Smoke Notes Cigar Reviews: Punch Signature Blend

Punch Signature Blend Robusto (5×54)

W: Ecuadorian Corojo
B: Nicaraguan
F: Nicaraguan, Dominican

Factory: STG Danli, Honduras

A new release from General Cigar, the Punch Signature Blend is said to be inspired by the original Punch cigars of the 19th century. The blend is reported to be three years in the making and ties modern preferences to tradition. It’s been dubbed by Punch, “The finest cigar we’ve ever created.”

Notes:

•  The pre-light draw is dominated by tobacco and subtle citrus. There are also aromas of tart apple cider along with a general sweetness.
• Transitions in this smoke are abrupt. If you didn’t know better, you’d swear someone swapped out your stogie.
• The band design does a 180° turn from Punch’s other lines and features throwback artwork, nodding to their original cigars of the 1800s. It is the only band that shows Mr. Punch himself, accompanied by his dog Toby.
• This smoke is not for the faint of heart. Expect to get full body and moderate bitterness all the way through.
• With that said, the bitterness does let up slightly at times, just enough to let some cream and nuts come through.

Flavor Report: Spicy Wood, Black Pepper, Red Pepper, Lightly Charred Wood, Dead Leaves, Minerals/Soil, Dark Espresso, Cream, Nuts, Vanilla

Overall: 6/10

If you like your coffee roasted dark, your steaks charred, and your smoke heavy, then this is the cigar for you.

Have you tried the Punch Signature Blend yet? If so, we’d love to hear your take on it, tell us what you thought in a comment below.