Cigar World Deep Dive: Punch Golden Era

“Tradition” is one of the most important terms in the cigar industry. A few cigar brands can trace their roots back to the 19th century, and many cigar manufacturers try to carry on — if not replicate — the traditions laid down by their predecessors. Punch Golden Era is an exciting case study in tradition because it heavily features a type of tobacco that was once incredibly popular but is now a rarity: authentic Corojo. 

Punch Golden Era Fast Facts

Brand: Punch

Blend Breakdown:

Wrapper: Honduran Havana Seed Corojo

Binder: Honduran Havana Seed Corojo

Filler: Honduran Havana Seed Corojo & Habano

Sizes: Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 52), Churchill (7 x 48), Lancero (7 x 38)

SRP: $9.99 -$10.99 per single cigar. 

Factory: Fábrica de Puros Aladino at Las Lomas Jamastran

Punch Golden Era First Impressions

One of the key selling points of Punch Golden Era is the rare Honduran Havana Seed Corojo tobacco found throughout the cigar. For Golden Era, Punch worked with Julio and Justo Eiroa of JRE tobacco to use authentic Corojo tobacco grown on the Eiroa farm in Honduras. At the Eiroa farm, artisans cultivate Corojo tobacco grown only from original Cuban Corojo seeds. Unlike hybrid versions of Corojo — Corojo ‘99, Corojo ‘06, for instance — Corojo from the Eiroa farm represents a legendary strain of tobacco that once dominated the cigar industry. 

Diego Rodriguez first developed Corojo tobacco in Cuba in the 1930s and 40s. Corojo was — and still is — prized for its balance of rich flavors and silky smooth finish. For years, Corojo wrappers adorned the most celebrated cigars in the industry, but it gradually fell out of favor because of its susceptibility to disease. Indeed, Blue Mold nearly eradicated the tobacco strain until the Eiroa farm salvaged it. Today, the Eiroa farm combines traditional and modern techniques to cultivate this delicate but incredible tobacco. 

Punch Golden Era certainly highlights the “Golden” nature of Corojo tobacco. While the wrapper is an attractive golden brown, the two bands are also gold. (The secondary band is a detailed picture of a Corojo leaf.) The wrapper is smooth and silky in appearance and to the touch, and early tasting notes from light up are earth and creaminess. 

Punch Golden Era occupies an intriguing place in the Punch lineup. The branding is familiar — with the classic PUNCH logo — but certainly elevated for this release. And the box is a reddish brown with gold lettering. 

While Punch Cigars has a long history in Honduras, this is the first collaboration (of sorts) with JRE tobacco.  

John Hakim, brand manager for Punch, said, “The Eiroa family has perfected Corojo tobacco, and we are excited to bring it to life with Punch Golden Era. This tobacco delivers a silky, golden wrapper, a binder with ideal combustibility, and a filler that produces unique spicy notes and a spectrum of nuances. We’re especially pleased to make a true Corojo experience available for cigar lovers to enjoy any time the occasion calls for a rich and rewarding smoke.”

Punch Golden Era Smoking Experience

Punch Golden Era is a mellow-to-medium-bodied cigar with earthy, creamy, and nutty tasting notes. The flavor profile is balanced and smooth but supplemented by hints of spice (pepper) and woodiness that fill out the smoke. The Corojo and Habano tobaccos dovetail nicely to create a uniform but never-boring experience. The finish is smooth and creamy throughout. 

In terms of construction, Golden Era is nearly flawless. It burns well and evenly, with clean white ash and noticeable burn indentations. The draw is flawless. 

Suggested drink pairings include espresso, pinot noir, and aged rum. 

Punch Golden Era Final Thoughts

Punch Cigars boasts one of the most celebrated collections in the cigar industry. Indeed, 11 of its cigars have received 90+ ratings from esteemed cigar publications, and it’s no surprise that Golden Era also garnered a 90 rating from Cigar Aficionado. Though Golden Era is mellower than a “typical” Punch, it still packs plenty of flavor and delivers a near-perfect burn and draw. 

Moreover, the fact that you can pick up a Punch Golden Era for around $10 is truly remarkable. 

We have no trouble recommending Punch Golden Era. Long-time fans of Punch and cigars generally should try it for the Corojo-heavy blend alone, and newcomers to the hobby will likely appreciate its smooth and creamy flavor profile., Punch Golden Era wouldn’t be out of place at any smoke session. 

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