Punch Gran Cru Review

[stogie_kanobie_one]

Ahhhhhh. I finally understand leathery. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Tonight's seleccion was a Punch Gran Cru Torpedo. This cigar was shaped like a torpedo but when I tried to find it online I did not see a torpedo available, so I'm not entirely sure which shape this one was considered. I got it as one of five or six in a mix bag from my local B&M.

Boy am I glad I picked the right drink for this one. I think occassionally it is important that you pair the right TYPE of drink with a cigar. I've been preferring coffee with a lot of my cigars lately but don't do it. This cigar calls for a Scotch or Porto definitely. Something sweet but not creamy you'll see why later.

The cigar lit easily enough and started out slightly un-even it evened out on it's own by the time I finished the first half. The entire first half of this cigar had a very light draw. It was a little too light for my taste as I really had to watch my inhaling to make sure I didn't inhale too hard. The first half was hands down smoothe not creamy. Normally I associate smoothe with creamy but not in this case. It is obvious in the first half that it very subtly is preparing you for something much more.

The middle half of this cigar is a real sumbitch. It changed in a matter of a few puffs from a mellow smothness to pepper. Normally I do not go for pepper but this cigar may have just changed all of that. I mean with every third or fourth puff it was as if someone dropped a pepper seed directly on my toungue. Hot dayum. I was very tempted to let it die on its own at this point because of the pepper taste but I was watching Munich and not ready to stop just yet. I decided to see if I could tough it out. Boy am I glad I did. I actually started to find it a little enjoyable as it maintained in the backround a little creaminess to it. This is also why I would not recommend a coffee or smoothe creamy drink such as coffee to go with this stick (ice cappucino maybe???). I thought the Scotch Liquer I had went well with it. Had to put that fire on my tongue out.

But wait theres more.... The final third of this cigar saw another change that I've often heard of but have never placed myself, I thought I had, but could never be sure. Leathery. The final third went from definite peppery to leathery with that same smootheness again. Watch out for this one. I had to slow down my puffs or it would get harsh on me. If you pace yourself right the final third of this cigar is very enjoyable.

At the first signs of pepper I have to remind myself of this cigar in the future and see what lies at the end of the rainbow from now on.

I don't do numbered ratings as I don't know the first thing about that sort of jazz. But, as for my impressions that about sums it up. I'd imagine with a little age to help mellow it even more this would be an even more pleasurable smoke when you want something on the heavier side.

[TimL]

Thanks for the review!

[Isombitch]

Thanks for the great review! Grand Cru is my favorite Punch line. They are great in Maduro, too. The only one I haven't tried is the #II Maduro. By the way, the Torp is the #II.

[stogie_kanobie_one]

Thanks ISOM.... Too funny I had just continued my search and found it. It was the Punch Grand Cru No.2 Torpedo Maduro. It was an experience for sure.

[TechMetalMan]

I may need to try this.

If you decided you like a peppery smoke then try a La Perla Habana Black Pearl Cobre. I had one of those (I think 5x50) and it was peppery yet real smooth.

[stogie_kanobie_one]

Wrote that one down. The real reason I would try it is to really help me determine if I like that or not. So far the first few times I experienced that peppery taste I did not like it. But last night changed that. I will definitely look that one up.

One thing I forgot to mention in my review that I though was important and the whole reason I mentioned the too light draw in the beginning. Right about the time that the spice kicked in the draw on this puppy went sub-atomic on my arse. It went from too light to too tight which did impact the enjoyment factor a little.

[ky toker]

Nice review.

I have a robusto sitting in the humi waiting to get its test run.

[DonJefe]

Originally Posted by ky toker

Nice review.

I have a robusto sitting in the humi waiting to get its test run.

I went through boxes of these a few years ago, loved them! Haven't had one in a long time though, will have to pick one up next time I'm at the shop.

[RenoB]

Thanks for the review! I've got a monstrous diademas in the humi that was gifted to me last November. Now that the weathers nice, and you've reminded me about it, I gotta fire it up this weekend!

[zamco17]

Thanks for the review, id been wondering about these sticks.

[HeavySmoke]

Originally Posted by Isombitch

Thanks for the great review! Grand Cru is my favorite Punch line. They are great in Maduro, too. The only one I haven't tried is the #II Maduro. By the way, the Torp is the #II.

Hey Bluehen, I just got a box od them today. Let me know if you want me to send you one to try. This cigar is on my top 10 list of NCs.....

[fitzsmoke]

Good review. Another one to try...so many cigars, so little time.

[trnsam]

great review, thanks

[aphexacid]

I love the Grand Cru. My fave NC Punch. Has super flavors, and very pleaseant smoke, never harsh....great value as well

[homeless_texan]

I'm looking forward to trying that one. Nice review.