What is the Punch 8-9-8 Edición Regional Asia Pacifico?

The Punch 8-9-8 Edición Regional Asia Pacifico is a Cuban cigar released exclusively for the Asia Pacific market. It features the Dalias vitola, measuring 43 ring gauge by 170mm (6 3/4 inches) in length. This release adds a significant dimension to the Punch brand portfolio, utilizing a format named for the box method of placing eight cigars on the bottom, nine in the middle, and eight on top.

What does the Punch 8-9-8 Asia Pacifico taste like?

This cigar delivers the classic Punch flavor profile with added complexity due to its specific format. Smokers can expect prominent notes of cedar, earth, and leather, accompanied by a distinct spiciness. The Dalias vitola allows for a cool burn that gradually reveals nuances of roasted nuts and subtle sweetness. It is a medium to full-bodied smoke that maintains the traditional Cuban character associated with the Punch marque.

Is Punch 8-9-8 Edición Regional Asia Pacifico worth the money?

For collectors and enthusiasts, this Regional Edition represents a worthwhile investment due to its exclusivity and unique vitola. As a production limited to the Asia Pacific region, availability is scarce globally. The Dalias format offers a longer smoking experience than standard Coronas, providing a nuanced evolution of flavors. If you appreciate the Punch brand's earthy profile and seek a format not found in the standard lineup, this cigar justifies the premium price.

What is the Punch 8-9-8 Edición Regional Asia Pacifico?

The Punch 8-9-8 Edición Regional Asia Pacifico is a Cuban cigar released exclusively for the Asia Pacific market. It features the Dalias vitola, measuring 43 ring gauge by 170mm (6 3/4 inches) in length. This release adds a significant dimension to the Punch brand portfolio, utilizing a format named for the box method of placing eight cigars on the bottom, nine in the middle, and eight on top.

What does the Punch 8-9-8 Asia Pacifico taste like?

This cigar delivers the classic Punch flavor profile with added complexity due to its specific format. Smokers can expect prominent notes of cedar, earth, and leather, accompanied by a distinct spiciness. The Dalias vitola allows for a cool burn that gradually reveals nuances of roasted nuts and subtle sweetness. It is a medium to full-bodied smoke that maintains the traditional Cuban character associated with the Punch marque.

Is Punch 8-9-8 Edición Regional Asia Pacifico worth the money?

For collectors and enthusiasts, this Regional Edition represents a worthwhile investment due to its exclusivity and unique vitola. As a production limited to the Asia Pacific region, availability is scarce globally. The Dalias format offers a longer smoking experience than standard Coronas, providing a nuanced evolution of flavors. If you appreciate the Punch brand's earthy profile and seek a format not found in the standard lineup, this cigar justifies the premium price.

Cigar Information

Punch 8-9-8 Edición Regional Asia Pacifico

The Punch 8-9-8 stands as a distinguished addition to the Regional Edition series, crafted exclusively for the Asia Pacific market. This particular release showcases the Dalias vitola, a special format that adds another dimension to Punch's celebrated portfolio. The cigar made its debut as a 2018 release, though it reached retailers during the latter part of 2019.

Vitola Specifications

Punch Edición Regional Asia Pacifico packaging

Cigar Name	8-9-8
Factory Name	Dalias
Ring Gauge	43
Length	170 mm (6¾″)
Official Weight	11.86 g
Construction	Handmade

Packaging and Presentation

This Regional Edition arrives in numbered varnished semi boîte nature boxes, each containing 10 cigars. The production was limited to 8,888 boxes, making this a genuinely scarce offering for collectors and enthusiasts. The presentation features the standard Punch band C accompanied by the distinctive Regional Edition band identifying it as an Asia Pacific exclusive.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Based on 22 enthusiast reviews, the Punch 8-9-8 earns solid marks across all performance categories. The overall rating stands at 4.18 out of 5, with particular strengths in elegance, balance, complexity, and aftertaste—each scoring a 4. The strength registers as medium, rated at 3, making this an approachable yet engaging smoke.

The flavor journey reveals a rich tapestry of tasting notes. Chocolate, marshmallow, and nut characteristics dominate the profile, each appearing prominently in smoker feedback. Citrus notes follow closely, adding brightness to the experience. Cream and twang elements contribute additional layers of complexity.

Secondary flavors include hazelnut and spice, while baking spice, cocoa, peanut, and wood notes provide further depth. The more subtle undertones encompass cedar, leather, and pure tobacco. Adventurous palates may also detect traces of almond, apricot, butter, caramel, chestnut, cinnamon, coconut, floral notes, fudge, hay, honey, licorice, salt, tartness, and toast.

Regional Exclusivity

As part of Habanos' Regional Edition program, this Punch release was created specifically for distribution within the Asia Pacific region. These exclusive releases allow regional distributors to request unique sizes and blends that aren't typically available in standard production lines, making each Regional Edition a distinctive addition to any cigar collection.

Questions & Answers

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