In this video, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta. If you’ve seen my other reviews, you’ll know that I use the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula to give a detailed assessment. This means you can trust the insights I’ll provide about this intriguing cigar. So, if your time is limited, feel free to check out the description for a link to the full written review and a downloadable PDF of my findings.
The La Punta is a taste of Cuba in a 5.5 by 52 pyramid shape, each one a true Cuban puro with all its tobacco harvested from Cuba itself. This cigar brand revived back in 1999, drawing inspiration from Havana’s original name. I’m looking forward to exploring its blend of flavors, the draw, and the burn, sharing each unique aspect with you as we go along.
Key Takeaways
- The cigars have a unique Cuban flavor blend.
- The draw and burn vary through the experience.
- It’s great for an early afternoon or casual smoke.
Cigar Review Essentials
Background on San Cristobal de La Habana
San Cristobal de La Habana is a newer brand from Cuba, introduced in 1999 by Habanos S.A. It’s named after Havana’s original name, which was dedicated to Saint Christopher. Although it’s relatively new, it has quickly gained a reputation. The brand was created to bring back the essence of a cigar brand that disappeared after the Revolution.
Overview and Crafting of La Punta
La Punta, one of the original lines from San Cristobal, is a pyramid-shaped cigar that’s 5.5 inches in length with a 52 ring gauge. This Cuban puro is made using all-Cuban tobacco. The construction method used is called entubado, where the leaves are rolled into tubes, allowing for better airflow.
When held in hand, its color reminds me of dark coffee or hot chocolate, and it has a subtle sheen. Despite some minor bumps, it maintains a firm and elegant appearance. The aroma features notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a classic Cuban mustiness, creating a unique scent profile before even lighting up.
Visual and Tactile Examination
The San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta offers an elegant appearance. Some bumps are noticeable along its surface, but the overall construction is straight and firm. The color reminds me of a dark latte or hot chocolate, with an occasional glimmer, but not too oily.
As for the veins, they sometimes appear rustic, giving it a charm.
The aroma at the foot presents delightful notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a distinct Cuban terracotta scent, which some might describe as a bit musty.
Pre-lighting the cigar can be a bit unnerving due to its slight tightness, yet it is manageable. I prefer a bit of resistance, so it suits me. The pyramid shape lets me adjust the cut to control airflow, ensuring the draw opens nicely.
When testing the flavors without lighting, I notice a shift from nutmeg to suede leather, with a touch of cinnamon and terracotta. It’s not overly spicy, but there’s a new texture at the front of the tongue.
The first third showed some waviness in the burn, but the flavors were rich and complex. Charred thyme and latte coffee offered a lovely start, with a hint of metallic bitterness similar to peanut skins. The profile was mild to medium in body, balancing well on the palate.
Throughout, the spices and rich aromas create a sophisticated smoke, a fine choice for those who enjoy a journey through flavor.
Before Lighting
When I first hold a cigar before lighting it, I’m always a bit curious about the experience to come. The draw is somewhat tight, which suggests there might be a bit of resistance. Thankfully, the pyramid shape allows me to adjust the cut to tweak the airflow to my liking. I prefer a bit of resistance, so it suits my taste.
The flavors at this stage are intriguing, with notes of cinnamon and terracotta, complemented by a touch of suede leather.
To ensure the cigar is stored well, I keep them in a humidor set up at 65% RH. This setup helps maintain the right conditions and prevents any unpleasant surprises. Preparing the cigar like this is an important part of the ritual for me.
Taste Adventure
Beginning Part
As soon as I light up the cigar, I encounter some pronounced unevenness. I’ve had to lightly fix it to prevent it from worsening, but I’m curious to see if it balances out by the time I get to the next part.
The taste is mild to medium, offering a complex mix that’s truly captivating. At this stage, I detect a nice blend of roasted thyme and coffee, along with a slight bitterness on the tip of my tongue, which reminds me of peanut skins.
The thyme introduces a herb-like quality that’s a bit spicy, though I haven’t picked up on any distinct spice flavors yet. I’m eager to see how this evolves.
Middle Part
Reaching the middle segment, the burn has significantly improved. The ash remains strong and the burn line has mostly straightened itself out.
In terms of taste, the complexity remains intact and there’s a subtle increase in body. I notice a sweet collection of spices, including turmeric, with a touch of marzipan. The coffee note from earlier still lingers, adding depth to this otherwise gentle body.
Ending Part
As I enter the final segment, the burn continues to exhibit a bit of waviness, but overall it’s holding up well, with a solid ash backbone.
The body has grown into a medium-plus, as opposed to the earlier mild to medium. There have been clear changes in flavor. Now, I experience a mix of nutmeg, leather, and earth.
While the earth note isn’t as musty as the typical Cuban terracotta, it’s bolder and complements the spicy, musky nutmeg and leather nicely.
Overall, the taste remains intricate and smooth, with a creaminess that turns slightly chewy by this point. The feel is balanced and stimulates more toward the front of the palate.
The cigar’s character unfolds throughout each third, leaving a long-lasting finish and a delightful aroma in the room.
Smoking and Drawing Experience
When I started the San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta, the burn had some waviness in the first part. I touched it up a little to see if it would settle on its own as I kept smoking.
It began with some rich, layered flavors, a nice blend of charred thyme, latte coffee, and a slight metallic bitterness that reminded me of the skin of a peanut.
As I reached the halfway mark, the burn improved and the ash held strong. The waviness in the burn line mostly sorted itself out.
Flavor-wise, the complexity stayed consistent, with a slight shift from the initial taste—caramelized spices like turmeric, along with hints of marzipan, added to the mix. The latte coffee note lingered subtly in the background, providing a mild body to the cigar.
In the final third, the burn line remained a tad wavy but stable, while the flavors evolved into a mix of nutmeg, leather, and earth tones.
The earthiness moved beyond the musty terracotta note typical of Cuban cigars, offering a bolder profile. The nutmeg and leather created a slightly spicy and musky palette that was quite enjoyable.
The cigar maintained a smooth mouthfeel, with creamy sensations that shifted to a chewier texture as it burned.
My Thoughts on the Experience
Look and Feel of the Brand
I find the band of the San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta to have an old-school Cuban vibe. Even though the brand is relatively new, it feels quite traditional. The box is usually made of cardboard with lots of stickers and decorations. It fits the classic look, which I think is pretty neat and makes the experience feel more authentic.
Value for Your Money
On average, you can expect to pay about $11 per cigar. Sometimes you might even catch it for just under $10, depending on where you shop.
If you’re in the USA, buying these cigars can be tricky due to restrictions. Some online shops might ship there, but you should check the rules because it’s a bit of a gray area.
I’ve seen boxes of 25 cigars priced from $240 to $273, which seems fair for what you’re getting.
Best Times to Enjoy This Cigar
I usually enjoy this cigar most around lunchtime or in the early afternoon to evening. It’s a great choice for after a business meal or as something to look forward to before dinner.
While it’s versatile enough for casual smoking, it also makes for a nice treat on special occasions. The flavors and overall feel make it fitting for different settings.
