Tampa Sweethearts no. 500 & Punch Gran Puro Sierra (shorts)

"Shy one, shy one,

shy one of my heart,

She moves in the firelight

Pensively apart." 

- Yeats, TO AN ISLE IN THE WATER

 

Tampa Sweethearts no. 500:

     Great classic smell on the light, I was immediately reminded of a fine smoking den which was a sensation that followed through the entire smoke. I feel like just being inside would have been quite conducive to creating a great smoke. Different cigars have their own individual places that make them that much better, places where they feel at home, and this stick was begging for a darkly lit smoking den with comfortable chairs and many smoke infused books.

This cigar has a certain dry quality to it which is neither good nor bad depending on preference, occasion etc, I found it too be nice because it meant an unobstructed draw and little fear of it sputtering out. On the down side there was a definite boat action on the burn, but seeing as these are "apprentice rolled" cigars I can let it slide (source + more info). Going along with the cigar bar / den motif I think this cigar would go wonderfully with a light scotch, it went well enough with straight rum though. This smoke off this stick was also quite nice looking with an interesting texture on the exhale.

 

Stats: Unknown

Punch Gran Puro Sierra:

     Reviewing the Punch Gran Puro for the second time I found it to be a very consistent cigar (jump to first review). On the light there was a very nice caramel colored smoke, and again the distinct feeling that this cigar would benefit from hard wood floors, books, felt and a small bar. Again I got a lot of dark nut to this stick, hazel and walnuts primarily. Interestingly enough I also get a very moist green note for a short period of time, like a young willow that had been stripped of it's bark. the burn was a little uneven, but a close eye and a couple extra matches did the trick. The smoke is now a wonderful ghostly white, the stuff of pictures, and a full mouth brings back the zinc / battery I got on the first one.

    These cigars tend to have a fairly nice draw, not quite as nice as the A Funte Gran Reserva, but a good draw for the size and strength of this cigar. Coming to the end of the second third I began to see where I got the very vivid note of a chess board in my first review, there is a definite checkered hardwood note that comes in at this point in the cigar, it's really quite an amazing note, especially to find it again. The wrapper has subtle notes of pepper and cinnamon. This cigar get's a little harsh towards the end, still though a very nice room note and with a drink you can really nub this cigar if you'd like.

 

stats:

  

Strength: Full

Size: 6 1/2 x 48

Country of Origin: Honduras

Wrapper Color: Dark Natural

Wrapper Origin: Not Available

Wrapper Leaf Type: Not Available