Punch Royal Selection No. 12 PUT MAY 07 (FRCSW4)

[saltbox]

Picked this box up a while back and I've included a few in trades, but this is the first one I've actually smoked myself. Rested about 6 months with about 15 years of age. This particular stick was quite ugly compared to the others, looking quite dusty, so I made it the first sacrifice.

Pre light, the aroma off the wrapper is very reminiscent of my recent regular production Punch, but much lighter and more floral.

First third: opens with an extremely smooth and elegant blend of floral notes and honeyed nuttiness. I've seen mentions of a Juicy Fruit like note before and have never gotten that with the other Punch cigars I've had, but there's an intense bright fruity sweetness on the retrohale that's almost cantaloupe like and I guess this must be it. Smooth creamy nuttiness and melon sweetness.

Middle third: the nuttiness slowly becomes richer and takes on a more roasted character. A creamy coffee joins the profile as well. Both changes continue to intensify over the third.

Last third: the delightful melon sweetness has faded away for the most part, though there's still a hint of it on the retrohale. Baking spices suddenly intensify in this last third and give it a surprising amount of kick for a 15 year old cigar.

Overall: beautifully smooth Punch nuttiness but with a melon fruitiness that came out of left field for me. 91/100

[KCCubano]

Nice review! Wish I had gone deeper than 3 boxes when they got cut! Loved these and RS 11's. SS2'S also a Punch classic