For devotees of Habanos, certain discontinued vitolas achieve legendary status, representing frozen moments in the ever-evolving tapestry of Cuban cigar craftsmanship. The Punch Super Selection No.2 stands as one such artifact—a robusto-sized masterpiece that graced humidors for more than forty years before vanishing from official production in 2002. This unbanded beauty, bearing the factory designation Coronas Gordas, embodies everything collectors prize about vintage Havana cigars: historical depth, consistent construction, and the unmistakable character of a brand with deep roots in Cuban tobacco culture.
Origins and Historical Significance
The Super Selection No.2 traces its lineage to an era before the Cuban Revolution, with documented production records placing this vitola among Punch's established offerings well before 1960. This particular size maintained its position in the brand's regular portfolio for over four decades—an impressive feat in an industry where consumer preferences shift like the winds across Vuelta Abajo plantations. The cigar's longevity wasn't accidental; it reflected genuine affection among smokers who sought the distinctive Punch character in a substantial, time-honored format. When Habanos S.A. discontinued the line in 2002, it marked the conclusion of a remarkable production run that had spanned generations of tobacco cultivation and cigar making.
Physical Specifications and Construction
Measuring 143 millimeters with a 46 ring gauge, the Super Selection No.2 exemplifies the Coronas Gordas vitola classification—a size that offers smokers substantial substance without venturing into oversized territory. The official weight of 11.41 grams indicates a well-balanced, medium-to-full-bodied smoke that developed its reputation through consistent performance across millions of individually crafted examples.
- Length: 143 mm (5⅝ inches)
- Ring Gauge: 46
- Weight: 11.41 grams
- Construction: Entirely handmade
- Factory Name: Coronas Gordas
Every cigar emerged from the rolling tables of Cuban factories using techniques passed down through generations of skilled torcedoras. This handcrafted approach ensured the subtle variations that enthusiasts cherish while maintaining the overall character that made the Punch profile so recognizable across global markets.
Presentation and Packaging Details
Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of the Super Selection No.2 was its deliberate choice to forgo traditional cigar bands. This minimalist presentation strategy set it apart from most Punch releases, allowing the natural beauty of the wrapper leaf to take center stage. The unbanded approach emphasized traditional roots and communicated confidence in the blend itself—needing no decorative adornment to establish its credentials among knowledgeable smokers.
Originally, these cigars shipped in the classic slide-lid boxes that have symbolized Cuban cigar presentation for over a century. Each cabinet contained fifty individual specimens, nested within and protected by Spanish cedar—the preferred material for maintaining optimal humidity levels during aging and storage. This straightforward packaging reflected an era when the contents mattered far more than elaborate exterior presentation.
Collectibility and Modern Appeal
Since its removal from official channels in 2002, the Super Selection No.2 has transformed from an accessible everyday smoke into a sought-after treasure for serious collectors. Well-preserved boxes from that final production era command substantial premiums in secondary markets, with prices reflecting both scarcity and the cigar's historical significance. Collectors particularly value examples that retain their original packaging and have been stored in proper conditions, as these represent the pinnacle of what this discontinued vitola once offered.
The combination of pre-1960 heritage, four-decade production span, and distinctive unbanded presentation creates a compelling profile for those assembling comprehensive collections of Cuban cigar history. For contemporary enthusiasts fortunate enough to encounter aged specimens, the Super Selection No.2 offers a direct connection to an earlier chapter of Havana tradition—proof that some of the finest tobacco experiences emerged from an era when patience and craftsmanship defined every aspect of production.
