First, I would like to say that in my opinion, this is one of the most underrated cigars available. There is not a good resource for reviews of this gem. It deserves a little bit of extra attention for several reasons which I will go over in the review below. Puck by Alec Bradley Puck is a medium-bodied and flavorful choice. A premium Honduran handmade stick with flavors of pepper, espresso, and cocoa. It also boasts a dynamic mix of Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers within the blend. This box-pressed beauty comes dressed in a dark and oily Honduran Habano wrapper. Stats: Profile Medium Wrapper Habano Oscuro, Oscuro - oily Shape Robusto, Toro, and Churchill Length 5, 6, and 7 Inches Gauge 50, 52, 50 Country Honduras Honduras Filler Honduran, Nicaraguan - Cuban sandwich style Binder Habano Box-pressed Yes Sweet No Pricing: (Box of 20) This is a budget-priced cigar with high-end intentions. Robusto (5.0"x50) 39.99 (1.99 per stick) Toro (6.0"x52) 44.99 (2.25 per stick) Churchill (7.0"x50) 49.99 (2.50 per stick)
First Impression:
The initial impression is based on appearance, price, and knowledge. I prefer a darker cigar so that was a plus before removing it from the wrapper. You would expect a decent smoke in the price range that it falls in which you can see above. As a brand, Alec Bradley is no stranger to 90+ ratings. The brand has a packed stable of winners, including plenty on the Top 25 Cigars of the Year list. That combined with several blends to fit any palette is a great indication that you have not wasted a dime. Pre-Smoke Ritual: I have smoked enough of these to have used several different cutters to prep the cigar. Whichever method you prefer the Puck cuts extremely well. An easy and straight cut is achieved without breaking or fraying of the wrapper. I always take a pre-light draw of a cigar to get a taste of what I will be in store for. I did get a hint of pepper with a good amount of cocoa. The prominent taste that I experienced was the espresso. When each flavor has just the right amount of kick to it you get very excited. You are also able to smoke this right out of the box without rest in your humidor. I did experiment with this right out of the box, one week rest, up to one month. While the flavor was fuller the longer it rested I assure you it will be very pleasant right out of the box. Lighting, Draw, and Burn: Lighting the cigar itself was easy which is no surprise with almost any cigar. Once lit it stays lit until the end of your smoke. Using several different cutting methods the draw was very easy. It was tight but not to tight. Near perfection. The cigar burns well and stays even throughout your smoke. Even taking it down to a nub everything remained the same. Flavor: The hint of pepper remained the same throughout the smoke. The espresso also remained the prominent flavor but not overpowering. The cocoa was a good connection between flavors picking up strength for the middle third of the cigar. It was a match made in heaven. The flavors stayed at optimal strengths throughout. Even smoking down extremely low it did not gain a harshness but the flavor remained. My Preference: Puck by Alec Bradley Robusto One week rested in humidor in the wrapper Select draw cutter with 9 holes int he cap and 3 holes horizontal around the cap 4 flame butane lighter Side Note: I have conducted some self infusing projects using this cigar. I was able to add some extra flavors to the profile which seemed to fit very well. The one that I found to be the best so far is adding The Kraken spiced rum and more espresso in. You can find my article on easy home infusing at the link below.
Final Thoughts: I can't say enough good things about this cigar. It smokes like a high end while you can hand them out to friends like a lower end. This is very enjoyable and packed with flavor. If you are looking for a cigar to have as an everyday smoke and fill up some humidor space I recommend you give this one a try. You will not be disappointed with any aspect of it.
Excellent smoke!