Punch Gran Cru No. II Maduro Review

[ca21455]

[SIZE=3]Origin: Honduras [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Length: 6.12 [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Ring: 54 [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Wrapper Color: Dark Brown (M) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Wrapper Type: Ecuador Sumatran [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Filler: DR/HON/NIC [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Shape: Pyramid[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]This has always been a favorite of mine, but the $10 + price tag at the B&M kept my supply limited. Finally broke down and purchased a box from CI at $118.95. This was a buck or two more then Mikes and JR, but CI helped me out with a delivery and had the Pueblo Dominicano Series II on sale another favorite of mine.[/SIZE]





[SIZE=3]The Cigar was easy to cut, good light, even burn. Very nice looking stick with consistent firmness throughout. Excellent construction with a box pressed shape.[/SIZE]



[SIZE=3]First third, the Maduro wrapper provides a slightly sweet flavor. The smoke is earthy with coca mixed in, smooth with some mild spice. The spice flavor brings back memories of a seasoning I used while cooking but can’t remember the name. The finish is creamy and leaves a very pleasant flavor lingering in your mouth, it’s kind of weird but there seems to be a mint touch.[/SIZE]





[SIZE=3]Second third is about the same as the first but the spice has a hint of pepper. I like to breath in a little smoke through my nose while puffing, it enhances the smooth flavors from this smoke.[/SIZE]



[SIZE=3]The last third is the power play. Finish is still creamy and smooth but the smoke turns more full bodied and all the flavors intensify to make this a most delightful smoke.[/SIZE]



[SIZE=3]Overall the strength and body of this smoke is medium to full.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]If you like the Punch line, you have to give this stick a try. It has everything I look for in a smoke, great flavor, wonderful finish and excellent performance.[/SIZE]

[hurricane6]

I've never had the Gran Cru, but I will definitely search one out now! Nice review with great pics!

[gvarsity]

Nice review. I may have to try these again. I had one not long ago and I was a bit disappointed but that may have very well had to do with the storage conditions at the B&M. Your typical plywood room with a sliding door and a home depot room humidifier. Not the greatest set-up and all three sticks I had from there were not particularly good.

[MarkinCA]

Originally Posted by ca21455

[SIZE=3]Overall the strength and body of this smoke is medium to full. [/SIZE][SIZE=3]If you like the Punch line, you have to give this stick a try. It has everything I look for in a smoke, great flavor, wonderful finish and excellent performance. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Thanks for the review and photo's CA. That's a nice looking wrapper on the cigar...[/SIZE]

[dccraft]

I had a different Punch and it was definately one that I will pick up again. Very smooth and tasty.

[Kwilkinson]

Great review. I've seen these and always wanted to try one. I think I'm gonna have to pick one up sometime!