Punch Super Seleccion No. 1 (2003)

[shrink]

This cigar was unfortunately discontinued in 2008, although more recent examples can't hold a candle to my 2003's. I've looked everywhere for another cab of '03s, but alas, none are to be had.

This was a fine example of the increasingly rare Corona Grande, a 42 ring guage cigar that falls between a Corona and a Lonsdale in length. It had a dark mahogany wrapper, which glowed with oils in the light of the floor lamp next to my lounge chair. When freshly cut, it had an aroma of barnyard, earth, and something like dried fruit.

The draw was fine, and the cigar burned slowly, despite my enthusiastic puffing. I attribute this to the density of the bunch. The first few mouthfuls were gloriously strong, tannic and peppery, but loaded with rich Punch flavors of toasted tobacco, smoldering cedar, and dark, fermented fruits. It reminded me somewhat of a great Napa Cabarnet, filling the mouth with bittersweet fruit and a peppery nip on the tongue.

What a great, classic cigar this has become. A year ago they were still a bit too harsh and discordant, and the trademark Punch sweetness was just beginning to show itself. Today, it is sublime in it's depth of flavor, complexity, and downright power. Few cigars have the toned, muscular quality of this vintage Punch. A memorable cigar.

[kjellfrick]

This cigar was unfortunately discontinued in 2008, although more recent examples can't hold a candle to my 2003's. I've looked everywhere for another cab of '03s, but alas, none are to be had.

This was a fine example of the increasingly rare Corona Grande, a 42 ring guage cigar that falls between a Corona and a Lonsdale in length. It had a dark mahogany wrapper, which glowed with oils in the light of the floor lamp next to my lounge chair. When freshly cut, it had an aroma of barnyard, earth, and something like dried fruit.

The draw was fine, and the cigar burned slowly, despite my enthusiastic puffing. I attribute this to the density of the bunch. The first few mouthfuls were gloriously strong, tannic and peppery, but loaded with rich Punch flavors of toasted tobacco, smoldering cedar, and dark, fermented fruits. It reminded me somewhat of a great Napa Cabarnet, filling the mouth with bittersweet fruit and a peppery nip on the tongue.

What a great, classic cigar this has become. A year ago they were still a bit too harsh and discordant, and the trademark Punch sweetness was just beginning to show itself. Today, it is sublime in it's depth of flavor, complexity, and downright power. Few cigars have the toned, muscular quality of this vintage Punch. A memorable cigar.

Thank you! What a glowing tribute to one of my absolute favorite cigars! I agree wholeheartedly that the 03's are spectacular and I wish I had bought more cabs when they were available. I also hesitate to buy recent vintages of these...I can't imagine they will ever taste the same. For the sake of science I'll smoke one from my 07 cab to see if they have changed to the better, that is getting closer in taste to the older cabs.

[greenpimp]

Great review of one of my very favorite cigars, Bob.

I am embarrassed to admit that my 03s are all gone. No self-control on those, unfortuantely. Too great at 5 years to stop.

However I tried one of my 08s last week and it blew my head off like previous vintages have young, so I hold onto hope that my last cab will be great. If I can leave them alone for at least another couple years. They're so different, so much better with some age.

[Colt45]

Thanks Shrink!