San Cristobal La Punta Cigar - Box of 25

Reviewed by Chuck Vaughan-Lloyd (May 2004) Length 5 1/2" x 52 ring gauge EAR October 2002 I had a unique opportunity last night to enjoy a totally new Cuban Cigar for my palate. A very good friend and True Lover of the Habanos Leaf sent me one of these to try with the simple request that I write a short review of my tasting notes. Let me say that those of you that do not have a MRN Book, that this cigar is a relative new introduction onto the Habanos scene and thus no preconceived ideas could be made as to what to expect. This line was launched in Havana in 1999. This is a completely new brand, not one that has been resurrected. The Belicoso had a smooth light chocolate brown wrapper, which I could not find any veins. It had a solid firm feel as I felt it and thought to myself that this cigar had been kept properly. I had not really let it rest much from its journey, but knew that my friend has always maintained his humidors extremely well. I cut the tip about ¼ down and tried a pre-draw and tasted a fine robust tobacco flavor. The foot toasted well and as I took the first draw of rich smoke into my mouth I immediately knew that this was going to be quite a cigar! I should back up just a bit and let you know that I was sitting at one of my favorite Cigar Bars (Famous Cigars & Elite Jazz) listening to a very nice acoustic Jazz band. I had the pleasure of enjoying a few rum and cokes while basking in the flavors of this cigar. I would describe the profile as having rich woody flavors with a definite strong tobacco taste. The cigar had nice complexities with hints of floral and mild citrus notes. I would describe this cigar as being full bodied. It displayed strong Habanos tobacco flavors throughout the entire cigar while at the same time it maintained a spiciness that was difficult to describe. Toward the end I noticed heavy notes of rich earthiness along with the woody flavors. The San Cristobal maintained an excellent burn and I made a mental note that it burned very slow while never needing a touchup. Overall it was a nicely flavored aromatic cigar with many characteristics of wood, floral, spice and earth. It was balanced and left a very nice aftertaste. I remember that it was my belief that long-term aging would bring out the subtle complexities even more. 14/15 APPEARANCE AND CONSTRUCTION 22/25 FLAVOR 22/25 SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS 32/35 OVERALL IMPRESSION Total Score: 90 This is an excellent cigar, and IMHO I enjoyed it much more than any of the recent Montecristo # 2's I've had over the past year. It should be known better, as it really caught my attention as a truly great cigar. San Cristobal Wood and tobacco.....YES !! Spicy....YES !! Descriptions for construction, draw, burn, taste situation etc....this is more like it. I have smoked more than a few of these....and it's described perfectly. Makes me want to light another...... Score: 8/10 Reviewed by Kevin R In my opinion this is what a review should be, concise enough without being abrupt, long enough to be informative, sets the scene and background, mentions previous smokes as comparisons. Good work, a gold star - and I even agree about the cigar. Score: 9.5/10 Reviewed by Richard Whitwell Excellent review from start to finish...very impressive. 9/10

This is a first class cigar. The draw is excellent and smoke full bodied, smooth and even. It is also very good value for a cigar of this quality.