Few cigars showcase regional dedication like the Punch 8-9-8, a distinguished Regional Edition 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
| 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.