Punch

Punch stands as one of the most venerable and respected names in the premium cigar world, representing nearly two centuries of exceptional craftsmanship and tradition. Known for their distinctive medium-bodied profile that perfectly balances richness with accessibility, Punch cigars have earned a legendary reputation among enthusiasts for delivering consistent quality and satisfying character across their extensive range. The brand's iconic Mr. Punch mascot, featured on every box with cigar in hand, symbolizes the playful yet sophisticated nature that has made Punch a favorite from British gentlemen's clubs to modern cigar lounges worldwide. With both Cuban and Honduran expressions available globally, Punch continues to represent the pinnacle of premium cigar excellence, offering something for every palate while maintaining the exacting standards that have defined the brand since 1840.

Background

The Punch brand has one of the most fascinating origin stories in cigar history, beginning in 1840 when a German businessman known only as Stockmann registered the brand name in Cuba, inspired by the popular European puppet character Mr. Punch rather than the British magazine of the same name that appeared a year later. The brand truly flourished under the stewardship of Manuel López Fernández, who purchased Punch in 1884 and whose name still graces every Cuban Punch band and box today as a testament to his transformative influence. López strategically positioned Punch to capture the booming British market, where the brand became synonymous with quality and sophistication, establishing a European following that continues to this day. Following the Cuban Revolution, the brand split into two distinct expressions: the original Cuban version continued under state ownership, while exiled cigar makers established a Honduran operation that eventually came under General Cigar Company's ownership. This dual heritage has allowed Punch to maintain its global presence while preserving the traditional craftsmanship and flavor profiles that made it famous, ensuring that both Cuban and New World expressions carry forward the brand's distinguished legacy.

History

Punch was first registered in 1840 by a German named Stockmann, with the brand changing hands in 1874 to Luis Corujo, and again in 1884 when it was purchased by Manuel López Fernández, whose name still appears on bands and boxes today. After López retired in 1924 and died shortly after, the brand passed to Esperanza Valle Comas before being acquired in 1930 by Fernandez, Palicio y Cia following the Stock Market Crash of 1929. Following the Cuban embargo, Fernando Palicio fled Cuba for Florida and sold his cigar lines to Frank Llaneza and Dan Blumenthal of Villazon & Co., which continued making Punch cigars from Honduran tobacco, with General Cigar eventually acquiring the brands. Meanwhile, Cuba nationalized the tobacco industry and continued Punch production, making it a popular, multi-locally-marketed Cuban cigar line.

Reputation

Punch is recognized as the preeminent Cuban cigar brand, offering some of the finest Cuban cigars ever created. The brand is celebrated for tapping into everything most cigar lovers seek: a wide range of available sizes, great taste, and satisfying character, all at good value, making Punch cigars equally at home in almost any setting, from the boardroom to the golf course. Among connoisseurs, Punch cigars are prized for their distinctive medium-bodied profile that is rich yet balanced, achieved with carefully selected filler and binder leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, with every vitola produced totally by hand with long filler. It is not by accident that Punch cigars continue to be celebrated after almost 200 years in production, maintaining their reputation through consistent quality and character.