The San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta holds a special place in my cigar collection. This cigar, born in 1999, follows Havana’s rich traditions with its name echoing the city’s original title, Saint Christopher. The La Punta is a Cuban puro, meaning all its tobacco comes straight from Cuba. It’s crafted using the enchubado method, giving it a distinct construction and feel.
Its elegant, dark color reminds me of coffee or chocolate, and its aroma blends nutmeg, cinnamon, and a unique Cuban terracotta scent. The pre-light phase is a thrilling part of the experience, as a bit of resistance in the draw adds to the allure.
Lighting up the La Punta, I was met with a mild to medium body and a complex flavor profile. Initially, there’s a blend of charred thyme, latte coffee, and a hint of peanut skin. As I progressed, the flavors shifted; caramelized spices evolved into marzipan notes.
By the final third, the flavor had matured into a medium-plus body, combining nutmeg, leather, and earthy tones. The cigar told its story with grace, the draw eased into perfection, and the ash stood firm. It’s an ideal companion for a leisurely afternoon or a post-meal indulgence, boasting a classic Cuban style and value.
Key Takeaways
- San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta cigars are rich in Cuban tradition.
- They feature a complex flavor evolution from start to finish.
- Ideal for afternoon enjoyment with a classic Cuban look and feel.
Overview of Cigar Reviews
For my review today, I’ve been storing the cigars in a small acrylic humidor with 65% Boveda packs. Normally, I prefer a larger humidor with 69% packs for Cuban cigars. There’s also a Boveda Butler in there to keep an eye on the humidity.
I’m looking at a cigar called San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta. It comes from a brand that was reintroduced in Cuba in 1999. It’s named after Havana’s old name, and it’s made completely of Cuban tobacco using a special rolling method. This cigar is a pyramid shape, which I like because you can cut the tip to change how it smokes.
Before lighting it, the cigar feels firm and looks like dark coffee. It smells a bit like nutmeg and cinnamon. The draw is slightly tight, but you can adjust it for a smoother smoke. I found flavors of suede leather and a touch of spice.
Now, let’s see how it burns and tastes through each third of the smoke.
The Story of the Brand
Beginnings of San Cristobal de la Habana
Let me tell you about the origins of San Cristobal de la Habana. This brand is fairly new in the world of cigars, introduced in 1999 by Habanos S.A. in Cuba. The name pays homage to Havana’s original name, inspired by Saint Christopher. San Cristobal de la Habana revives a name from the past that disappeared after the Cuban Revolution.
Launched alongside other vitolas, the La Punta is a noteworthy pyramid-shaped cigar with dimensions of 5.5 by 52.
The La Punta is a Cuban puro, meaning all its tobacco comes from Cuba. It’s crafted by rolling the leaves into tubes, which helps air circulate well. Even though it’s young, this brand has made its mark. The rich flavors and solid construction make it a lovely addition to Havana’s storytelling culture.
Cigar Information
Features of La Punta
I recently had the chance to try the San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta, a Cuban cigar that caught my attention. With a length of 5.5 inches and a 52 ring gauge, it fits into the pyramid category. The wrapper reminds me of a dark latte, boasting a light sheen. It has a straight roll but features a few bumps and rustic veins. When I explore its aroma before lighting, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a touch of earthy terracotta stand out.
Leaf-Rolling Technique Used
The Enchubado method is a classic technique used in making this cigar. This involves rolling the leaves into tubes and twisting them slightly to create air channels. It’s a neat way to ensure a consistent draw and flavors. As I smoke, I notice the draw is a bit tight, but I can adjust the airflow to suit my preference. The construction is solid, and the cigar maintains its shape well throughout the experience.
Appearance and Ambiance
Sight and Appeal
The San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta is a pretty elegant cigar at first glance. There are a few small bumps, but overall, it has a straight roll with a firm spring. Its color reminds me of dark latte coffee or even hot chocolate. It’s not very oily but has some shine here and there. The veins can sometimes look a bit rustic, but it’s still quite sophisticated in appearance.
Scents from the Base
When you take a whiff of the foot, you can catch aromas like nutmeg and cinnamon. There’s also that typical Cuban terracotta note, which some folks might describe as a bit musty. These scents really set the stage for what’s to come with this cigar.
Before Lighting Up
The moment before lighting a cigar can be tense, especially with a Cuban cigar in hand. The draw on this one is a bit tighter than I’d like, but it can be loosened with a simple massage. If needed, you can adjust the airflow by cutting the pyramid shape at an angle or working your way down to the cap.
When it comes to flavors, as I took a pre-light draw, I noticed familiar notes. There’s a mix of cinnamon and that typical Cuban terracotta touch. The nutmeg isn’t as prominent now, replaced by a hint of suede leather, which adds a different texture on the tongue. It doesn’t have much of a spicy kick, which suits my taste just fine.
I find the slight resistance in this cigar enjoyable, though I know it’s not for everyone. With these flavors in mind, it’s time to light up and discover what the first third of the cigar has to offer.
First Part
Early Tastes
When I started the San Cristobal de La Habana La Punta, I noticed a nice mix of mild and medium flavors. The first notes I tasted were a blend of charred thyme and latte coffee. It was really unique. There was also a slight bitterness that reminded me of peanut skins. It’s a curious blend, yet everything worked well together and created a pleasant experience right from the start.
Burn Performance
During the first portion of the cigar, I noticed some uneven burning. It was a bit wavy, and I had to touch it up slightly to keep things balanced. It wasn’t too troubling, though. I hoped that it would even out more as I moved into the next section of the cigar. The good thing about this cigar is that despite the waviness, the ash was solid and held together well, showing it had a strong backbone.
Second Segment
Taste Changes
I’m at the halfway point now, and the shift in taste is quite noticeable. The body hasn’t grown too much, but there’s a subtle difference. I notice a blend of caramel-like spices, including some turmeric and a touch of marzipan. The earlier hints of latte coffee are still there, adding some depth to the milder body of the cigar.
Fixing the Burn
Speaking of the burn, it’s improved significantly from the first third. The ash is strong, and though the burn line isn’t perfectly straight, it’s much better. The cigar holds its own quite well and the structure seems solid. Enjoying the consistent quality in this second segment!
Last Part
Complexity & Power
As I moved into the final segment of the cigar, the intensity grew noticeably, reaching a medium-plus strength. The flavors shifted quite a bit too. I picked up on a mix of nutmeg, leather, and earth. The earthy tones were bolder than the musty terracotta notes common to Cuban cigars, though a touch of that was still there. The combination of nutmeg and leather brought a spicy, musky sensation that was quite enjoyable.
Complexity remained a key feature, with a smooth feel in the mouth that started creamy and became chewier as it went on. The palate was more stimulated at the front, giving a vibrant experience.
Distinctive Aromas
A fascinating aspect of the final part of this cigar is the bouquet of flavors. The progression in taste was apparent, and the conclusion it drew was impressive. It was a long-lasting and lingering finish, truly pleasant as it left a fragrant scent in the room. The distinctive aromas made the experience unique with every puff.
Smoking Experience
Draw & Burn
When I first lit up the San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta, the draw felt a bit tight. It had some resistance, likely because it was stored in a humidor with a 65% humidity level. That resistance suited my taste, though, as I prefer a little bit of pushback when I smoke. Eventually, the draw opened up as I got further into it.
As I moved through the cigar, I had to occasionally touch up the burn. In the beginning, the burn was wavy and unpredictable. But by the time I reached the halfway point, the burn had corrected itself quite a bit. The ash held firmly, showcasing a good structure, which I always appreciate.
Lingering Aroma
The scent left in the room by this cigar was pleasant and fragrant. While smoking, there was a lovely bouquet of aromas floating around. Even after I put the cigar down, the smell lingered in the air, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. It wasn’t overwhelming but gave a nice, subtle reminder of the enjoyable smoke.
Cigar Band & Packaging
When I first saw the band on the San Cristobal de La Habana La Punta, it immediately struck me with its traditional Cuban style. It’s got that classic look you would expect, even though the brand isn’t all that old. The band itself is elegant, with intricate designs and a sense of heritage.
The packaging also follows this traditional vibe. The cigars often come in boxes made of sturdy cardboard, and they’re typically adorned with a variety of stickers and decals, which add to the visual appeal.
Price-wise, a single cigar can be around $11, although I’ve seen them for just under $10. Of course, where you buy them plays a big part in the cost, especially if you are in the U.S. I’ve heard of prices for a box of 25 ranging from about $240 to $273. This depends on the retailer, and some places are willing to ship to the U.S., but it can be a bit tricky because of legal reasons.
Cost & Worth
The San Cristobal de La Habana La Punta cigar offers a pretty good experience for what you pay. The price per single stick generally hovers around $11, but in some cases, I’ve found it for just under $10, which is not too bad. Buying a box of 25 might save some bucks, with prices swinging between $240 and $273. It, of course, depends on where you shop.
In the U.S., finding this cigar can be a bit tricky, considering the legal constraints. There are some sellers like Ihavanas, Multfortuna, and Bellhop Cigars that do deliver to the states, but let’s just say it’s complicated.
This cigar feels best enjoyed around midday or as the early evening rolls in. It’s fantastic as a post-lunch treat or even as a pre-dinner choice. You don’t need a fancy occasion to enjoy this cigar, as it works just as well for a casual smoke.
Great Times to Light Up
In my experience, the San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta is perfect for enjoying lunch or a laid-back afternoon. It fits perfectly as a digestif after a nice business lunch. You can also consider it as an aperitif before dinner.
Smoking it during these times enhances the flavors and offers a relaxing moment.
For those who like a bit of variety, this cigar is quite versatile. It can be enjoyed casually too.
Whether you are with company or alone, it’s a reliable choice for a relaxed moment. So, if you ask me, this cigar makes for a memorable smoke, especially when you have some time to truly savor it.
