Punch Churchills

Punch Churchills: A Cuban Classic That Still Packs a Wallop

I’ll never forget the first time I lit up a Punch Churchills. It was 2003, sitting on the veranda of the Hotel Nacional in Havana with my old buddy Miguel – a guy who could roll a perfect cigar blindfolded and had been smoking Cubans since before I was born. He pulled this beast out of his humidor, grinned, and said “You think you know Punch? You don’t know shit.” Turns out he was right.

That memory came flooding back last week when I cracked open a fresh box of these beauties. After two decades of smoking, I’ve probably gone through more Punch Churchills than I care to count (my wife certainly wishes I’d stop counting the receipts). But here’s the thing about this particular vitola – it never gets old, and it sure as hell doesn’t pull any punches.

First Impressions: Built Like a Tank, Smokes Like a Dream

Right off the bat, let me tell you what strikes me about the Punch Churchills cigar. The construction is typically solid – I mean, we’re talking about a marca that’s been around since 1840, so they’ve had some time to figure things out. The wrapper usually shows some nice tooth to it, maybe a few small veins here and there, but nothing that screams “factory second.” It’s got that classic Cuban rustic charm that I actually prefer over those perfectly manicured Davidoffs that look too pretty to smoke.

The pre-light draw? That’s where things get interesting. You get hints of what’s coming – leather, maybe some barnyard funk (the good kind, not the “this cigar’s been stored in someone’s basement for ten years” kind), and just a whisper of sweetness lurking underneath. Some people complain about Cuban quality control, and yeah, sometimes you get a dud. But when these are on point, they’re really on point.

Size-wise, we’re looking at a 7″ x 47 Churchill – a formato that gives you plenty of time to really get to know the blend. That’s both a blessing and a curse, depending on your perspective. If you’re looking for a quick smoke, this ain’t it. Set aside at least 90 minutes, maybe two hours if you’re taking your time (which you should).

The Flavor Journey: From Barnyard to Boardroom

Here’s where I’m gonna diverge from those typical “first third, second third, final third” reviews. That’s not how I smoke, and that’s probably not how you smoke either. Cigars don’t read the manual – they do their own thing, and the Punch Churchills is no exception.

The initial light usually hits you with that classic Cuban earthiness. It’s not subtle – this is Punch we’re talking about, not some delicate Montecristo. You get soil, leather, maybe some coffee grounds mixed with a hint of white pepper. The first few puffs can be a bit rough around the edges (kind of like Miguel was when I first met him), but stick with it.

As the cigar settles into its rhythm – usually after the first inch or so – things start to smooth out considerably. The earthiness remains the backbone, but now you’re getting these wonderful secondary flavors creeping in. Sometimes it’s dark chocolate, sometimes it’s more like espresso with a splash of cream. I’ve had some that threw curveballs at me – cedar, honey, even this weird but pleasant metallic note that reminded me of pennies (sounds awful, but it worked).

The middle portion is where the Punch Churchills really shines. This is premium smoking territory, where all those different flavor components start playing nicely together instead of fighting for attention. The strength usually ramps up here too – we’re talking solid medium to medium-full territory. Not gonna knock you on your ass like a Partagás Serie P No. 2, but it’ll definitely let you know it’s there.

Towards the final third (okay, I lied about not doing the thirds thing), the cigar often takes on this wonderful woody character. Think cedar chest mixed with leather-bound books in an old library. Some cigars get bitter or harsh in this final stretch, but a well-aged Punch Churchills just gets more complex and interesting.

What I Like to Pair It With (And What You Shouldn’t)

Alright, let’s talk pairings because this is where people either get it right or completely screw things up. I’ve seen guys try to pair a Punch Churchills with some fruity cocktail, and it’s just wrong on so many levels.

My go-to pairing? A nice aged rum. I’m talking Zacapa 23, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, or if you want to go really old school, some Havana Club 15. The sweetness and complexity of a good aged rum complements the earthiness of the cigar without competing with it. It’s like they were made for each other (which, geographically speaking, they kind of were).

Whiskey works too, but you gotta be careful. Skip the peated Scotches – they’ll overpower everything. A nice bourbon like Blanton’s or Eagle Rare works beautifully. I’ve also had great success with some of the higher-end Irish whiskeys. Redbreast 12 is particularly nice.

Coffee? Absolutely, but make it Cuban if you can. Café Bustelo works in a pinch, but if you can get your hands on some proper Cuban coffee (legally, of course), that’s the way to go. The coffee accentuates those roasted notes in the cigar without masking the more subtle flavors.

Now, what not to pair it with: anything too delicate gets completely overwhelmed. Don’t waste a nice white wine or light beer. I learned this the hard way at a dinner party in 2007 when the host insisted on serving Pinot Grigio with cigars. What a disaster that was.

Who Should Smoke This (And Who Shouldn’t Bother)

Here’s where I might ruffle some feathers, but I’m gonna be honest about it. The Punch Churchills isn’t for beginners. I know, I know – everyone wants to jump straight to Cubans, and I get it. But this particular cigar will school you if you’re not ready for it.

If you’re new to cigars, start with something milder. Maybe a Montecristo No. 4 or a Romeo y Julieta Churchill. Get your palate trained, understand what you’re tasting, then come back to Punch. Trust me on this – you’ll appreciate it more.

This is a cigar for people who’ve been smoking for a while and want something with character. If you like your cigars to have some attitude, some backbone, then yeah – this is your stick. It’s for people who appreciate traditional Cuban flavors and aren’t chasing after the latest trendy limited edition.

It’s also perfect for special occasions. I’ve smoked these at bachelor parties, celebrating business deals, after particularly good dinners. It’s a cigar that commands respect and time – not something you light up while rushing around doing errands.

Who should skip it? If you prefer milder cigars or you’re sensitive to strength, this probably isn’t for you. Also, if you’re one of those people who needs perfect construction and razor-sharp burn lines, Cuban cigars in general (and Punch in particular) might frustrate you. They’re not machine-made Swiss watches – they’ve got personality, which sometimes means quirks.

Storage Tips and Insider Knowledge

Let me share some hard-earned wisdom about storing and smoking these beauties. First off, Cuban cigars need proper humidification, but they don’t like to be babied. I keep mine at 65% humidity, maybe 67% max. Any higher and you risk beetle issues, plus the cigars smoke hot and don’t develop properly.

Temperature matters too. I learned this the hard way during a particularly hot summer when my humidor got up to 75°F and I found some unwelcome holes in my collection. Keep it around 70°F if you can, definitely no higher than 72°F.

Here’s something most people don’t know: Punch Churchills benefit enormously from aging. I try to buy boxes and let them sit for at least a year before touching them. The harsh edges smooth out, the flavors marry together, and the overall smoking experience improves dramatically. If you can wait three to five years, even better. I know that’s asking a lot – hell, I struggle with patience myself – but it’s worth it.

When you’re ready to smoke one, let it acclimate to room temperature for at least 30 minutes if it’s been stored in a cooler environment. Cold cigars don’t burn properly and you’ll miss half the flavors.

Cut it properly too. I prefer a straight cut about 1/8″ from the cap. V-cuts work okay, but punches are generally too small for this ring gauge. And please, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t bite the damn thing. I’ve seen people do this and it makes me weep for humanity.

The Controversial Take: Why I Think Punch Is Underrated

Okay, here’s my controversial opinion: I think Punch is one of the most underrated marcas in the Cuban portfolio. Everyone obsesses over Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta – and don’t get me wrong, those are fine cigars. But Punch? Punch delivers consistent quality at a more reasonable price point, and the flavor profile is distinctly different from those other marquee brands.

Maybe it’s because the packaging isn’t as fancy, or maybe it’s because people associate the name with those old Punch London Club cigars that were pretty mediocre. But Cuban Punch is a completely different animal. It’s got character, it’s got strength, and it doesn’t cost as much as a car payment.

I’ve blind-tasted Punch against some much more expensive cigars, and the Punch often comes out on top. Not always, but often enough that I think people are sleeping on this marca.

What You’re Probably Wondering: FAQ Style

How much should I expect to pay? Prices vary depending on where you are and current availability, but you’re generally looking at somewhere in the $15-25 range per stick for fresh cigars. Aged ones command premium prices, as they should.

Are fakes common? Unfortunately, yes. Cuban cigar counterfeiting is a real problem. Buy from reputable dealers, know what the bands and boxes should look like, and if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. I’ve seen fake Punch Churchills that were laughably bad – wrong fonts, weird colors, construction that looked like it was done by someone wearing boxing gloves.

How long do they last in storage? Properly stored Cuban cigars can last decades. I’ve smoked 20-year-old cigars that were absolutely spectacular. The key is consistent humidity and temperature, and keeping them away from light.

Can I smoke these indoors? Not legally in most places these days, unfortunately. Find yourself a good cigar lounge or set up a proper outdoor space. These cigars produce a fair amount of smoke, so be considerate of your neighbors.

What’s the difference between regular production and limited editions? Punch occasionally releases special editions or regional releases, but honestly? The regular production Churchills are fantastic on their own. Don’t get caught up in the hype of chasing limited releases unless you really know what you’re doing.

The Bottom Line

After twenty-plus years of smoking cigars, the Punch Churchills remains one of my reliable go-to smokes. It’s not the fanciest cigar in my humidor, and it’s certainly not the most expensive. But it delivers a consistently satisfying smoking experience that reminds me why I fell in love with Cuban cigars in the first place.

Is it perfect? Nope. Sometimes the draw is tight, sometimes the burn gets a little wonky, and occasionally you get one that just doesn’t want to cooperate. But when it’s good – and it’s good most of the time – it’s really good.

If you’re looking for a churchills cigar that embodies traditional Cuban character without breaking the bank, this should be on your short list. Just make sure you’ve got the time to properly appreciate it, a good drink to go with it, and the patience to let it develop as you smoke it.

And who knows? Maybe it’ll create some memories for you like that first one did for me on that Havana veranda all those years ago. Miguel was right – I didn’t know shit about Punch back then. But I’m still learning, and that’s part of what makes this hobby so damn enjoyable.