Punch Royal Selection No.11

Royal Punch No.11: Like Finding a First Edition Hemingway in Your Grandfather’s Attic

You know that feeling when you stumble across something that’s been hiding in plain sight? That’s exactly what happened when I finally got my hands on the Punch Royal Selection No.11 after twenty-three years of chasing Cuban smoke. I’d been so focused on the flashier Cohiba releases and limited Davidoffs that I’d completely overlooked what might be one of the most honest cigars coming out of Cuba today.

The royal punch – and I’m talking specifically about this No.11 vitola here – doesn’t announce itself with fancy bands or marketing hype. It just sits there in the humidor looking like it means business. Which, after lighting up about a dozen of these over the past six months, I can tell you it absolutely does.

First Impressions: Don’t Judge This Book by Its Cover

I’ll be honest – the first time someone handed me one of these at a herf in Miami back in 2019, I almost passed. The construction looked a bit rustic compared to what I was used to. Not bad, mind you, just… workmanlike. The wrapper had this matte finish that reminded me more of a good Dominican than the oily Cuban leaves I’d grown accustomed to.

Boy, was I wrong to hesitate.

The pre-light draw gave me hints of what was coming – cedar, definitely, but with this underlying sweetness that I couldn’t quite place. Reminded me of the tobacco barns I visited in Pinar del Río back in ’98, all earthy and rich with just a touch of honey hanging in the air. The cold draw was perfect. Not too tight (which has been an issue with some recent Cuban releases, if we’re being honest), not too loose.

The Smoke: A Journey Worth Taking Your Time With

Here’s where the Punch Royal Selection No.11 really shows its character. I don’t buy into all that “first third, second third, final third” nonsense that everyone seems to parrot these days. A good cigar tells you a story, and this one’s got chapters.

The opening is all about the leather and earth – classic Punch DNA if you’ve spent any time with the marca. But there’s something else happening here that I didn’t expect. About ten minutes in, there’s this spice that creeps up on you. Not the pepper bomb you get from some Nicaraguans, but more like the kind of warmth you feel from a good aged rum.

And speaking of rum – I paired this with a glass of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva one evening last month, and the combination was absolutely sublime. The sweetness from the rum brought out these caramel notes in the cigar that I’d never noticed before. Though honestly? My go-to pairing has become a simple Cuban coffee. Black, no sugar. The bitterness plays beautifully against the cigar’s natural sweetness.

The middle portion is where things get interesting. The spice settles down and you start getting these waves of flavor that remind me of Christmas morning when I was a kid – cinnamon, maybe some nutmeg, definitely some vanilla hiding in there somewhere. It’s complex without being show-offy, if that makes sense.

One thing I’ve noticed across multiple samples is that this cigar rewards patience. Rush it, and you’ll miss the subtleties. Take your time, let it breathe between draws, and it’ll reveal layers you didn’t know were there.

The Final Act: Sticking the Landing

The last portion of the royal punch is where it really earns its keep. Some cigars peter out in the final inch – not this one. The flavors concentrate and intensify without becoming harsh. I’ve smoked these down to the nub more times than I care to admit, much to my wife’s dismay (the smell lingers on your fingers for hours).

There’s this woody, almost chocolatey finish that develops as you near the end. Paired with that same underlying sweetness from the beginning, it creates this perfect circle that makes you immediately want to light up another one. Which brings me to something important – this isn’t a cigar you smoke back-to-back. It’s too rich, too complex. Give it the respect it deserves.

What I’m Pairing With These Days

Look, I’ve tried just about everything with the Royal Selection No.11 over the months I’ve been smoking them. Here’s what actually works:

• Coffee: Café Bustelo, black. The slight bitterness cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
• Rum: Havana Club 15-year if you’re feeling fancy, but honestly the 7-year works just as well.
• Whiskey: This might be controversial, but I love these with a peated Scotch. Ardbeg 10 specifically. The smoke-on-smoke thing shouldn’t work, but it does.
• Beer: A good porter or stout. I’ve had great success with Founders Porter.

What doesn’t work? Anything too delicate gets bulldozed by this cigar. Save your champagne and light beers for something milder.

Who Should Smoke This (And Who Shouldn’t)

The Punch Royal Selection No.11 isn’t for everyone, and I’m not going to pretend it is. If you’re new to cigars, start somewhere else. This has enough complexity and strength that it might overwhelm a beginner’s palate.

But if you’ve been smoking for a while and you’re looking for something with character that won’t break the bank? This is your stick. It’s got that classic Cuban profile without the pretension of some of the higher-end marcas. (And between you and me, it smokes better than some Cohibas I’ve had lately, though I know that’s fighting words in some circles.)

Experienced smokers who appreciate craftsmanship over flash will love this. It’s the kind of cigar that rewards attention and contemplation. Perfect for those long conversations on the porch or quiet moments with a good book.

Storage and Practical Stuff

One thing I’ve learned with the royal punch – these benefit from some aging if you can manage it. I’ve got a box that’s been sitting in my humidor for eight months now, and the difference between those and the ones I smoked fresh is remarkable. The edges have rounded off nicely, and there’s this depth that wasn’t there initially.

Keep them at 65-67% humidity if possible. I know everyone’s got their own theories about Cuban storage, but I’ve found these particular cigars prefer it on the drier side. Too much moisture and they can get a bit musty.

Also – and this is important – let them rest after shipping. I made the mistake of lighting one up the day it arrived, and it was tight and harsh. Give them at least a week to settle in your humidor before you judge them.

The Bottom Line

The Punch Royal Selection No.11 isn’t going to win any beauty contests, and it’s not going to impress your friends who only smoke cigars with fancy bands. But if you’re looking for an honest, well-made Cuban with character and complexity, this is a winner.

At the price point, it’s hard to argue with. You’re getting legitimate Cuban craftsmanship without the premium you pay for some of the more famous names. It’s become a regular in my rotation, and that’s saying something for someone who’s smoked as many cigars as I have.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to everyone? No. But that’s what makes it special.

Common Questions About the Royal Punch

How long does it smoke? Plan on about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on your smoking pace. Don’t rush it.

What’s the strength level? I’d call it medium to medium-full. Stronger than a Montecristo No.4, not as intense as a Partagás Serie P.

Are these consistent? In my experience, yes. I’ve had maybe one dud out of the dozen or so I’ve smoked, which is pretty good for Cuban standards these days.

What size is the No.11? It’s a robusto format – 5 inches by 50 ring gauge. Perfect size for the blend, in my opinion.

Should I age these? If you can wait, absolutely. But they’re perfectly smokeable fresh too.

The royal punch has earned a permanent spot in my humidor, and in a collection that includes some pretty serious cigars, that’s not something I say lightly. Sometimes the best experiences come from the most unexpected places.