Punch Gran Puro (2 sizes) Review

[craigchilds]

PUNCH GRAN PURO
Sizes:
1. 6 x 50 (Pico Bonito)
2. 5.5 x 54 (Rancho)
Wrapper: Sun Grown from San Augustin Valley in Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Price: approx. $3 (box price), $5 (single)

I figured I enjoy Nicaraguan puros so much, like Padrons, that I ought to give Honduran puros a chance as well. They sport thick, dark, toothy, veiny wrappers that look like they can beat you up and steal your milk money with brute force.

After smoking two cigars in different sizes, I am still on the fence. I can't decide if I really, really like them- or if I don't care for them at all, That may seem odd, but it's like a guy at the poker table once said to me, "From the look on your face, I'd say you're about to go all-in or else fold." (Funny how often that happens to me, and how easy I am to read).

StogieGuys.com said of this cigar: "I think old school smokers who prefer the raw taste of natural tobacco will enjoy Punch’s Gran Puro line more than those of us who grew up in the Rocky Patel era." The cigar's flavor is heavy, raw, and robust, although it seems to lessen as the cigar progresses rather than intensify. The taste certainly does not 'wow' you up front, ala RP Edge, or stay with you long afterwords. However, it's a dinstinctive taste that somehow I remember and respect.

[Ratters]

I think they are a great cigar once you get about an inch into them. I like these and the rare corojos a lot.

[smokin5]

I enjoy the flavor - a mix of espresso, molasses & wood.
One of my newer favorites. Especially the Pico Bonito
& Sierra sizes. A tasty fuller-side-of-medium smoke.

[surefire m2]

A real newbi prspective here so forgive my intruding. but odly enough i smoked one last nite and ....well....couldn't taste it? it seemed so mild i phoned my father who has been smoking 50 yrs or so always cigars! And he said hmm thats strange ........oh well you need to go back to padrons or try again and then decide..

[guy g]

About a year ago I smoked the small size, I believe the Santa Rita. Very enjoyable.

[Pat1075]

I bought a ten box of these about a year and a half ago and they were good then. I forgot I had them and I pulled them out a few weeks back and now they're just plain great. Long story short, I like these too, the strength but smoothness is what I appreciate.

[texasbadbob]

Thanks for the review. I had always thought of Punch as a gas station cigar for some reason. About 3 months ago I attended a Punch tasting asd was impressed with the cigars I smoked. I likes them but I don't know if I would go out of my way to buy more?

[craigchilds]

Originally Posted by texasbadbob

About 3 months ago I attended a Punch tasting asd was impressed with the cigars I smoked. I likes them but I don't know if I would go out of my way to buy more?

They age very well.

[Coz77]

Originally Posted by craigchilds

StogieGuys.com said of this cigar: "I think old school smokers who prefer the raw taste of natural tobacco will enjoy Punch’s Gran Puro line more than those of us who grew up in the Rocky Patel era." The cigar's flavor is heavy, raw, and robust, although it seems to lessen as the cigar progresses rather than intensify. The taste certainly does not 'wow' you up front, ala RP Edge, or stay with you long afterwords. However, it's a dinstinctive taste that somehow I remember and respect.

Couldn't agree more except for all the RP !... I had one of these after a long hiatus and I feel exactly the same with the StogieGuys description. I really didn't enjoy it and probably will not buy anymore. Its really crazy how your tastes change.

[bwrightsman]

Just finished smoking my first Punch Gran Puro. I was very impressed with it. It had a great woody flavour throughout most of the stogie, finishing started to get a little harsh but still enjoyable. Would buy singles again for a great mid-priced cigar.

[Major Captain Silly]

I absolutely love these. I was also on the fence for my first couple tries with the Gran Puro. I believe it was because it was so different from the regular Punch line. It's really a very unique and subtle cigar.

MCS

[bwrightsman]

I agree, I was turned off from the Punch line awhile ago. The guys and the B&M said that it was great so I gave it a try...all I can say to them is thanks.

[blackey73]

Originally Posted by surefire m2

A real newbi prspective here so forgive my intruding. but odly enough i smoked one last nite and ....well....couldn't taste it? it seemed so mild i phoned my father who has been smoking 50 yrs or so always cigars! And he said hmm thats strange ........oh well you need to go back to padrons or try again and then decide..

Funny, I had a couple of singles and thought they had a lot of flavor. So I rushed out and bought a box of the pico bonito's. I enjoyed a good number of those and then after a few months of sitting, I thought they were kinda mild. I don't know if my tastes have changed that much or if they mellowed out really fast.

[gvarsity]

Old standby for me particularly the Libertad Tubo. I grew up on Honduran puros and really like the flavor profile. That profile is very different than the current trend toward Nicaraguan puros especially the trend toward particularly spicy cigars like many of the DPG blends. I will always keep some of these in my humidor for nostalgia if no other reason although I don't think I will ever stop enjoying them.