Appearance
The first thing I notice is the contrast between the colorful albeit cheap looking band and the dark wrapper leaf. The dark wrapper is quite attractive with very little in the way of veins. The seams are tight and only visible due to the slight mottling of the wrapper. It has an oily and toothy finish.
Aroma
Earthy and cedar on the wrapper. Earth, cedar, faint molasses and a hint of spice at the foot.
Prelight Draw
Fruity, earthy, cocoa, cedar, salt.
1st
Initial draws bring leathery, earthy notes of cedar. There is a faint hint of spice that gets stronger into the finish. Some almond notes join the profile. A tunnel is causing a V shape on one side of the cigar. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is beginning to self correct. The ash is light gray and mostly tight with a little flake. Draw loosens up about an inch in. Some fruity notes appear late in the 1st/3rd.
2nd
Interestingly it takes a few successive draws to get a good smoke production going. Upon removing the ash to start the 2nd/3rd I notice a huge tunnel(5/16" diameter) in line with the original one. Draw is snug again and doesn't produce much smoke. The burn issue has become more like a wide u shape. Midway in the 2nd the draw loosens up and smoke production increases. Burn line is about 60*. Some meaty notes join the profile. Strength moves to medium+.
Final/3rd
Spice is a warm cinnamon. The tunnel ended up being about 5" in length.
Overall
The Punch Gran Puro Nicaragua provides a mildly enjoyable smoking experience. The flavorful and balanced profile were hard to focus on due to the poor construction. I have another and I'm hoping the next one provides a better experience.
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