Punch Cigars – History rolled in a leaf

First registered in 1840, the Punch brand has long been entwined with a captivating and storied legacy. To this day, its origins remain shrouded in some mystery. Some attribute its founding to Don Manuel Lopez, while others credit a German entrepreneur by the name of Stockmann. Yet one fact endures with clarity: Punch cigars, distinguished by their unmistakable flavour and the iconic Punch Puppet gracing each box, continue to enchant discerning connoisseurs well into 2025.

Conceived originally with the British market in mind, Punch drew both its name and emblem from a beloved theatrical tradition – the famed Punch and Judy puppet show. First documented by Samuel Pepys in 1662, this satirical performance traced its mischievous roots to the Neapolitan character Pulcinella, whose irreverent humour captivated audiences from Naples to the fairgrounds of Victorian London. These glove puppets, while wild, anarchic, and gleefully subversive, eventually inspired the creation of the satirical magazine Punch in 1841 and would, in turn, lend their indelible spirit to the habano cigar that bears the same name.

This archetype of rebellious jesters, echoed across European carnivals and embodied in figures like Germany’s Kasperle, forged a shared cultural mythology—one that Punch cigars have proudly carried forward. By 1931, the brand found its home alongside Hoyo de Monterrey in Havana’s illustrious La Corona factory, where its signature red-and-gold bands weathered revolution, nationalization, and embargo, standing firm as emblems of Cuban craftsmanship and enduring excellence.

On the eve of dramatic political transformation in 1958, Punch accounted for an impressive 13% of Habanos cigar exports, enjoying a storied reputation particularly among British aficionados. While other brands pivoted to milder expressions during the 1990s, Punch remained resolute in preserving its hallmark blend, made of long filler tobaccos from Vuelta Abajo, meticulously hand-rolled to deliver the signature peppery undertones and cedar sweetness that have defined the brand for generations.

Today, Punch’s portfolio, curated under the stewardship of Habanos S.A., continues to honor its rich heritage while embracing contemporary evolution. The current range includes the refined elegance of Coronations and Petit Coronations, the dignified stature of Double Coronas, and the bold charisma of the Short de Punch, alongside the enduring classic, Punch Punch. Recent additions such as the La Casa del Habano Exclusive Punch 48 and the nostalgically inspired Punch Triunfos from the Línea Retro, reinterpret tradition with modern flair. Each vitola fully handmade, each a tribute to the brand’s unwavering spirit.

As 2025 draws to a close, Phoenicia T.A.A. Cyprus and Habanos S.A. once again unite to unveil the latest jewel in the Punch crown. The Punch Princesas – Limited Edition 2025. A declaration of more than 150 years of heritage, flavour, and artisanal excellence.

We look forward to welcoming our esteemed aficionados and aficionadas to the City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus, on December 6th, 2025, for an evening destined to make you feel nothing short of royalty.

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