CA Report: Top New Cigars (June 10, 2024)
Fresh Cigar Picks from Punch, Rocky Patel, and Nestor Miranda Kick Off Summer Smoking!
June! Finally! Who’s still got their sweaters out?
Not this guy.
I’m giving everyone two tickets to the pastiest gun show. Sorry. Don’t worry, though. The real prize will be the new cigars in my hands. Namely, Rocky’s Year of the Dragon, Nestor’s 80th, and a shady take on Punch Knuckle buster. Check out their flavors, strength, and more in these quick reviews and answer the most important of questions: which of these premium blends are calling out to your taste buds?
Is there a fresh premium we should be talking about but haven’t mentioned? Let us know on our social media channels linked below!
Rocky Patel Year of the Dragon
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Honduras Jamastran & Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa
Another refreshing outlier (like Plasencia’s in our last Top New) of the Year of the Dragon cigars bandwagon, Rocky’s effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. He started with an epic foundation; specifically, decade-aged fillers from three of Nicaragua’s most popular growing regions. And with a double binder and Mexican San Andres wrapper, it’s no surprise that the blend stands out from the crowd. Expect a subtly sweet, nuanced smoke filled with aromatic notes of spice, earth, cinnamon, and a peppery-floral finish that’ll rival any dragon on the retrohale.
Punch Knuckle Buster Shade
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic & U.S.
My woodshop teacher, good ol’ Mr. Kerbaugh, once exclaimed, “The world belongs to those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty!”
If I haven’t dusted my keyboard, does that count?
I digress. Mr. Kerbaugh’s adage could easily be a tagline for the Punch Knuckle Buster series. The brand has honored the blue-collar spirit since 2020 with blends that match their work ethic in quality. Enter the Knuckle Buster Shade: a smidge milder and a hell of a lot smoother, these cigars are refined, like a much-needed vacation from your 60-hour slog. The best part: they’re priced with hard working folk like you in mind. Relax after a week of fresh calluses with notes of earth, leather, coffee, and a hint of vanilla. We’ll see you at 5 o’clock!
Nestor Miranda 80th Anniversary
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Not many companies make it 80 years. Famous Smoke Shop did it. A handful of others, too. And the latest member of the club—Nestor Miranda. The brand has managed to fly under the radar in recent years, but those who get it live by “IYKYK.” Nestor Miranda 80th Anniversary comes dressed in all-Nicaragua tobaccos for a puro of epic taste and a spicy-sweet disposition. First, the bad news: only 500 boxes were made. And when they’re gone, sayonara. The good news: they’re available now and a quick trigger finger will secure you a piece of their history. For a masterclass of understated luxury flavor, look no further. Nestor’s ready for 80 more.