Punch 48 Prelight
Punch is a storied marca with roots that can be traced back to the mid-1800s. The brand’s namesake was a puppet named Mr. Punch which was very popular in European puppet shows. The British “Punch” Magazine also shared Mr. Punch as its logo and namesake. As the story goes, the blend was meant to capture the 19th-century British market and became known for its Punch-ey flavor.
The Punch 48 debuted as a La Casa Del Habano exclusive in 2017 and is only available at the La Casa Del Habano, or Habanos Specialist stores. The vitola is the Hermosos no. 3 measuring in at 5.5in by 48. As a Cuban puro the filler, binder, and wrapper leaves are sources from the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba.
The wrapper leaf is a gorgeous reddish brown and is exceptionally smooth. The draw is slightly tighter than my preference, but it shouldn’t require a draw tool. The notes on the cold draw are of grass and barnyard. The aromas on the foot are more barnyard and some sweet cedar. The cigar was dry-boxed for 24 hours before smoking. I carefully lit this one with a soft flame lighter.
Punch 48 First Third
The flavors start off strong with notes of brioche, honey-roasted peanut, and a touch of vanilla on the palate. The retrohale shows sweet natural tobacco, vanilla, and a touch of baking spices. Smoke output is just under medium. There is a strong finish of baking spices. The ash is flaky, and there are some combustion issues with the wrapper. The cigar needed 2 touch-ups in the first third.
Punch 48 Second Third
The notes on the palate are toasted brioche, peanut butter, and cedar. I’m getting honey-roasted nuts, and baking spices on the retrohale. The ash and burn are slightly better than the first third, but still far from ideal. The smoke output is now sitting at medium. There is a medium finish of peanut butter and toasted brioche.
Punch 48 Final Third
Deeply toasted brioche, roasted peanuts, and cedar on the palate. Honey roasted nuts, and a touch of baking spice on the retro. I’m having some significant combustion issues in the final third with more relights than I care to count. Smoke output is just below medium. There’s a medium finish of toast and cedar.
Punch 48 Conclusions
We’ve all heard so much about Cuba’s infamous quality control. Even when your humidity is perfect, and you dry box your sticks you may still get a dud. In my experience, the limited editions, regionals, and the LCDH exclusives are even more prone to being inconsistent. The Punch 48 showed some tasty notes between the bouts of maintenance, but the combustion issues made it impossible to properly enjoy. The Punch 48 sells for around $30-$36 online. At that price construction issues are very difficult to excuse. Save a few dollars per cigar, and pick up a box of the Short de Punch.
