit, probably by a knife when the box was opened and examined as this cigar was the last one on the right. No matter, a quick application of cigar glue and rolling paper makes this a non issue.

First third: opens with a nice creamy nuttiness, and soon enough there's a nice blend of sweet and savory spices. That sweet and savory is really interesting, as it's hard to pin anything concrete down. It seems to constantly flit back and forth on the finish.

Middle third: the nuttiness and spices keep chugging, but there's now an additional tangy sweetness, almost fruity even. At times, the flavor profile tastes like spiced peanut butter like in some southeast Asian cuisines.

Last third: the unsalted roasted peanut flavor gets richer and more distinct from the basic nuttiness it started out as, and carries through to the nub.

Overall: I feel like I have a good grasp of the Punch marca now, and it's just not my favorite. This cigar smoked great, objectively, as the flavors came through clearly and there were no construction or burn issues, but Punch just isn't my jam I guess. 88/100