Punch Short de Punch

Punch Short de Punch

There's something almost rebellious about a cigar that earns 95 points from Cigar Aficionado while wearing the unassuming face of a working-class brand. The Punch Short de Punch arrived at the 2019 Habanos Festival not with the fanfare reserved for limited editions, but with the quiet confidence of a brand that has been delivering honest Cuban tobacco since 1840. What followed was nothing short of remarkable: a fifth-place finish on the 2020 Top 25 list, sandwiched between far more expensive and ostentatious offerings. Sometimes the most impressive performances come from those who have nothing to prove.

Punch has never been the brand for smokers chasing prestige or ornate packaging. Founded by Manuel López, the brand took its name from the popular Punch puppet character of 19th-century British theatre, establishing an identity built on wit, reliability, and straightforward pleasure. The Short de Punch continues this tradition while representing something genuinely new: the Paraíso vitola, a format essentially unique to this release. Measuring 120mm by 50 ring gauge, it occupies an interesting space—shorter than a Robusto but with the same generous girth, creating a smoking experience that concentrates the Punch house style into a more focused delivery. The tobacco comes from the Vuelta Abajo region, wrapped in a Cuban Colorado leaf that hints at the complexity within. This is not a cigar that announces itself with bold bands or elaborate presentation; it arrives in simple boxes of ten, letting the smoking experience speak entirely for itself.

First Light

The opening delivers exactly what Punch devotees expect and what newcomers find immediately welcoming. Cedar arrives first—not the sharp, green cedar of younger cigars, but a seasoned, almost furniture-grade quality that suggests proper aging. Hazelnuts emerge quickly, accompanied by a distinctive honey sweetness that feels genuine rather than cloying. There is a biscuit-like quality here, something reminiscent of water crackers or simple pastry, providing a foundation for the baking spices that dance across the palate. The draw offers just enough resistance to slow the smoker down, encouraging attention to the layers revealing themselves.

The Journey

As the burn progresses past the inaugural centimeter, the honey character deepens and transforms into something resembling honey pretzel—a combination of sweetness and that particular toasted grain quality that makes the comparison apt. The baking spices continue their development, now joined by a creaminess that softens the overall presentation. Vanilla notes drift in and out, never dominating but adding dimension to the established cedar and nut core. This middle section showcases remarkable balance; no single element demands disproportionate attention, yet the complexity remains engaging throughout. The burn line holds steady, producing a firm ash of charcoal grey.

The Finale

The final act brings a shift that seasoned smokers will recognize as classically Cuban. A measured bitterness enters, not harsh but structural, providing contrast to the honeyed sweetness that has defined the experience. Shortbread qualities emerge, alongside a dark chocolate note that leans toward the bitter rather than sweet end of the spectrum. The spice that has accompanied the journey intensifies slightly, and the finish lingers with impressions of toasted nuts and that distinctive Cuban "twang" that aficionados spend years pursuing. It concludes with dignity, never rushing, never faltering.

Who It's For

The Short de Punch suits the smoker who values substance over spectacle—the professional who keeps a humidor stocked with reliable performers rather than trophy cigars, the enthusiast who has smoked enough Cuban tobacco to recognize that price and quality do not always correlate. It fits the lunch break that demands something satisfying but not indulgent, the evening walk when a full Robusto would overstay its welcome. This is a cigar for those who understand that Punch has survived for nearly two centuries not through marketing brilliance, but through the simple act of getting it right, every single time.

Pairing Suggestion

Aged Dominican rum with honey undertones complements the cigar's inherent sweetness, while a double espresso provides contrast that highlights the chocolate and spice notes in the final third.