Cigar Review: Fu Manchu by Punch
Review by Luc Blanchard, Official MMC Reviewer (@mysticks35mm)
Fu Manchu by Punch
INFO
Size: Toro 6x50
Wrapper – Honduran, habano
Binder – Indonesian
Filler – Dominican, Nicaraguan, Mexican
Strength 💨💨💨🥖🥖🥖
Grass
Refined sugar
Anise
Toasted bread
White chocolate
Walnut
REVIEW
Immediately noticed on this cigar is the details in its construction. The foot wrapper moves from a Honduran to a habano at the cap end. The actual cap appears to be the Honduran wrapper and holds an interesting tassel (see pics). The pre lighting aroma of a cherry/cocoa is rich on the nose as we dive into box # 40 from My Monthly Cigars. A straight cut also leads us to a medium/open draw.
A toast/light and an immediate nasal punch is noted on the retrohale. Introductory notes of some grass and a eucalyptus are on the pallet. Although there is a strong nasal component, the finish is smooth, mild as notes of refined sugar appear on the mouth. Just passed the first inch and the grassy notes start to mix with a very apparent anise quality.
Moving deeper into the 1/3 we also see a fantastic burn. A flaky and light colored ash, holds tight on a thin and wavering ash fringe. Getting into the 2/3, the milder notes off grass make way for a more robust and toasty quality. Notes of toasted bread join as that interesting eucalyptus/anise hangs on on the finish. The retro has also calmed down as well, rendering to a smoother olfactory feel.
Moving passed the halfway maker and consistent, with a magnified sweet taste on a long and oily finish. Getting into the last 3/3 of this cigar, a significant increase in general strength is felt, moving the experience closer to medium. The anise is nowhere to be found as continuing notes of grass, eucalyptus and toasted bread begin to mingle with white chocolate making for a truly distinctive cigar journey. The nub does see another increase in pepper especially felt on the mouth.
Alongside this literal “punch” in pepper comes notes of heavy wood and dark walnut that does bring some bitter notes, vanquishing all of the finer, grassy values. Truly a cigar that has excellent construction, burns very well and exhibits some distinctive flavors.