Punch Punch

The Perfect Evening for a Punch Punch

Picture this: you’ve just finished a decent steak dinner, the bourbon’s still warm in your chest, and you’ve got about ninety minutes before you need to be anywhere else. That’s punch punch territory right there. Not too heavy for an after-dinner smoke, but substantial enough that you won’t feel like you’re wasting your time with some skinny corona that’ll be done before you’ve even settled into your chair properly.

I’ve been reaching for the Punch Punch more often lately, and honestly? It surprises me every damn time. See, I used to be one of those guys who’d dismiss anything from the Punch marca as “tourist cigars” – you know, the stuff that ends up in hotel humidors and duty-free shops. Boy, was I wrong about that.

First Impressions: Don’t Judge This Book

The thing about the punch punch is that it doesn’t try to seduce you with looks. The wrapper’s usually a pretty standard Colorado shade – nothing fancy, maybe a few veins here and there. Construction’s solid though. Really solid. In twenty-three years of smoking cigars (started when I was way too young, don’t tell my wife), I can count on one hand the number of Punch Punch cigars that’ve given me draw problems.

The pre-light aroma? Barnyard funk mixed with something almost sweet. Not honey-sweet, more like… dried fruit that’s been sitting in a cedar chest for a few years. My buddy Carlos always says it smells like his grandfather’s tool shed, and I can’t argue with that description.

First few puffs are where this cigar starts showing its personality. There’s an immediate earthiness – not the refined, mineral-driven earth you get from a good Partagás, but something more rustic. Think potting soil after a light rain. I know that doesn’t sound appetizing, but stick with me here.

The Flavor Journey (Or: Why This Isn’t Your Typical Cuban)

Here’s where I’m gonna get a little controversial: the punch punch doesn’t follow the traditional “Cuban flavor profile” that everyone talks about. You know what I mean – that progression from creamy to spicy to sweet that every cigar writer seems to parrot. This cigar does its own thing.

About fifteen minutes in, you start getting these waves of leather and coffee grounds. Not espresso – more like the coffee your dad used to make in that old percolator that took forever. There’s a slight bitterness there that I actually really enjoy, especially if I’ve had a heavy meal.

The middle section (and I hate dividing cigars into thirds, but bear with me) is where things get interesting. The earthiness doesn’t fade – it just gets more complex. I start picking up cedar, obviously, but also something that reminds me of old books. You know that smell when you walk into a used bookstore that hasn’t updated their inventory since 1987? That’s what I’m talking about.

Now here’s the weird part: sometimes I get chocolate notes, sometimes I don’t. And I’m not talking about subtle hints that you need a PhD in tobacco to detect. When the chocolate’s there, it’s there. Rich, dark, almost bitter chocolate that plays really nicely with that coffee undertone I mentioned earlier.

The last third is where the Punch Punch either wins you over completely or loses you forever. The strength picks up – not dramatically, but noticeably. If you’ve been chain-smoking this thing (don’t), you’ll definitely feel it. But if you’re smoking at a reasonable pace, it’s just enough to keep things interesting. The flavors get more concentrated, more intense. Sometimes almost salty, like you’re smoking next to the ocean.

What I Actually Drink With This Thing

Forget the fancy pairing guides. Here’s what actually works:

Ron Zacapa 23 is probably my go-to. The rum’s sweetness balances out that earthiness perfectly, and both drinks have enough character that neither one disappears. I discovered this pairing completely by accident during a poker game in Miami back in ’08, and it’s been my favorite ever since.

If you’re a bourbon person, try it with Buffalo Trace. Nothing too fancy – the wheated bourbons seem to clash with the Punch’s earthiness, but Buffalo Trace has just enough spice to complement without competing.

Coffee? Absolutely. But skip the fancy single-origins. This cigar wants a good, strong Cuban coffee or even a dark roast from your local diner. I’ve had great experiences pairing it with Café Bustelo, actually. (And yes, I know how that sounds coming from a cigar snob, but sometimes the simple pairings are the best ones.)

Beer works too, though you need something with some body. I’ve had good luck with porters and stouts, especially anything with coffee notes. Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout is fantastic with this cigar, though it’ll knock you on your ass if you’re not careful.

Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Smoke This

The punch punch isn’t for beginners, full stop. I don’t care what the strength charts say – this cigar has enough character that it’ll overwhelm someone who’s still figuring out the difference between Connecticut and Maduro wrappers.

It’s perfect for experienced smokers who want something reliable without being boring. You know, those nights when you don’t want to think too hard about your cigar choice, but you also don’t want to smoke something you’ll forget about five minutes later.

If you’re the type who only smokes Cohibas and looks down on everything else, this probably isn’t for you. Not because it’s not good enough, but because you won’t appreciate what it’s trying to do. The Punch Punch is honest tobacco – no flash, no pretense, just solid construction and interesting flavors.

Weirdly, I’ve found that pipe smokers often really enjoy this cigar. Something about that earthy, almost rustic character translates well. My neighbor Tom switched from pipes to cigars about five years ago, and the Punch Punch was the first cigar that really “clicked” for him.

Storage and Quirks (The Stuff Nobody Tells You)

These cigars are pretty forgiving when it comes to humidity, but they definitely prefer the lower end of the range. I keep mine around 62-65% RH, and they smoke beautifully. Any higher and you start losing some of that earthiness that makes them special.

Here’s something weird I’ve noticed: punch punch cigars seem to smoke differently depending on the season. Summer smokes tend to be more mellow, more leathery. Winter smokes are earthier, more intense. I have no scientific explanation for this, but I’ve been tracking it for three years now and the pattern holds.

Also, if you’re buying these online (and let’s be honest, most of us are), pay attention to the box dates. Anything with less than six months of age is going to be harsh and one-dimensional. These cigars really benefit from some rest time. I’ve got a box from 2019 that I’m still working through, and they just keep getting better.

One last thing: the band can be a pain to remove if you wait too long. I usually slip it off about halfway through, right when the flavors start getting more intense. Less fussing around, and you don’t risk tearing the wrapper when your fingers are a little less steady.

Common Questions (Because People Always Ask)

How long does it take to smoke? For me, usually about 75-90 minutes. I smoke pretty slowly though – your mileage may vary.

Is it really Cuban? If you’re buying from a reputable source, yes. There are plenty of knockoffs out there though, so be careful.

How strong is it really? Medium to medium-full, depending on your tolerance. It’s not going to knock you over, but it’s not a breakfast cigar either.

Should I age these? Definitely. Six months minimum, but a year or two is even better. I’ve got some four-year-old ones that are absolutely singing right now.

What’s the best size? The traditional Punch size (5.5″ x 46) is my preference, but they make several vitolas. Stay away from anything too big – this blend doesn’t seem to work as well in larger ring gauges.

Final Thoughts

Look, the punch punch isn’t going to change your life or make you rethink everything you know about cigars. What it will do is provide a solid, enjoyable smoking experience that you can count on. In a world where even reliable brands sometimes let you down, that consistency is worth something.

I keep a box around all the time now. Not for special occasions – I’ve got other cigars for that – but for those regular evenings when I just want to sit outside, drink something decent, and enjoy a well-made cigar without any drama.

And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.