Punch Grand Cru No. II (M)

The construction is always nice and tight . The taste at lightup is somewhat earthy with a slight hint of leather. halfway is picks up a somewhat peppery nutty flavor that ends up with a nice short finish. The smoke aroma is pleasing to others also. A great anytime cigar.

Decent smoke, but MSRP of $9? I don't think so. The cigar had both a good draw and good burn, with a one-dimensional earthy flavor. Nothing terrible but nothing special, and certainly not worth anywhere near 9 bucks.

Pays to keep some of these around. (Or the ERDM Flor de Llaneza, since they're essentially the same stick.) To me, this is what a CTBL is supposed to taste like. A little sweet, a touch of peppery zing, earth, some chocolate, a sweet hint of nuts... hazelnut, maybe. The smoke develops an almost syrupy texture. Not the best smoke, nor the cheapest, but it's as reliably good as anything out there. Sometimes it's exactly what I'm craving. Age matters with these, BTW. They can be a little sharp when young. A year or more balances them nicely.

Taste was ok to start, but after about 15 minutes the wrapper began unraveling - even after 1 year in the humidor at 70%. By the time I was 1/2 done, there wasn't much wrapper left.

FWIW, the box I'm working on right now didn't "turn the corner" for around a year. Originally, they were fine but ordinary. Had one about two weeks ago from the same box (which is now two years old), and it was spectacular. Medium body, perfectly rounded flavors, much as you described your "April stick." So I'm bullish on the aging potential on your box, Scotty.

Reviewed this stick back in April. I liked it so much I bought a box online for $135-ish. The three or so I have smoked from that box (including the one that appeared ready last night) have gotten progressively better but do not compare to that awesome April stick. Has Punch changed the blend? Do they require more than the 3 to 5 months of aging I have on this box? Last nights stick disappointed me. It burnt well but needed constant massaging to draw right. The flavor at times approached the "April stick", but overall it lacked that nice smooth deep rich maduro flavor that originally made me buy a box. Tread cautiously with these. I hope mine just need aging. (Others mention this) I'll let you know in a few more months. Value rating based upon $6.50.

I love this cigar. It's one of those cigars that I can always come back to if i want to be reminded what a good maduro tastes like. I try to keep these stocked in my humidor because the longer you age these babies the better they get. They are a little pricey though. I only enjoy one of these every once in a while.

better wait till dinner because this one is pretty strong. I had a steak and a dark beer and STILL had a buzz off of this one. Not really my cup of tea, but I bet there is a large fan base for this one.

I think this one took about 2 hours to gently smoke through. I've learned that Punch cigars will put you on your rear if you do not pay heed to their strength. This was a good cigar. I like a bit more complexity in such a large cigar, but it was still well made and spicy.

I couldn't put this stick out. I burned it down to my fingers; it was rich and flavorful throughout.

A fat, juicy looking smoke that was full bodied and absolutely delicious the whole ride down. Awesome draw and aroma too.

constuction is well done, appearance is dark and inviting. draws well also and one of the best cigars I have smoked

What at a great smoke, picked up some singles off this sites listing status - Well worth the money - Medium body, perfect all the way to the end

Very good cigar. Medium to strong bodied. Held flavor till the end. May be just slightly over-rated, though, as the flavor not as good as most cubans I've smoked.

Best non Cuban cigar I have had in a long time. Handsome maduro wrapper. Prelight aroma was heavenly. Silky, rich, smooth flavors of mocha, and earth hit my palate just right. Billed as a mild to medium in body. It was. Never boring though. Folks around me said the aroma was very nice to be around. Draw was perfect. Burn was razor sharp. This stick mysteriously just went out on me in the last third but relit fine and continued tasting just fine. A real pleasure to smoke. Wife said she paid about $11 for this. I've seen them online for $120 for a box of 20. I think I'll buy a box. Just too good at $6 a throw to never smoke again. Very impressed.

This stick had a strong earthy taste, very strong. I almost put it out after a few minutes, but decided to keep it going. After about half the stick, I got a phone call, the stick just wasn't tastey enough to endure any further. If earthy flavor is your desire, then get some of these. Me I'll pass.

Near perfect construction, even burn and excellent draw. Medium to full body with rich flavour. A must have in the humi.

Mild to med but not boring. Tons of smoke and even burn. Just smoked the first one and will age the rest.

Beautiful construction and prelight aroma. It has strong, almost too overwhelming taste and smell of spices and cedar. I actually liked the aroma. Held the ash for almost two inches, very easy draw and tons of white smoke. This is one of the best maduro cigars I've ever had.

This is a very smooth tasting cigar. Nice slow burn...Uneven in the first half, but evens out in the end. Could pick them up for under $6.50 online.

Very beutiful cigar with a great flavor...i bought the last two at my shop a couple weeks ago...loved every minute of them!

This cigar is so elegant and wonderful after resting for a few years that is truly a special occasion smoke! Mellow, just a touch of great spice, with a gorgeous wrapper and intoxicating aroma - one of the finest domestics in my possession. I savor them!!

Found 3 of these at a local shop stuck back in the corner covered with plume. Have tried one so far with a wonderful result. A beautifully constructed cigar with a straight burn and perfect draw. Medium body with good tobacco taste. A bit pricey, but well worth the investment. Highly recommended.

I bought a box at a silent auction for $100 and was hands down the best purchase of my life. The flavor is superior the construction is heavenly and the burn is flawless. I reccomend one after a steak dinner while enjoying a smooth stout.

Uneven but otherwise slow burn on my 1st. Nitwit in tobacco store didn't clip enough making the draw very difficult - very tight wrap. But what excellent flavor! Perfect size for my hour+ commute. Despite the price, my humi needs more of these.

Finally found one of these and had it tonight. A beautiful cigar of flawless construction, very slow burn but perfect draw, great Maduro flavor, a bit harsher on the finish than a Padron Anniversary or a Don Carlos, but possibly a better value.

Forgot to mention that I tasted both the Maduro and Natural -- the Maduro is the clear winner. Bought a box immediately, and each has been a delight.