When was the Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) discontinued and why is it sought after by collectors today?

The Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) was discontinued in the 1980s after several decades of regular production. This machine-made Cuban cigar originated as a pre-1960 release, making surviving specimens particularly valuable to collectors. Its scarcity stems from both its age and the fact that machine-made Cuban cigars from this era were consumed rather than cellared. Collectors prize original boxes with intact tax stamps and factory codes, especially those predating the 1960 nationalization of the Cuban cigar industry.

What are the dimensions and vitola of the Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2)?

The Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) was a machine-made cigar with approximate dimensions of 129mm length by 42 ring gauge, classifying it as a corona format. This size was standard for many Cuban machine-made offerings of its era, designed for a 30-45 minute smoking experience. The "de Luxe" designation distinguished it from the original Souvenir line, indicating a slightly higher quality tobacco blend and more refined construction standards within Punch's machine-made portfolio.

How does the Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) compare to hand-rolled Punch cigars from the same period?

The Souvenir de Luxe (2) utilized short filler tobacco and machine-bunched construction, unlike hand-rolled Punch cigars that employed long filler leaves and skilled torcedor craftsmanship. While sharing the brand's characteristic earthy, woody profile, the machine-made version offered less complexity and a faster, hotter burn. It was priced accessibly for daily smokers rather than positioned as a premium offering. Contemporary smokers noted its consistent draw but comparatively one-dimensional flavor progression versus hand-rolled Punch selections.

When was the Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) discontinued and why is it sought after by collectors today?

The Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) was discontinued in the 1980s after several decades of regular production. This machine-made Cuban cigar originated as a pre-1960 release, making surviving specimens particularly valuable to collectors. Its scarcity stems from both its age and the fact that machine-made Cuban cigars from this era were consumed rather than cellared. Collectors prize original boxes with intact tax stamps and factory codes, especially those predating the 1960 nationalization of the Cuban cigar industry.

What are the dimensions and vitola of the Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2)?

The Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) was a machine-made cigar with approximate dimensions of 129mm length by 42 ring gauge, classifying it as a corona format. This size was standard for many Cuban machine-made offerings of its era, designed for a 30-45 minute smoking experience. The "de Luxe" designation distinguished it from the original Souvenir line, indicating a slightly higher quality tobacco blend and more refined construction standards within Punch's machine-made portfolio.

How does the Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) compare to hand-rolled Punch cigars from the same period?

The Souvenir de Luxe (2) utilized short filler tobacco and machine-bunched construction, unlike hand-rolled Punch cigars that employed long filler leaves and skilled torcedor craftsmanship. While sharing the brand's characteristic earthy, woody profile, the machine-made version offered less complexity and a faster, hotter burn. It was priced accessibly for daily smokers rather than positioned as a premium offering. Contemporary smokers noted its consistent draw but comparatively one-dimensional flavor progression versus hand-rolled Punch selections.

Cigar Information

Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2)

The Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) represents a fascinating chapter in the storied history of the Punch brand. This machine-made cigar was part of the regular production lineup for several decades before eventually being discontinued in the 1980s. As a pre-1960 release, it stands as one of the older expressions from this iconic Cuban marque.

Historical Background

The Souvenir de Luxe (2) entered the market sometime before 1960, making it a veteran vitola in the Punch portfolio. During its production run, which spanned approximately two to three decades, this cigar was positioned as an accessible option for smokers seeking the classic Punch flavor profile in a machine-constructed format. The discontinuation during the 1980s marked the end of an era for this particular presentation.

Vitola Specifications

Factory Name	Petit Coronas
Ring Gauge	42
Length	129 mm (5⅛″)
Official Weight	8.46 g
Construction	Machine-made

Presentation and Packaging

The Souvenir de Luxe (2) was distinguished by its distinctive packaging format. Each unit consisted of five cigars wrapped in cellophane and presented in an aluminum pack. This packaging style offered both protection and portability, making it a practical choice for travelers and those seeking a convenient cigar option. The cigars featured the standard Punch band A, maintaining brand consistency across the range.

Collectibility and Legacy

As a discontinued machine-made cigar with production dating back to the pre-revolution era, the Punch Souvenir de Luxe (2) holds particular interest for collectors of vintage Cuban cigars. The aluminum pack presentation, combined with its decades-long production history, makes surviving examples noteworthy pieces of cigar history. While no longer in production, this vitola remains part of the broader Punch narrative that continues to captivate cigar enthusiasts worldwide.

Questions & Answers

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