Connoisseur’s Corner: Punch Churchill (1991)
Big Punch cigars can be glorious, and this stately Churchill—which is one year older than this magazine—doesn’t disappoint. It has a true box press, its edges squared by being compressed into a dress box next to its neighbors. It starts off with an earthy core balanced by copious coffee bean notes, a wisp of leather and a light chocolate sweetness. About halfway through, it hits a new gear, picking up strength and complexity, evoking flavors of almond paste and cappuccino. Wonderfully balanced, teeming with flavor and hard to put down. —David Savona
Genuinely authentic and smooth with a perfect draw. Nutmeg flavors come through with very satisfying clarity while faint notes of citrus and lemon bring some zesty detail. Some Cuban Davidoffs are past their prime, but this corona is among the more delicious aged Davidoffs from Cuba I’ve ever smoked. —Marvin R. Shanken
A classic Cohiba. After a brief warmup, this cigar delivers solid notes of coffee and nutmeg with a light nuttiness on the finish. It has a solid medium body that highlights a perfect balance of well-aged tobacco. It smokes perfectly (always a challenge with the lancero size). While smoking well now, it has years of development to come. —Gordon Mott
The Monty No. 2s from this box were never powerhouse cigars, as I smoking one as soon as I bought it in Havana four years ago. It’s become mellow and subtle, starting floral and cedary before leaving light impressions of graham cracker and pecan. Quite elegant, but it’s only going to get milder with more age, so smoke these now. —Gregory Mottola
