Punch Petit Corona 2007 Review : Ode to the 40 and 42 gauge review week.

[ChanceSchmerr]

We've had an awful winter here and a lousy spring here in the Pacific Northwest. Just the worst kind of endless rain and cold.  Monday's "high" of 10C was the lowest high on record for that May 15th in Victoria.  Horrendous!  However, that seems to be changing as we're skyrocketing above 20C this weekend.  That means it's time for some of my favorite cigars - 42 RGs!

First one for these reviews is the late, great Punch Petit Corona.  This one's a 2007 edition that a mate from London traded me, I saw boxes of these 2007 beauties in Geneva a couple of years ago, but I ended up going for the older 2004 box (misprinted as "Petti Corona" on the side of the box) for the same price.  The 2007 singles I've had since then make me wish I had gotten the 2007 box instead.  Ah well.  This is my last 2007 one that I have - hopefully someday I'll be able to pick up more.

This one suffered under a coordination fail - I dropped it a couple of days ago wile removing it from my humidor.  Cracked the head.  We've all done it - embarrassing as hell. Hopefully it'll still draw.

One thing I've loved about the 2007-2008 Punches is the improved embossing on the 42-RG bands.  I have 2004 (and older) cigars that have bands which could charitably be called "embossed", but in reality were flat as a board.  Thankfully it appeared that someone in 2007 found the embosser, got their act together and started cranking out really beautiful Punch bands.  You can also find them on EMA NOV 07 Petit Punches, EMA FEB 08 Super Selection No.1s, and 2007 Punch Superfinos RE Italias.  Maybe it was just an EMA thing.  Either way, they are gorgeous bands.

A careful clip of this one, and we're off - the draw is proper, and with some careful manipulation, I think I'll be able to smoke this one. Cold draw of nutty, slightly spicy tobacco.  Oh I should mention, I'm smoking this at work, so no tipple for me aside from water unfortunately. I'll save the whisky for later

First third is wonderful - Rich, Fruity spice with sour fruits at the fore - exactly what I want from a nicely aged Punch.  When they made them right, these really shined.  I even get a little maltiness in the background, like you would on a Highland malt like AnCnoc 16.  Delicious smoke, and no draw issues from the cracked head.

Second third is much like the first.  Lots of complexity in the palate, perhaps some more nuttiness (walnuts and pecans). Still lots of stewed sour fruit in there.  It's smoking like a champ!

Final third starts to go a bit awry - once the band comes off the wrapper gives up, and it's hard to keep together, so with about an inch to go, I must say finis. Still, even with the self-destruct before the normal end, this little guy was an excellent smoke, I'd say 93pts for sure.

If you've got any 2007 Punch PC's - enjoy 'em now, they are in their stride!

Thanks for reading!

[Boosted]

Very nice Chris! I don't have 07 PCs, but I've got 06 and 07 Coronas that have been just stellar.

[fabes]

Well done. I've always enjoyed reading your reviews. 

[ChanceSchmerr]

50 minutes ago, fabes said:

Well done. I've always enjoyed reading your reviews. 

Thanks mate, Very kind of you

[Philc2001]

Great review of a classic I am quite fond of. I think I still have one or two early 2ks.

But if the 07s are in their stride then you just put my last 07 Punch Corona on my short list for this weekend.

Thank you.




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[JohnS]

What a joy it is to read an aged cigar review that is so fundamentally satisfying despite a cracked wrapper (or faulty construction sometimes). 

I'm living vicariously through your review, how I wish I had an '07 Punch!

[TheMonk]

Good job!

[Philc2001]

Just smoked my last 2007 Punch Corona, a great cigar. Thanks for the inspiration.


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[kyriakos]

I'm just smoking a 2007 punch petit corona after 17.5 years (FEB 2007). What a cigar!!!! 

[ChanceSchmerr]

15 hours ago, kyriakos said:

I'm just smoking a 2007 punch petit corona after 17.5 years (FEB 2007). What a cigar!!!! 

Bless you for resurrecting this old thread/review. I can honestly agree with my past self - I really should have bought more 07/08 Punch PCdPs instead of that 04 box of "Petti Coronas".  They have been fine but not anywhere like these were.

07/08 was a golden age for Punch cigars IMO.