Punch ManTua Regional Italia UBM Feb 2019 (XNY23)

[Pmo13]

Draw felt a little tight pre-light, but it ended up being the absolute perfect amount of resistance.

Huge plumes of thick smoke, which was a huge surprise and a very welcome one at that. Right off the bay, this stick comes at you with a big baking spices note. Nothing overpowering, but a really clearly defined cinnamon and nutmeg. Towards the second third that began to fall away and a string nuttiness started to come forward. At first I wanted to say it was that classic cedary almond, but I think it ended up more towards a walnut note. At the same time a strong cream note started to pop in and out which is one of my favorites in Cubans as it usually goes hand in hand with the classic twang.

That twang really amped up in the final third where things really got interesting. I thought I was crazy at first, but a really pronounced fruitiness started to come through, like a blackberry type sweetness maybe mixed in with a soft stone fruit like a peach. That gradually faded away and that classic buttered toast showed up. It was that same note that I usually get with Por Larrañaga Montecarlos, but way stronger. That’s how it finished out, but true to form, this sucker had one more curveball for me. I only got it on one or two draws near the end (I literally nubbed it) but a very clear coconut note popped through. 

At no point during the smoke did it burn my fingers, nor did the smoke ever get hot. Thing thing instantly shot to the top of my favorite sticks list and I’m so glad I have a couple left. If you get the chance to grab a few of these, it might hurt the wallet, but I promise you won’t regret it. Absolutely stunning cigar.

 

Easy 95 on this baby and have to imagine it’ll only keep getting better.

[Chibearsv]

Definitely a cigar of the year candidate for me. Nice review. 

[KCCubano]

One of better cigars I had in 23. Guess at original price point it would be considered a great value considering todays Regional pricing.