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.........

[Sancho Panza]

Nice review, thanks.

very thin and fragile wrapper is a very good sign

[chris12381]

How do these compare to the 12s? The RS 12s from 98 are smokin' mmmm mmm good.

Chris

[solomr2]

Originally Posted by chris12381

How do these compare to the 12s? The RS 12s from 98 are smokin' mmmm mmm good.

Chris

Two different animals IMPO. The RS11 is one heck of a great smoke, as BSK noted it is subtle and refined, with lots of flavor. I also tend to really appreciate the aroma of it. The RS12 is also a great smoke, but with a different character. It tends to be a little more tannic and somewhat more intense in flavors. I like them both.

[nbuchanan2]

Good review . I just had my first Punch PCdP today - , what a smoke and very different from the only other Punch I had tried - Punch Punch.

[emdub23]

Great Review. I have not delve really far into the punch line but am planning on doing so soon.

[rdk]

Excellent Review I am smokeing my first one out of a cab from 2001 and I find your review nails this cigar perfectly. I may have a new favorite.

[avid toker]

Seem a little mild for me....but then again, my '03's appear to be retreating for more nap time. Maybe in a few more months these will be ready.

[LeafsFan]

The more I hear about Punch, the more different vitolos I wish to try.

HB

[solomr2]

Originally Posted by avid toker

Seem a little mild for me....but then again, my '03's appear to be retreating for more nap time. Maybe in a few more months these will be ready.

Shane, the RS11 are medium bodied, about the same as the MC2 we split. But the RS11 does have a more subtle and balanced profile than the SS2. You would enjoy them I'm sure.