Cigar reviews: I have always admired the unique shape of the Punch Champion. It’s ugly but in a handsome way. What that means is anyone’s guess but it’s bulbous look is pleasing to me.
This version is the rare corojo so the blend is different from the regular production Champion. Cigar Aficionado raved about it, but I wanted to test it out by my own standards. As always , how and where I received the cigar does not impact my subjective judgment. I suggest smoking it for yourself and draw your own conclusion.
Brand/Name of Cigar: Punch Rare Corojo/Champion
Country of Origin: Honduras
Size: 4.5 x 60
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Shape: Figuardo
Where and When Smoked: Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, Los Angeles, Ca. 3/3/2019
Appearance/Construction: The shape intrigues me with a squat looking, chunky in the middle dark brown wrapper. Oily, firm construction with a double band flashing the Punch brand name. Punch has re designed their bands but this is the old version.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: First Third: You get a rich concentration of chocolate, and almonds at the onset. Medium to full-bodied with a smooth delivery of the profile.
Second Third: The cigar remains smooth with an addition of a lemon/woodsy layer. It adds to the overall flavor and makes the Champion a fun cigar to smoke.
Final Third: The smoke gets slightly stronger but overall does not get real pop from spice . The cigar is a very good example that shows the consumer what a a fine smoking experience should be.
Smoking Characteristics: True burn but did have a slight deviation during the last third. That could be from the shape of the cigar. It did not create any construction issue. Stayed lit with a medium grey ash.
Conclusion/Overall Impression:
Do not be frightened by the shape of the cigar or believe this is a novelty smoke. The Punch Rare Corojo Champion is top flight and needs to be part of any humidor. The price is right on too, so you have not excuse to try it.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers: To truly appreciate the cigar, let it rest in your humidor for several months. I could not wait to smoke it, and did not take my own advice. However, I do have one more, so that baby will sit still and take a nap. Buy a five pack to start and let me know your thoughts
Appearance/Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 4.3 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3.5 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 3.9 out of 5
Keep smoking