Punch Serie D’Oro No.2 Edicion Limitada 2013

Can a Limited Edition Really Live Up to Ten Years of Hype?

That’s the question that’s been gnawing at me ever since I cracked open my last Punch Serie D’Oro No.2 Edicion Limitada 2013. I mean, we’re talking about one of what many consider the best cigars 2013 had to offer, and here I am in 2023, finally getting around to smoking my final stick from that box I’ve been hoarding like some kind of tobacco dragon.

Let me be straight with you – I’ve been at this game for over two decades now, and I’ve seen plenty of “limited editions” that were about as special as a gas station sandwich. But this Punch? This one’s different. And not just because it’s been sitting in my humidor aging like fine wine while I convinced myself I was “saving it for the right moment.”

First Impressions: What Hits You Right Away

The construction on these sticks is absolutely gorgeous. I’m talking museum-quality wrapper here – a Colorado claro leaf that’s got this oily sheen that just screams quality. The band’s got that classic Punch look but with the special EL treatment that lets everyone know you’re not messing around with some run-of-the-mill cigar.

Now, I’ll admit something here that might ruffle some feathers. When these first came out in 2013, I wasn’t immediately blown away. Yeah, I said it. Everyone was going crazy over them, calling them instant classics, and I’m thinking… really? Don’t get me wrong – they were good. Real good. But ten years ago, they felt a bit tight, a bit reserved. Like that friend who takes forever to warm up at parties but turns out to be the most interesting person in the room once they do.

The pre-light draw gives you hints of what’s coming. Cedar, definitely. Some barnyard funk that tells you this tobacco’s got character. And there’s this underlying sweetness that reminds me of my grandmother’s molasses cookies (though I wouldn’t recommend dunking your cigar in milk).

The Smoke: A Journey Worth Taking

Here’s where this cigar really starts to show its personality. The first third opens up with this beautiful earthiness – not the kind of dirt-flavor that some people complain about with Cuban cigars, but more like the smell of rich soil after a spring rain. There’s leather there too, and it’s not that artificial leather car seat smell. We’re talking about the kind of leather you find in an old library, worn and comfortable.

But then something interesting happens as you move into the heart of the cigar. The flavors start to develop this complexity that honestly wasn’t there when these were fresh. I’m getting notes of dark chocolate – the good stuff, not Hershey’s – mixed with coffee beans and just a whisper of spice that tingles the back of your throat without being aggressive about it.

The burn’s been absolutely perfect on every one I’ve smoked. And I mean perfect. Razor-sharp, even ash that holds for about an inch before dropping. The draw’s opened up beautifully from where it was a decade ago. Back then, you had to work for it a bit. Now? It’s like breathing silk.

By the time you hit the final third, this cigar’s really singing. The earthiness from earlier has mellowed into this warm, toasty flavor that reminds me of sitting around a campfire (minus the mosquitoes). There’s still that chocolate note, but now it’s joined by what I can only describe as warm spices – think cinnamon and nutmeg, not pepper.

What I’m Drinking With This Beauty

Okay, so pairing recommendations. I’ve tried this stick with quite a few different drinks over the years, and here’s what actually works (not just what sounds fancy).

My go-to pairing? Zacapa 23 rum. I know, I know – everyone’s always pushing scotch with cigars, but trust me on this one. The honeyed sweetness of that Guatemalan rum plays beautifully with the chocolate and spice notes in the Punch. I discovered this combination completely by accident during a poker game at my buddy Mike’s place back in 2018, and it was like a lightbulb moment.

If you’re more of a whiskey person, I’ve had great luck with Redbreast 12. The Irish whiskey’s got enough character to stand up to the cigar without fighting it. But honestly? Skip the peated Scotches with this one. I tried it with Ardbeg once and it was like having an argument in my mouth.

For the coffee crowd – and I see you out there – a proper Cuban coffee (if you can get your hands on it) or even a good medium roast from a local roaster works beautifully. I’m partial to Counter Culture’s Fast Forward blend, though your mileage may vary depending on where you are.

Who Should Hunt These Down (And Who Shouldn’t Bother)

Here’s the thing about this cigar – it’s not for beginners. I hate being that gatekeeping guy, but if you’re just starting your cigar journey, this is like trying to appreciate a complex wine when you’re still figuring out the difference between red and white. Start with some regular production Punch cigars, build up your palate, then come back to this.

This is perfect for the experienced smoker who appreciates subtlety over power. It’s not going to knock your socks off with nicotine (though it’s got enough kick to keep things interesting). Instead, it’s going to reward you for paying attention. Every puff offers something slightly different if you’re really focusing.

Also, and this might be controversial, but I think this cigar is wasted on special occasions. You know what I mean – those “I’ll save this for when I get that promotion” smokes that end up sitting in your humidor until they’re too old or you’ve forgotten why they were special in the first place. This is an “random Tuesday evening when I want something exceptional” kind of cigar.

If you’re the type who needs a cigar to announce its presence from across the room, skip this one. Go find yourself a Bolivar or something with more attitude. The Punch Serie D’Oro No.2 is more like that quietly confident person who doesn’t need to be the loudest in the room to command respect.

Storage Notes and Insider Tips

These cigars have aged beautifully, but they’re also pretty forgiving storage-wise. I’ve kept mine at around 65% humidity and 68°F, which seems to be the sweet spot. Any higher on the humidity and they get a bit spongy. Lower, and you lose some of that oily wrapper character.

Here’s something I learned the hard way: don’t rush these. I mean really don’t rush them. This is a two-hour commitment minimum if you want to get the full experience. I made the mistake of trying to squeeze one in during a lunch break once, and it was like speed-reading a novel – you miss all the good stuff.

Also, let them acclimate if you’re pulling them from long-term storage. I usually take mine out about 30 minutes before lighting up, especially if my humidor’s been closed for a while. Trust me on this – it makes a difference in how they smoke.

One more thing – if you’re lucky enough to find a box (and they’re getting harder to come by), check the dates. Early 2013 production seems to have aged better than the later boxes from that year. Could be coincidence, could be different tobacco batches. Either way, if you’ve got options, go for the earlier codes.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth the Hunt?

So here we are, ten years later, and I’m ready to eat my words from 2013. This cigar has developed into something truly special. Is it one of the best cigars 2013 produced? Absolutely. Is it worth what people are asking for them now? That’s where it gets complicated.

If you can find them at a reasonable price (and I realize “reasonable” is relative when we’re talking about aged limited editions), they’re absolutely worth picking up. But I’ve seen people asking insane money for these, and at that point, you’re paying more for the exclusivity than the smoking experience.

What I will say is this: if you’ve got the opportunity to try one – maybe a friend offers to share one, or you find a single at a reasonable price – don’t pass it up. This is the kind of cigar that reminds you why we got into this hobby in the first place. It’s complex without being overwhelming, refined without being boring, and aged in a way that shows what time can do to good tobacco.

A Few Questions I Get Asked About This Stick

How do these compare to regular production Punch cigars? It’s like comparing a well-aged wine to a young one from the same vineyard. Same DNA, completely different experience. The regular production Punch cigars are great, but these have a refinement that only comes with time and better tobacco selection.

Should I smoke mine now or keep aging them? Honestly? I think they’re at their peak now. I’ve got one left from my original box, and I’m planning to smoke it this weekend. Ten years of aging has been perfect – any longer and I think you might start losing some of the more delicate flavors.

Are there any other Edicion Limitada cigars from 2013 worth trying? The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial EL 2013 is fantastic if you can find it, though it’s a completely different profile. More floral, less earthy than the Punch. But honestly, 2013 was just a great year for limited editions across the board.

Look, at the end of the day, cigars are subjective. What knocks my socks off might leave you cold, and that’s perfectly fine. But if you appreciate nuanced, well-aged Cuban tobacco that tells a story with every puff, the Punch Serie D’Oro No.2 Edicion Limitada 2013 deserves a spot on your must-try list.

Just don’t wait another ten years to smoke them like I did. Some lessons are learned the hard way.