Punch (cigar)

Punch (cigar) is a renowned brand of cigars, originally established in Cuba in the mid-19th century. The brand was created by Manuel López of Juan Valle & Co, with the aim of appealing to the British market, hence the name "Punch" which was inspired by the character Mr. Punch from the Punch and Judy show, a popular form of entertainment at the time. Over the years, Punch cigars have become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, embodying the rich tradition of Cuban cigar making.

History

The history of Punch cigars dates back to 1840 when the brand was registered by Manuel López. The brand quickly gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Great Britain, due to its quality and the clever marketing strategy of naming it after a well-known British character. After the death of López, the brand was sold to Luis Corujo, and later, upon Corujo's death, the brand was acquired by a banking firm, which then sold it to Esperanza Valle. The brand continued to thrive, surviving the Cuban revolution and the nationalization of the tobacco industry.

Following the Cuban revolution in 1959, the cigar industry in Cuba was nationalized, leading to significant changes in the production and distribution of Cuban cigars, including Punch. However, the brand managed to maintain its reputation and continued to be produced in Cuba for export markets. In addition to the Cuban-made Punch cigars, after the revolution, a separate production of Punch cigars was established in Honduras for the US market, due to the trade embargo against Cuba.

Production

Punch cigars are known for their high-quality construction and the use of premium tobacco. The Cuban Punch cigars are produced at the La Corona factory in Havana, using tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, which is widely regarded as the finest tobacco-growing area in the world. The Honduran Punch cigars are also made using high-quality tobacco, following traditional Cuban cigar-making techniques.

Varieties

Punch offers a wide range of sizes and shapes, catering to various preferences. Some of the most popular vitolas (sizes) include the Punch Punch, Double Corona, and Petit Coronations. The brand has also introduced limited editions and special releases over the years, which are highly sought after by collectors and aficionados.

Reception

Punch cigars have received numerous accolades and are highly regarded in the cigar community for their quality, flavor, and craftsmanship. They are considered a staple among both novice and experienced cigar smokers, offering a taste of Cuban heritage regardless of their production origin.

In Popular Culture

Punch cigars have made appearances in various forms of media and are often associated with sophistication and luxury. They are frequently seen in films, literature, and art, further cementing their status as a symbol of affluence and fine taste.

See Also

• Cigar
• Tobacco
• Cuba
• Honduras