Cigar review: Keep in mind cigar reviews should tell you the facts but also have humor in the narrative. I think General Cigar had that in mind with their limited edition of the Punch Chop Suey.
Ed Lahmann, senior brand manager of Punch and the creator of Chop Suey said, ” We had a lot of fun with Punch Egg Roll last year so we decided to come out with a similar release for 2020. Chop Suey hits that post-holiday sweet spot for cigar lovers.”As all my reviews , it does not impact how and where I received the cigar on my subjective take on the blend. If you are interested, please smoke the stick and make up your own mind.
Brand/Name of Cigar: Punch/Chop Suey
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Size: 7 x 37, ( Length x Ring Gauge)
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan/Domincan
Shape: Panatela
Price: $5.49 MSRP. I received the cigar gratis for review from General Cigar
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 2/16/2020
Appearance/Construction: The shaggy foot is quite noticable which is an interesting essence of this cigar. Thin in looks with a medium, golden brown wrapper. Rustic in overall appearance, semi, oily feel with a snazzy cigar band.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: First third: Mild to medium , woody, roasted nuts and notes of cinnamon, and licorice. Easy start for the cigar.
Second Third: Enter mild spice, (white pepper) with hint of coffee, caramel to give the cigar some body but not power.
Final Third: A pop of more spice but this cigar was not made for a knock out punch. It’s smooth, medium strength for the final third and lasted about 30 minutes or so.
Smoking Characteristics: Even burn, stayed cool, lit with a surprising amount of smoke. Ash was light to medium gray. No issues in construction or tunneling.
Conclusion/Overall Impressions: Good to smoke, which is exactly what you hope for in a short smoke. Punch cigars are mostly known for being powerhouses. This is not what you are going to get with the Chop Suey. A very worth while undertaking.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers: Grab a bunch at your local shop , it’s is better than I thought it would be. Short money for a fine overall cigar experience.
Appearance/Contruction: 3.5 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 4.0 out of 5
Smoking Chararcteristics: 3.8 out 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 3.7 out of 5
3 to 4 is a respectable cigar.
Keep smoking