I decided to check out a local cigar store, and while I was there ended up getting several things:

  • 2 Punch in ~Robusto size
  • 2 Padron in same size
  • A lighter
  • A cutter

The lighter is one of those torch jobbies - it was $25 - and it works pretty well. The cutter is a $3 special, which I’ve since learned I probably would have gotten for free by buying a whole box of cigars. I’m not sure the cutter is better than the pocketknive I was using, but it’s more “correct” ;-)

I haven’t yet tried the Padron, but the Punch cigar was really quite tasty. It was about as strong as the Consuegra, but much smoother and more refined. I’d use the word “creamy”, but I’m not sure that’s right. It had a bit of spice that grew as I smoked it. The burn was uneven, but that could be the poor storage it’s suffered for a few days. The draw was very good. So far, I think it’s my favorite.