On February 24, 2022, The Putin Perfecto Putz, a Russian Puro – was launched. The cigar is small, and has a wrapper that can best be described as tainted – i.e. it was dyed to appear as an authentic Maduro. (I did test it – it’s phony.)
The tip is poorly constructed and is oddly pre-cut. No doubt the torcedors were inexperienced yet decided to roll one of the more difficult shapes available to show their global prowess. They failed. The cold draw was like sucking on a chicken bone. Upon lighting the foot, I was exasperated because it not only took a tremendous amount of suction to eventually grow an ember but it was unable to stay lit. But I did not quit in my quest to complete my review despite this major flaw.
Once ignited, the small amount of smoke that was produced by the filler (a combination of what appeared to be composed of rank leaves) brought into the air the aroma of scorched licorice, complemented with the acrid aroma of the final moments of an old, burning rubber tire. I felt as if I should stop – because I was concerned that the resultant smoke would not only be toxic to my palate but the surrounding air as well. Indeed, this is one cigar that should be tested in an outdoor setting.
While continuing to draw as hard as I could on the cigar, it was quite evident that this was going to be a one-dimensional experience.
The ash was black, like coal, and as it slowly grew I noticed that it had no intention of falling off by the natural force of gravity. So when I tapped the cigar on the edge of the ashtray, I heard a muffled “clink,” said to hell with it, and continued to suck on the tip. (Though by this time my cheeks were beginning to cramp and I really wondered if this was worth the time spent.)
Finally, I couldn’t take it any further (longer) and decided to let it burn out in the ashtray. I felt as I placed it down that it was oddly cold and had not softened up to any degree.
Yes, there are hundreds of cigars that are introduced into the market each year. But none of them are from Russia. I am not usually this blunt with criticism, but if the Putin Perfecto Putz – a Puro, does somehow wedge itself onto the cigar map, those who accept it will only be showing his or her approval of irrational taste.
In short, this cigar has no future at all – despite its initial explosive ad campaign.
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