Punch Short de Punch RAT MAR 20 vs. Sancho Panza Belicoso BST MAR 20 (FFSJun24)

[karp]

I didn’t have a full review of these two cigars that I recently smoked, so I’ll put two half reviews together so I increase my chances for scoring the Fat Fundies.

For me, the point of these two cigars is to have a change of pace cigar. I typically smoke Partagas, Monte, HU… These are different. Or are they? Which one is distinct enough to stand out?

First third

The cigars were smoked on two different occasions, so it’s all completely subjective. Nonetheless, if my memory serves me correctly - both started differently. The Sancho transitioned quickly to woodiness while the Punch, well the Punch tastes much like a newly lit HU - bready.

Second third

The Sancho’s woodiness has a characteristic salted caramel edge. It’s quite enjoyable, and although the caramel taste itself is present in a lot of CCs the combo of the saltiness and woodiness makes the Sancho different. The Punch on the other hand has this clove + cedar flavour, not far off from a Hoyo. A five-spice flavour used to kick in when these were younger, but this is subdued, spices are there certainly but not far off from a Partagas.

Last third

Both cigars ramped up in the last act. Flavours were stronger but while the Sancho had a sort of nutmeggy finish, the Punch was more leathery. The Punch did not have any nuttiness, which was disappointing since sometimes I get peanut from these like others have reported. No peanut this time at all. Both cigars smoked well with no touchups needed.

Verdict:  The Sancho is the clear winner for a change of pace cigar: 92 points. The Punch, not so much: but still 90 points. At this point in its development, this is smoking like a Partagas crossed with a Hoyo crossed with a HU. Basically a blend of the other cigars I typically smoke. It’s not a bad cigar, but not what I was hoping for. If I smoked this blindfolded I would be hard pressed to distinguish, the Sancho on the other hand - well I’d like to think I can taste the difference.   

[Habanoschris]

👌Very nice review(s). I am a fan of those distinct Sancho Panza flavors. Been snatching up some Non Plus. I prefer the Punch Punch over the Short Punch but have had many more of the former.  😚💨

[JohnS]

Nice side-by-side comparison review, @karp!

[99call]

11 minutes ago, JohnS said:

Nice side-by-side comparison review, @karp!

God Bless you John for receiving this review with welcoming arms.  I read it and thought it would be your personal Kriptonite 

[NSXCIGAR]

A 3+ year old SPB is always a nice treat. One of the few cigars that I would never smoke fresh. Unfortunately many do and it has a very spotty reputation because of it. Interestingly Non Plus don't seem to have that issue. 

Punch SdP I just can't seem to warm up to. They don't share much in common with the PP or DC. Definitely stronger but to me overly woody and can be a bit tannic. 

[EasternPromises]

I’m a big fan of the PSdP and I agree with the cream and clove note. The absence of the peanut note in the PSdP is a good thing in my book. If I want peanuts, I would pick up a Cuaba instead!

[karp]

Punch Punch is better than the Short de Punch imho. I’ve had some spicy versions of the latter that are really interesting but overall hit or miss.

[SUP8333]

Hoping I get some Sanchos one day!