Stogie Reviews: Punch Grand Cru Robusto

I’ll be honest: I love Punch. While I certainly try to maintain an impartial perspective on all cigar reviews, journalistic integrity requires me to mention that Punch is one of my favorite brands. And loyal readers will recall they’ve tested quite well here at StogieGuys.com. So with high (yet unbiased) expectations and a Cuba Libre in toe, I set out to try a Punch Grand Cru Robusto, the first I’ve smoked in the line.

This five and ¼ inches by 50 ring gauge cigar had a very smooth, almost veinless Connecticut Shade wrapper. An attractive red, gold, and black band adorned the expertly-rolled stick.

With care, I used my fingernails to pierce the cap and expose the filler, a mixture of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan tobaccos. Pre-light, the cigar had a sweet caramel aroma, fitting for its appearance. The first puffs produced a toasted graham and spice flavor that reminded me of pumpkin pie – very interesting and enjoyable.

Like most smokes, this one got spicier and spicier with each puff, but it was not obtrusive because the flavor was more acidic than salty, more sweet than bitter – just how I like it.

Unfortunately, the burn required a bit of work in order to maintain evenness, but – despite a few periods of inactivity – the stogie never went out. No complaints on the draw.

Some Punch fanatics who’ve grown to love the brand’s powerful smokes may be disappointed by the Grand Cru line’s subtlety and smoothness, but this enthusiast relished every puff. Moreover, the cigar passed the ultimate test: I smoked until I burnt my fingers.

At only $5.50 apiece, it’s hard to find better bang for the buck. For unique, complex flavors and great value, I give the Punch Grand Cru Robusto four and ½ out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A