Today’s review is about a brand new release from Punch called Knuckle Buster. It was just shipped to retailers this month and I had the pleasure of smoking some pre-release sticks courtesy of General Cigar.
The Specifics
This permanent addition to the Punch line up is available in three vitolas:
- Robusto (4.5” x 52); MSRP per cigar $4.99; Available in 25 count boxes
- Toro (6” x 50); MSRP per cigar $5.49; Available in 25 count boxes
- Gordo (6.25” x 60) : MSRP per cigar $5.99; Available in 20 count boxes
My review is based on the Toro vitola.
The blend is comprised of a Nicaraguan Habano Wrapper and Binder and filler leaves from Nicaragua and Honduras.
The Experience
Appearance
The cigar band is blue, gray and white with a set of brass knuckles at the top.
The wrapper on the Knuckle Buster has a nice oily sheen
The wrapper on the Knuckle Buster has a nice oily sheen and comes in at Colorado on the color scale. There are some minor, visible veins and visible seams. The overall aroma of the wrapper smells like leather.
The triple cap is smoothly applied and the finished foot has a nice earthy aroma. Overall, this is a good looking cigar.
Pre-light
The cigar has a firm feel and is average in weight for its vitola. My guillotine cut effortlessly through the cap and the pre-light draw was perfect. I picked up on a peppery / slightly savory flavor on the draw.
I toasted the foot and then lit the cigar fully with my quad lighter.
1st third
At the very beginning, I picked up on sour/bitter flavors on my palate and a slight spice sensation on the retrohale. After the first inch, the retrohale began to increase quickly.
2nd third
Moving into the second third, the retrohale had a medium to strong sensation. The predominate flavor was a strong tobacco that coated my tongue.
Final third
For the final third, the retrohale was strong and very pronounced. The strong tobacco flavors continued along with a long satisfying finish.
Combustion
The cigar burned evenly throughout the entire session with a thin carbon ring and a very dark, firm, tight ash. Each puff produced a good amount of satisfying smoke.
[su_box title=”Summary” style=”glass” box_color=”#e1dddd”]Overall, I consider this cigar to be medium to strong in strength and medium bodied. It was an enjoyable smoking experience.
I rate the Punch Knuckle Buster an 87.[/su_box]