1960's Punch Palmas Reales

[CaptainQuintero]

I shared a recent Punch Punch with a friend last night and we were both left with very below average experiences. Recent Punch production just seems to be the dogs, where RYJ was four years ago. I don't know if all their good tobacco goes into the hundreds of RE Punch Robustos but something needs to change. I have fond memories of sweet fruity Punch cigars, nowadays it just seems to be gritty dust and bitter soot.

I remembered that last year I had managed to get my hands on some late 1960s/Early 1970's Punch Palmas Reales. A machine-made corona from back in the day when Punch lived up to their namesake and always came home with the sausages!

5 1/2 x 40

Cold draw- A rich Rum and Raisin that I always associate with Punch. Sweet tobacco. The cellophane has aged to a deep yellow, almost brown.

First Third - That cold draw was a great hint to how this cigar would start off. A strong rum and sweet raisin burst from the cigar, I was expecting a little time for this to wake up from it's deep sleep but no need. Cinnamon and nutmeg began to creep in as I progressed deeper towards the half in point and then the cinnamon vanishes, the nutmeg picks up a gear and a very strong flavour of Ritz cracker comes along. There is a lot of spice in this still, the power hasn't diminished with age but it has become more rounded and blends perfectly with the nutmeg and cracker.

Second Third - Pretty much apart from the odd waft, all of the flavours have drifted away now and have been replaced with a velvety smooth port. Good tannin and a balanced metalic red grape skin blends together to create a rich aroma and mouth watering combination of flavours. The ash soon drops and more changes; rich plum and spice come back. It's almost as if with the ash dropping the years have been burnt away and the tobacoo has remembered it's youth.

Final Third - The cigar has performed on all levels, great draw and burn, not a drop of harshness. The spice has now been replaced with a strong and pungeant fruity sweetness which mixes with the plum to create a flavour in the mouth akin to mulled wine; the odd hint of nutmeg and cinnamon just showing here and there.

Fantastic cigar, perfect for a hot and sunny day. I can't wait to smoke the rest!

94/100

A few nice pics of the day:

[maverickdrinker]

Fantastic review! Thanks for sharing! Sounds like a phenomenal experience!

[AverageJoe83]

Great review, I'm jealous! And I concur those Punch Punches yesterday were very disappointing.

[ChanceSchmerr]

Great Review! I've not had recent Punches to be able to concur, but I do love them with some serious age on them - newest ones I've had were 2007 Petit Punches and Petit Corona del Punchs, both of which have been AWESOME with lots of Punch fruit flavours and sweet baking spices.....love 'em!

[mk05]

Thanks old punch are a gem. I smoked a punch punch from 73 last thursday that was a true gem. As a marca, it really focuses on cherry.

I believe the blend changed in 2005, and thus the marca dropped off from the radar...unsure, may have to check with BENN as he is the resident Punch aficionado.

I also agree with you on RyJ. Circa 2005 they were great. A shame as it has a special place i my heart.