Punch Club Selection No.1
The Punch Club Selection No.1 represents a fascinating chapter in Cuban cigar history—a vitola that emerged before 1960 and enjoyed a relatively brief production run before being retired during the 1970s. As a discontinued regular production cigar, it has become a sought-after piece for serious collectors and historians of Cuban tobacco.
Historical Context
Released prior to 1960, the Club Selection No.1 appeared during a transformative era for Cuban cigars. The Punch brand, established in 1840, was already well-established as one of Cuba's most respected marcas by the time this particular vitola entered production. The cigar remained in the regular lineup for roughly two decades before being discontinued in the 1970s, making it a notable example of mid-century Cuban craftsmanship.
Specifications
| Cigar Name | Club Selection No.1 |
| Factory Name | Unknown |
| Ring Gauge | 46 |
| Length | 143 mm (5⅝″) |
| Official Weight | 10.90 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
| Band | Standard band A |
| Packaging | Dress box of 25 cigars |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Production Period | Pre-1960 to 1970s |
Construction and Presentation
True to the standards of its era, the Club Selection No.1 was entirely handmade, reflecting the traditional Cuban approach to premium cigar production. The vitola featured Punch's standard band A—the classic presentation that collectors associate with the brand's heritage releases.
The cigar was packaged in dress boxes containing 25 units, a format that was standard for premium Cuban cigars of the period. This presentation style emphasized the cigar's positioning as a quality offering within the Punch portfolio.
Vitola Characteristics
With a ring gauge of 46 and a length of 143 mm (5⅝ inches), the Club Selection No.1 offered smokers a substantial smoking experience. The dimensions place it in the category of longer corona gordas, providing an extended smoking time and allowing the blend's complexity to develop throughout the session. At 10.90 grams, the cigar demonstrated the dense, well-packed construction typical of premium Cuban cigars from this production period.
Collectibility
Given its discontinuation in the 1970s and production span of approximately two decades, the Punch Club Selection No.1 has become increasingly difficult to find. Surviving examples represent not just a smoke, but a tangible connection to Cuban cigar production during a pivotal historical period. For enthusiasts of the Punch brand, this vitola remains an intriguing reference point in the marca's extensive catalog of releases.