Punch

Punch is one of Cuba’s oldest cigar marques, founded in 1840 by German entrepreneur Stockmann and named after Mr. Punch, the popular clown from the British satirical magazine of the same era. Over the decades the brand changed hands several times—first to Luis Corujo in 1874, then to Manuel López Fernández in 1884, and later to Esperanza Valle Coma in 1929. In 1930, the firm of Fernández, Palicio y Cía. acquired Punch and guided it through challenging market conditions, elevating vitolas like the iconic Punch Punch to stardom among British aficionados. Since 1931, Punch has shared production facilities with Hoyo de Monterrey, and today both brands are rolled at Havana’s historic La Corona factory. Nationalization in the early 1960s did little to diminish Punch’s appeal; the marque has remained a staple on cigar shelves worldwide and even launched two highly sought-after Edición Limitada releases in 2013 and 2017. Punch cigars are prized for their distinctive medium-bodied profile—rich yet balanced—achieved with carefully selected filler and binder leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region. Every vitola is produced Totally by Hand with Long Filler, and each box still features Mr. Punch holding a Habano amid 19th-century engravings that echo scenes in today’s Cuban factories. In the current Habanos S.A. portfolio Punch is positioned in the “Value” category and was classified as a Multi-Local Brand under the pre-2019 system—proof that quality and heritage can still come at an accessible price. Flavor Profile: Medium