Hoyo/Punch Second Maduro Review

[psygardelic]

Hoyo/Punch Second - Maduro (Churchhill)

A bit of a bite follows this cigars smooth beginning, generally being a big fan of the maduro, this bargain smoke is a bit too heavy for me. I've had plenty of experience with these smokes in the past, being a fine alternative to the more expensive smokes. The first 1/4th - 1/2 tastes great, its just how a good cigar should be. With a full puff, drawing very well, a cloud of smoke rests gently on the tongue, making it's way to each of the different flavor sectors and leaving behind that perfect 'Tobacco' taste. Once half way down, when I could actually navigate my way around this nic bomb, I noticed the distinctive taste of turkey that had been based in herbs. As it burns down even further, the tar starts to build up quickly and begins to bite rather hard.

From start to finish, this cigar is surely a nose biter. One of the most important things I look for in a good smoke (and women) is the ability to show off its flavor both oraly and nasally. A gentle exhale through the nose will often reveal hidden flavors that the tongue could not detect, thus making the experience most enjoyable. A cigar that bites, burns, or tickles (In that order, based on intensity) is one I would consider too heavy for me.

I must admit though, this cigar is beautiful, especially for a second, and it produces huge quantities of smoke. It's dark brown wrapper is exactly what a well made maduro should look like. As I approach the end of the stick (From foot to head, always takes you right back to the beginning. ) I am confronted with inconsistancy. Fluctuating back and forth from medium to full, smooth to harsh. As the taste of BBQ and ash approach my pallet, I decide that it is time to let this stick fade out.

Twas a nice smoke but left me feeling a bit burnt. I have had some problems with the quality of the cigars I purchase from this particular smoke shop (see previous posts for more info) . The H/P 2nds I've smoked in the past have performed similiarly but usually with far more consistancy. So go out and get yourself one of these bandless bandits next time your craving a bargain beauty!

[psygardelic]

Has anyone else had regularly experience with these Hoyo/Punch Seconds? I use to buy them all the time in various sizes, not knowing exactly what I was getting (it being a second of H/P) only knew that I liked them at that they were very affordable. Not until I started seeing them offered at another shop under the guise of being Hoyo/Punch Seconds.

Other Bundle, Bargains, & seconds that I really enjoy are the Roly colorado/maduro by Puros Indios. PI are a nice occasional treat for me. I especially enjoy smoking these while out working on the herb farm. I refuse to smoke many various cigars while working outside as I am usually so preoccupied that I miss out on the flavors. However, the Roly Churchhills (Im guessing theyre CHs) Maduro is a great smoke for being outdoors, walking through the woods, in windy conditions, and most deffinatelly after a BBQ. The rich dark tobacco flavor is abundant, making it enjoyable to smoke even when your extremely preoccupied. This is deffinatelly a favorite outdoor cigar for me. Since I always smoke these while in nature and/or working, the second the fluffy smoke hits my palate it sends a message to my brain which causes me to instantly recall all of my memories of being outdoors and working thus placing me in the perfect state of mind for laboring hard in my gardens. Similiar reactions to those produced by aromatherapy.

I very much enjoy Dominico(s) by Carlos Torano. This $2 (This is the perfect bargain price for me) comes in a variety of sizes and at least two wrapper types. All of my experience with these has been fantastic. I do not care for CT's 'Brick' line, of box pressed, nicely constructed cigars. I purchased one simply because it was made by CTorano and b/c it looked very well constructed but I did not enjoy it much. However, I did smoke it in the car which is possibly the worst place for me to enjoy a smoke, especially trying a new one. Only in rush hour, with a familiar cigar, do I find it enjoyable to smoke while in the car.

My most recent encounter with a good bundle/2nd cigar came out of the Ashton(Peterson) line. It suprised me that they where in the 'isle of seconds', as I call it, because I recalled the name, Savoy, as leaning more towards a premium cigar (at least not a second). I purchased both one with a maduro wrapper and another with a natural wrapper. Both in the same straight/size. My experience had gone as follows:

Peterson and Savoy Review

The tobacconist was a bit drunk on wine when I came in for a visit and to pick up a few cheap cigars . I purchased two Savoy cigars made by Ashton. I had purchased one Toro Natural and one Toro maduro. These cigars are only $2.00 a stick. The Drunk tobacconist was kind enough to offer me a free cigar which I had never tried before, one from the Peterson line. Upon the first puff of this rather small cigar (I'm guessing about 4.5 - 5.5'' long / 45-55 thick) I had tasted a fermented / alcohol like flavor, sort of resembling whisky. This subsided after 3 or 4 puffs.

The Peterson cigar was constructed very well and burned very even and slow. The duration of the cigar for me was slightly over one hour. However, it lasted at least 1 1/2 hours for him, likely because of the way he smokes his cigars which differs greatly from my method. He likes to just bite the hell out of the cigar and keep it held on the side of his mouth taking very few drags. Other than smoking in the humidor and other acts of bad etiquette, he also likes to get slammed while working and give away free cigars so its all fine to me.

As we smoked our stogies we sat down at the computer and he had shown me pictures from his trip to nicarauga to visit a couple cigar factories, including pictures of him with Rocky patel and other various cigar heads (I dont recall all the names), Various rollers (Torcedors?), Box making factories, Short rooms, This really cool Draw Meter that tests how well a cigar draws, How to inspect the color differences between tobacco leaf and cigars, and many more amazing photos. This experience greatly complimented the cigar smoking experience. I tasted hints of Cocoa and some earthy notes towards the bottom half of this cigar. I smoked this stick all the way to the nub, nearly burnt my fingers!

The Savoy toro (6X50), Sumatran seed Colorado claro wrapper grown in Ecuador with nicaraguan "sandwich filler", was a very enjoyable, affordable, and flavorful medium bodied smoke. The natural wrapper was fantastic and the maduro also crafted very nicely. However, being one who usually prefers maduro, I believe that the natural wrapper may be a bit of a better smoke than the maduro, which tastes a bit bland. They are both deffinately worth a second try! I didn't find the Savoy to have as much flavor and depth as well as the Peterson/Ashton but I would chose them over other seconds anyday. If you haven't already, I highly recommend that you give these smokes a try and report your thoughts here.

[galaga]

THX for the bundle reviews. I have wondered about the Rolys as I enjoy a PI as my yard gar frequently. The Genuine by Reyes is nice too. Haven't gotten around to the Rolys yet as the PI and Genuine are always at the devil site for a great price.