Punch - Royal Selection No. 11

[bsk]

Punch - Royal Selection No. 11

Country of Origin: Cuba
Packaging: SLB cab of 25 unbanded cigars
Size: 46 X 5-5/8
Box Date: May '03

Wrapper:
A very thin and fragile wrapper. A good, uniform shade of light brown, with perhaps just a hint of light green there. Light veining. Kinda reminded me of a light Cameroon wrapper.

Construction:
Very solid construction, perhaps too much so as the draw was tight. The burn was straight the whole length.

Pre-light Aroma:
Wonderful. Very earthy, warming, and sweet tobacco.

Smoking:
The smoke came a little hard at first, but it was enough to keep me going. This cigar had a refined and subtle flavor of sweet spice and sweet tobacco. Almost citrus-like is the only way I can describe it. It started out mild in body, but deliciously flavorful. As it burned down, the volume of smoke picked up, and so did the body, but it never went beyond medium. At the mid-way point the flavors (spice & tobacco) remained unchanged but began to nicely intensify, becoming more pronounced and distinct from one-another. It stayed that way all the way to the nub. The smoke lasted about an hour.

Summary:
A joy of a smoke. Nothing overpowering, but it really delivers some subtle yet distinct flavors. A great smoke for a lazy summer afternoon. It would also make a great introduction to the world of Habanos for a newcomer.



Glad I've got 24 more to go.........