Punch Champion Review

[yayson]

4.5 x 30/60 figurado

just opened a trade box to find this nestled among the goodie goods. Being they were straight from the mail and I can't stand to let *everything* rest a week I picked this one, the guy that sent it (thanks to okierock) had mentioned in the past he was not a huge fanof Punch NCs so I figured "no big loss". My mistake. Fortunately it was well kept and the journey was short and chilly.

This is one of the few cigars I've ever smoked that tasted good from the first light. First impression was "hey! this tastes a lot like like Fuente Gran Reserva!". This was a good first impresssion for me! This flavor remained thoughout but almost immediately I realized it was only half that and half something else that I was gonna have to figure out if I was gonna review it.

Getting into the fat sweet spot bluge-a-majig I was figuring the "strange" half of the flavor profile was very light wood and nutty flavors! Yay for me, I did it. The fat part pretty much stayed the same throughout and was mucho welcome.

Getting past the bulge I expected the flavor to start getting a bit more unrefined as have all other figurados or pyramids I've had and this was no different, but as far as unrefined goes, this was the good kind! It got a little stronger with the wood and some leather kicked in.

I was reeally pleased with this thing all in all and was even more pleased to see boxes of 25 for $65 at Famous! Most of this type of vitola I expect a large short sweet spot and wouldn't care much about paying for them because of this but this cigar was good from start to finish (which is rather short and clean, no "where's that cat?!" aftermath).

Definitely something I'd purchase.

[Dzrtrat]

I dig that little baseball bat, last one I had the ash held on from start to finish. NIce revue bro.

[mastershogun]

it's great when you get a surprise like that and it turns out to be relatively inexpensive

[Aladdin Sane]

Thanks for the reveiw. I've come to really like Punch cigars and have seen this little guy in the B&M many times but never gave one a shot. I will now!!

[Commander Quan]

I haven't smoked one of these in awhile but I remember then being pretty good.

[a2vr6]

I like Punch's cigars, they are great value for the money.

[mhillsing23]

I have been thinking about purchasing a box of these, but I need to try a few more singles first. From what I have read, this cigars gets mixed reviews. But, I am very interested in picking a box up for a short smoke on cold winter evenings. Thanks for the review!

[The Professor]

Nice review and nice cigar. In terms of the mixed reviews, my suspicion is that part of the problem comes from people smoking this a bit too fast. When you do, it gets hot, harsh, and bitter. I also imagine that if it's over or under humidified, you're really gonna feel it on this cigar. I could totally be wrong; but to me this is a great (and more affordable) alternative to the Fuente SS. Just my . ~d.

[j6ppc]

What Darrel said. I've had quite a few of these and have liked every one.

[68TriShield]

Thats the only Punch with that blend and a fav of mine...

[KASR]

Great review bro! I don't believe I've even seen a Punch Perfecto

[msad1217]

Thanks for the review.
I have thought about getting a box at Famous before, but now I definitely will have to get me one.

-Manny

[punch]

Originally Posted by The Professor

Nice review and nice cigar. In terms of the mixed reviews, my suspicion is that part of the problem comes from people smoking this a bit too fast. When you do, it gets hot, harsh, and bitter. I also imagine that if it's over or under humidified, you're really gonna feel it on this cigar. I could totally be wrong; but to me this is a great (and more affordable) alternative to the Fuente SS. Just my . ~d.

Agree completely. You cannot "hot box" this cigar or it will turn on you. Also, humidity does affect the flavor. I prefer this Punch a little on the damp side (68 - 70% RH storage). Like all of the Punch line, this is a good cigar for the money.

[KyLongbeard]

Great review! Hadn't had a Punch yet I didn't like.

[steelheaderdu]

I'll be the first to give this smoke a mxed review. The one I smoked had a very bitter taste from the beginning, and it was the least enjoyable Punch I've ever had-- I'm a big fan of the others. Mine did settle in and get slightly better towards the middle-end, but I was disappointed.

But for the price, definitely one everybody who enjoys Punch should try. I'm sure I'll try it again... in time...

Thanks for the review.

John