Punch Ninfas ('02)

***Pics coming soon, I forgot my camera at home!

I was recently gifted this tough to find old stick by a SOTL, and thought it would be perfect for my first review in a while (life has been beyond hectic lately..).  The Ninfas has a cult following since being discontinued in 2002, but suffer from occasional draw problems I've heard.  Though I am not a big fan of Punch CCs, I am expecting this cigar to be pretty good!

Sitting out back tonight with a glass of water.  Cut with my Xikar and lit with a torch.

Pre-light - The smell is mainly notes of hay, and the pre-light draw is the same.  The wrapper is a light golden Colorado with some tiny veins.

First Third - Though the draw is on the tougher side, the initial flavors are am elegant mix of medium bodied hay, chocolate, and some spice in the finish.  Unmistakably Cuban.  The smoke is fairly thick for such a thin gauge, and  the ash doesn't last too long, though that is to be expected.

Second Third - This third has a bit more spice to it, with the same hay flavor and some earthiness as well.  The draw leaves a bit to be desired but it is definitely smokable (I probably should have dry-boxed).  Loving this stick!

Third Third - Draw has loosened up now, and the flavors continue to be hay, spicy pepper, and earth.  The finish is long, with lingering spice.  Perfectly smooth up front all they way through the finish.  An almost malty flavor pops up towards the end.

Conclusion and Score - I can totally see why these cigars are so sought after.  Minus some draw tightness, this thing has it all- flavor, a smooth texture, a lasting finish, and that definitive Cuban tastiness.  I would rate this a 93, with room for improvement mainly in draw.  Not the most complex cigar out there, but a true jem for CC and thin gauge lovers alike.

Johnny-O Cazadores

 
I got this cigar a while back from one of my good BOTL, but have little background on it.  From what I understand they are custom rolled sticks (by Johnny-O of course) made from Cuban tobacco.  I've heard mixed opinions on the actual pedigrees of the tobacco, so we'll just have to see how it smokes.  'How can I tell if these Cubans are fake or not? -SMOKE IT!'

It's a bit chilly out tonight, but not bad enough to stop me from enjoying a cigar.  Lighting with matches for a change tonight, and drinking water.

Pre-light - A very rugged, leathery wrapper covers this smoke, in a dark, almost black color.  The pre-light draw is light and gives a ton of sweet tobacco.

First Third - The easy draw gives way to tons of smoke, and boasts a cedary spice over sweet tobacco, leather, and coffee.  The flavors are much fuller in body than I had expected and lie between medium and full at the moment.  The Cazadores' texture and flavor notes seem to remind me a bit of the Drac, though not as complex.  Though the draw is on the lighter side, the burn is sharp and the ash (though looser) stays on well.

Second Third - The spice has died down, leaving more leather and some chocolate in it's place to mingle with the coffee and tobacco flavors.  The body has mellowed out a bit now, as the flavors start to blend together more.  D/A/B are still great.

Third Third - The flavors have stayed fairly consistent from the first third, though I'm getting a bit of bitterness here and there.  Not a huge turn off, but for the sake of full disclosure...  The construction is still great, and the coffee notes are hitting the spot right now.

Conclusion and Score - I enjoyed this cigar, as it had plenty of tasty coffee, cedar, and tobacco notes.  I can't honestly say that it tasted like exactly like Cuban tobacco, but there were some hints of 'Cubanesque' flavors.  The construction was immaculate and the wrapper had a nice rough, leathery feel to it.  I would give this stick an 89 rating- if the bitterness towards the end had been absent (might have to grab some for aging to see), it could easily break the 90s.