Punch Punch

Description

The Punch Punch is a quintessential masterpiece that defines the Corona Gorda vitola, standing as a testament to over 180 years of Cuban tobacco excellence. As the signature cigar of the historic Punch brand, this medium-bodied legend is revered by connoisseurs for its complex evolution and impeccable construction. Boasting a sophisticated profile of dark mesquite, rich chocolate, and aromatic cedar, the Punch Punch offers a smoking experience that is both powerful and refined. Perfectly balanced with a 46 ring gauge and a length of 143mm, it provides a substantial yet accessible draw, making it the definitive choice for those who appreciate the heritage of the Vuelta Abajo region. Whether you are an experienced collector or a newcomer to luxury Habanos, the Punch Punch delivers a thick, creamy smoke and a botanical sweetness that lingers long after the final third, solidifying its status as an essential addition to any humidor.

Box Features and Packaging Options

Cigar Specifications

Brand Heritage

The Punch brand is one of the oldest in the Habanos portfolio, established in 1840 by Don Manuel Lopez of Juan Valle & Co. Created with the British market in mind, the brand was named after the popular “Punch and Judy” puppet shows of the era, a cultural touchstone that resonated with the Victorian elite. This historical connection is still visible today on the brand’s ornate lithography, featuring the iconic Mr. Punch enjoying a cigar while his faithful dog Toby sits nearby. The brand has survived through centuries of change, maintaining its reputation for producing cigars that are consistently reliable and distinctively flavorful.

The Punch Punch vitola specifically was released pre-1960 and has since become the flagship of the entire line. While other vitolas have come and gone, the Punch Punch has remained in regular production for over six decades, a testament to its enduring popularity. It represents a era of cigar making where the Corona Gorda was the “gold standard” for size—offering enough length to allow the tobacco to cool and enough girth to permit a complex blend of filler leaves. Today, it is recognized as a classic of the Cuban cigar market, offering a bridge between the lighter profiles of the mid-20th century and the more robust preferences of modern smokers.

Historically, the Punch brand has been synonymous with the Vuelta Abajo region, the pinnacle of tobacco cultivation in Pinar del Río, Cuba. The brand’s longevity is not merely a result of its marketing but its commitment to the Totalmente a Mano (totally handmade) tradition. Every Punch Punch is crafted by skilled torcedores who ensure that the long-filler tobacco is packed with the perfect density to provide the signature “Punch draw”—smooth, effortless, and productive of voluminous smoke.

Tasting Profile

First Third – The Opening

The experience begins with a sophisticated and notably potent opening. The first few draws introduce a unique dark, smoky mesquite wood character that is rarely found in other Cuban marcas. This woodiness is immediately balanced by rich chocolate overtones and a mellowed sweetness that coats the palate. The pre-light aroma, which hints at honey and citrus, translates into a balanced character that feels substantial without being overwhelming. The smoke production is dense and white, carrying a distinct aroma of toasted nuts and earth.

Second Third – The Heart

As the cigar settles into the middle third, the mesquite foundation persists but begins to evolve. The profile becomes more “rounded,” introducing notes of natural leather and a refreshing cedar freshness. The strength remains a steady medium, but the complexity increases as hints of creamy vanilla and light spice begin to emerge. The construction of the Punch Punch shines here, as the ash holds firmly, usually lasting until the final inch, while the burn line remains remarkably straight. The interplay between the earthy leather and the sweet wood creates a harmonious “heart” that defines the classic Punch experience.

Final Third – The Crescendo

In the final third, the cigar undergoes its most dramatic transition. The earlier cocoa and chocolate hints return with greater intensity, accompanied by a slight botanical acidity that cleanses the palate. This transitions into a sweeter profile reminiscent of wild nectar and fresh-cut grass. The spice levels increase slightly, offering a tingling sensation of white pepper, but it never becomes harsh. The finish is exceptionally clean, leaving a lingering sweetness of dried fruits and coffee beans that encourages the smoker to enjoy the vitola down to the very nub.

Finish

The finish of the Punch Punch is characterized by its botanical-inspired profile. Unlike heavier cigars that leave a charred or bitter aftertaste, the Punch Punch concludes with a refreshing, sweet nectar-like quality. The lingering notes of toasted tobacco and honey provide a satisfying end to a 50-minute journey, making it an excellent choice for those who value a cigar that finishes as smoothly as it began.

Flavor Wheel

Aging and Collector Value

The Punch Punch is a cigar that rewards patience. While it is undeniably enjoyable “fresh from the box” (FOTB), seasoned collectors often recommend a period of 2 to 5 years of aging to allow the oils in the Colorado Maduro wrapper to harmonize with the filler blend. During the first two years of storage at a consistent 65-70% humidity, the initial mesquite potency tends to mellow, allowing the more delicate floral and honey notes to move to the forefront. For those who prefer a more robust and “punchy” smoke, enjoying them within the first year is ideal; however, for a smoother, more “velvety” texture, longer-term cellaring is highly beneficial.

From a collector’s perspective, the Punch Punch offers excellent value compared to thicker, more expensive vitolas like the Double Corona or the Punch 48. Its status as a “regular production” classic means it is consistently available, yet its high demand ensures that aged boxes often command a premium at auction. The 50-count Cabinet (SLB) is particularly prized by collectors, as the lack of internal dressings allows the cigars to age in direct contact with one another, promoting a more uniform maturation process. When stored correctly, a ten-year-old Punch Punch can develop an extraordinary “vintage” character, characterized by deep notes of musk and sweet spice.

Perfect Pairings

Authenticity Verification

We understand that for the luxury cigar enthusiast, authenticity is paramount. Every box of Punch Punch we offer undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets the exacting standards of Habanos S.A. and our own internal quality controls.

• Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official green and white warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that reacts to light, verifying its origin in Cuba.
• Box Code Verification – We ensure that every box carries the factory code and date stamp (e.g., BRE MAY 22) on the underside, allowing for full traceability of the vitola’s production.
• Factory Stamp – The “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps are checked for clarity and correct ink application, consistent with authentic Habanos packaging.
• Triple Cap – Every Punch Punch is finished with a traditional Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of expert craftsmanship that ensures a clean cut and a perfect draw.

Our Guarantee: We stand behind every stick. If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet your expectations for quality and construction, we provide a full refund or replacement. Trusted by luxury collectors worldwide since 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Punch Punch suitable for beginners?

While the Punch Punch is categorized as medium-to-full in strength, its exceptional balance and smooth draw make it a fantastic introduction to more complex Cuban cigars. It is not overwhelming, but it offers enough flavor progression to keep a novice engaged. We recommend enjoying it slowly after a meal to fully appreciate its nuances.

How does the Punch Punch compare to the Punch 48?

The Punch 48 is a slightly thicker vitola (Hermosos No. 3) and often carries a more modern, intense flavor profile. The Punch Punch, being a classic Corona Gorda, offers a more traditional experience with a focus on wood and botanical notes rather than pure spice. Many aficionados consider the Punch Punch to be the superior “value” choice due to its consistency and classic heritage.

What is the ideal humidity for storing these cigars?

For the Punch Punch, we recommend a stable humidity of 65% to 68%. Because of its dense long-filler construction and oily Colorado Maduro wrapper, storing it at the higher end (above 70%) can sometimes lead to a tight draw. Keeping it slightly “drier” ensures the mesquite and leather flavors remain crisp and the burn stays even.

Why is the “mesquite” note so often mentioned for this cigar?

The mesquite flavor is a signature characteristic of the Punch blend’s specific tobacco selection from the Vuelta Abajo. Unlike the “barnyard” or “hay” notes found in brands like Montecristo or Hoyo de Monterrey, Punch utilizes a fermentation process that emphasizes a savory, smoky woodiness that closely resembles mesquite, making it a unique outlier in the Cuban portfolio.