Cigar Review: Punch Signature Robusto
The cigar brand Punch is a mainstay in the cigar universe. Every enthusiast, novice to veteran, has tried the iconic brand at some point in their cigar odyssey, allowing Punch to pick up legions of diehard fans along the way. From the mild to medium bodied punch core line to the full bodied highly sought after Rare Corojo, the brand offers a comprehensive selection of smokes for aficionados of all body and flavor preferences. Punch’s latest release, Punch Signature, gives the brand’s portfolio an additional layer of complexity reflecting the tastes of the modern cigar connoisseur. With an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper and Habano binder and a filler blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos, the Punch Signature is touted for its full body and complex profile.
Prelight: The cigar feels well packed and the Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper looks excellent with a deep brown hue and slightly oily sheen. The band of the cigar clear draws its inspiration from Punch’s rich history featuring a classic print of the brands mascot, Mr. Punch. The prelight draw is open with a dominate note of earth and hint of pepper.
1/3: The cigar comes to a roaring beginning with a burst of black pepper mixed with a hint earth. This note is short lived, serving to make the palate more susceptible to the forthcoming notes of the first third, which is filled with a rich profile of earth, dark roast coffee bean and white pepper spice. The burn of the cigar is even while the blend creates a leathery room note and a large quantity of smoke.
2/3: The Punch Signature sees subtle changes in the second third providing me with a much more holistic cigar experience. The flavors found in the first third begin to meld with the strong pepper note falling into the background while earth and coffee bean notes become more enunciated. At this point, the Punch Signature begins to remind me of the Rocky Patel Edge Habano in the fact that is has a similar note of earth and spice.
3/3: The final portion of the Punch Signature continues to build upon the foundation established by the second third. The cigar continues to be full bodied with notes of coffee bean and earth driving the body of the cigar. On the retrohale, I notice a cedar note with the lingering tinge of pepper. The Punch Signature is an excellent addition to the Punch brand; an addition that not only pays tribute to the company’s rich history, but also looks forward to the flavor trends of the future. Look for the Punch Signature in all five Emerson’s Cigars Hampton Roads locations as well as online at emersonscigars.com .
