Mini Review - Punch Champion

[j6ppc]

Info from General Cigars website:

Size: 4 /12" 60 RG
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Sumatra
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan, Dominican (Piloto Cubano)
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Country of Manufacture: Honduras
Factory Name: Honduras American Tabaco S. A., Cofradia, Honduras

My notes-

Background - I'm a sucker for odd shapes, this little billy club shape caught my eye @ my local b&m last weekend caught my eye. The price was $8.- (Kalifornia) -- these can be had for less than $3- online. I've always liked punch and thought this shortie would be a nice smoke in a similar niche time wise to a Hemingway Short Story (more on that later).

The EMS wrapper was fairly dark, almost maduro like in its appearance.
The oily sheen and firm construction looked promising.
The pre light pull was pleasant, eartly with a hint of grass.

The first puff was fragrant, a little spicy but in a *good* way.

The construction and burn were both flawless -- I've had three more since then from different vendors (I know some had mentioned problems so I enlarged the sample before posting the review), and they have also been *fine* in this respect,


The flavor profile seems to fit into parts for me - the first bit until the mid point on the large gauage part was fragrant, mild with spicy notes,

The second bit was from the thick mid point to the 1/2 way point of the remainder - much fuller, more aromatic and spices more pronunced. Still sweet and not hot at all.

The last bit is from there until the part where I was forced to put it down lacking a roach clip - More intense flavor, not bitter -- sort of a perfumy double chocolate espresso kind of deal along with a slight buzz (this puppy gets stronger as it goes).

All three so far have lasted in excess of an hour - quite a surprise for a little smoke like this.

Conclusion: I like 'em. These embody the "good things come in small packages" adage IMHO.

Much more "punch" than the short story, a longer lasting smoke for me as well.
I like both -- something tells me there is a box of champions in my immediate future; hard to go wrong w/ those if you like a medium-strong flavor profile.


Thanks for reading


Bests

Jon

[Mister Moo]

Great review Jon. I gotta look into this one - thanks.

[loudee]

Good review. I'm a sucker for Punch also. I love the Gran Puro.

Lou

[Jechelman]

Nice review Jon. Those Champions are well made, very tasty little smokes. Have one left in the humi and your review reminds me to pick up some more.

[j6ppc]

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

Great review Jon. I gotta look into this one - thanks.

Glad you liked the review.
Hope you enjoy the cigar as much as I do