Punch Uppercut

Overall Score

1 review for Punch Uppercut

  1. Ed

    Punch Upp

    Origin : HondurasPunch
    Format : Grand Corona
    Size : 6 x 45
    Wrapper : Ecuador (Sumatra)
    Binder : Nicaragua
    Filler : Nicaragua
    Hand-Made
    Price : $100-120 for a box of 20

    The Punch Uppercut line is the latest release from the General Cigar Company. This cigar features an Ecuadorian grown Sumatra wrapper and filler tobacco from Nicaragua. The binder is grown on the island of Ometepe which is located off the coast of Nicaragua. The volcanic soil of the island produces very rich tobacco. The Uppercut comes in three vitolas; today’s featured cigar is the Grand Corona (6.0 in. X 45 ring gauge).

    Appearance : [rating:4.5/5]
    The Ecuadorian grown Sumatra wrapper is very dark brown with many veins running along the length of the cigar. It features a dual cap with the top cap lighter in color than the second one.
    The wrapper is not too shiny, but it is smooth to the touch. It also has two bands with the second one located at the foot of the cigar.

    Construction : [rating:4/5]
    The Uppercut is a very solid cigar with no soft spots. Both bands were easily removed. The pre-light draw and the draw during the smoke were a bit restricted.
    No smoke was visible while the cigar was resting during the first half of the smoke; the second half was more smoky.
    It produced a good white and packed ash and no burn issues were encountered during the smoke.

    Flavor : [rating:4/5]
    The wrapper had a floral, sweet scent while the foot had a more pronounced sweet almost like a candy bar smell to it. The aromas from the wrapper were not as strong as the foot.
    The pre-light draw was very chocolaty; it really felt like one was enjoying a candy bar. Other baking spices like cinnamon were perceived during the pre-light ritual. The initial flavors upon lighting it were leather with a hint of pepper. It seemed though that during the first half of the cigar, it had a light astringency to it; my mouth became slightly dry. It was not unbearable, but it was unexpected. The retrohale felt peppery just like white pepper.
    About an inch into it, nutty flavors became more dominant while the pepper disappeared. The rest of the cigar featured nuts as the predominant flavor.

    Value : [rating:3/5]
    I am not sure if paying around $6.00/stick for this size is such a good value. Maybe for a once in a while cigar, but not for a daily cigar.

    Overall Rating : [rating:4/5]
    The Uppercut had a great beginning in terms of flavors; however, it seemed to become flat in its profile after the first third of the cigar. I have no issues with that, but the astringency was the main problem I found with this cigar. Although this may be a good quality for certain wines, I am not a big fan of it in cigars. The price was another negative issue as I am not sure it merits a $6.00/cigar tag. General Cigar produces good cigars of excellent quality, but personally, the Uppercut was not my favorite. As a matter of fact, one of my “go to” cigars is their Excalibur 1066 Dark Knight line. I would recommend that one over the Uppercut.

    [sz]punch uppercut[/sz]

    Helpful?
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    • Sticks

      Nice review Ed. I’ve been on the fence about buying some of these but after reading your review I think I’ll pass on these for now.

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Cigar Region Honduras
Filler Nicaragua
Wrapper Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder Nicaragua
Length 6
Ring Gauge 45
Vitola Grand Corona
Construction Hand Made