Pre-light Experience

The wrapper on the Punch Spring Roll is light brown and has some spots that are a bit lighter. There are some slightly raised veins, the seams are a bit raised and the caps are decently applied. The wrapper stops short about a half inch from the foot, exposing the binder. The band is metallic red and white and denotes the brand. The aroma from the wrapper is a wood, earth and hay barnyard mix while the foot brings mesquite smokiness and earth. The pre-light draw is a mellow mix of wood, earth and smokiness.

First Third

The cigar begins with lightly toasted oak and dusty earth. As the burn line reaches the wrapper, the flavor profile becomes a bit fuller and richer. The retrohale is a fuller version of the toasted oak and earth along with some mild black pepper. At an inch in, there’s an underlying dryness to the profile. At an inch and a quarter, a nutmeg forward baking spice joins in. The third comes to a close with toasted oak and earth up front and the nutmeg forward baking spice a bit behind. The strength was mild-medium.

Second Third

The second third begins with a continuation of the toasted oak and earth with nutmeg forward baking spice. At a half inch in, the oak and earth now have a bit of staleness to them. The retrohale is now toasted oak and earth with faint baking spice. As the third comes to a close, the toasted oak and earth have lost the staleness and remain up front with just a general baking spice now a bit behind. The strength remained at mild-medium.

Final Third

As the final third begins, the baking spice is barely holding on and a faint cocoa powder note becomes present. The retrohale is now just toasted oak and earth. As the cigar wraps up, the toasted oak and earth remain up front while the baking spice has picked up a bit and the cocoa powder dropped out. The strength bumped up to slightly below medium.

Burn

The burn was wavy in the first and final thirds and the cigar went out once in the second third, requiring a re-light.

Draw

The draw was perfect, with just the right amount of resistance that I prefer.

Overall

The cigar began with lightly toasted oak and dusty earth. A nutmeg forward baking spice joined a bit later. The second third saw a staleness go along with the oak and earth and the baking spice lost the nutmeg driver. The final third saw a light cocoa powder join in for a bit. The Punch Spring Roll had an average flavor profile throughout, but it felt like there was a good flavor profile hiding in there, the staleness just kind of held it back. I’ve experienced this with other cigars from STG and I’m not sure if it’s older tobacco or what causes this. The price point is low, so it’s an easy try, but it’s just not something I really see myself coming back to.

Aaron Loomis

SCORE

5.55

Cost/Point

$1.08

Scoring System

Personal Cigar Review: Punch Spring Roll