The Punch Signature Tasting Notes

Pre-Light

We reviewed the robusto vitola of the Signature. The Punch Signature comes in boxes of 18 that have a solid blue and red coloration. The first thing that jumps out when you actually take out a cigar is the large white band. The original Punch logo is printed in black on the front of the band, while the 'Punch' character is printed on the back of the band.

The Punch Signature is very well-constructed, with a solid and tight feel. The wrapper is very oily, and includes several large veins. If you look closely, you can spot a few seams. The pre-light aroma of the Signature is faint and composed of a leathery scent. A pre-light draw gives flavors of leather and a hint of cedar.

First Third

The Signature took a few tries to light fully. This is common for cigars with very oily wrappers. The Signature has a fairly firm draw, so you have to draw a bit harder than usual. It starts to crackle and sizzle after a few draws. The flavors begin with a strong cedar note that is quickly joined by notes of earth and jalapeno peppers. This blend of cedar, earth, and jalapeno dominates the Signature's flavor profile throughout the first third of the stick.

As the Signature burns down to the end of the first third, the burn line becomes a little wavy. However, it does not get to the point where it negatively affects the smoking experience. The medium-gray ash is a little flakey, but it still holds well.

Mid-Third

The strong cedar flavor from the first third of the cigar continues into the mid-third portion, though it does evolve a little bit. The note goes from fresh cedar to more of a toasted cedar flavor. As the mid-third of the cigar burns on, the toasted cedar flavor is joined by a surprising and delicious note of milk chocolate. These two flavors work together surprisingly well, giving the cigar a sweet and full-bodied flavor profile. As the cigar approaches its final third, the spiciness that briefly showed up in the first third of the cigar returns. This time, however, the note is more of chili peppers than jalapeno peppers.

Final Third

The toasted cedar flavor that was dominant through the mid-third portion of the cigar stays at the forefront throughout the Punch Signature's final third. The pleasant milk chocolate and chili pepper flavors that made the mid-third of the cigar so special fade away early in the final third. The toasted cedar flavor is instead augmented by a lovely note of roasted almonds. The roasted almond flavor appears in the midst of the final third, and lingers throughout the rest of the cigar.

Though the wavy burn line did make me a bit wary, the Signature's premium construction ensured that the cigar burned relatively evenly the whole way. The ash even held throughout the cigar, and I didn't have to touch it up once.

The Punch Signature is an Affordable, Yet High-Quality Cigar

In conclusion, the Punch Signature is exactly what you want from a relatively affordable premium cigar. It has a dynamic and bold flavor profile and offers a smooth smoking experience. Considering the price of the Signature, it meets or perhaps even exceeds my expectations. I would recommend that cigar lovers who want a unique smoking experience on a budget try the Punch Signature.