Punch 898

[mbflash80]

I will pass at this price...175 would have been my max on these...

[Lotusguy]

Why do I get the feeling that it still will be a feeding frenzy, at the level of QdOs when this pops up on 24:24?

 

Maybe the first couple of times for the guys that need to be first on FB or Insta but I’m expecting 3 box specials down the road like we had with RG88

[joey rockets]

I'm still an amateur in the CC world.  That said, there are some other $25+ sticks I had in mind that are still in front and each needs certain qualities prior to a second try.

[Colt45]

They are expensive. But if I'm honest with myself, $25 a pop isn't all that outrageous when taken in the context of "luxury items". But the caveat would be that each and every cigar in the run would need to be of the highest quality in both smoking performance and flavor delivery.

I trust the Dynamic Duo's vid review - of those two cigars / that box. I'm not so sure I have faith in Habanos to deliver that standard of quality for each cigar in every box.

[JoeyBones777]

1 hour ago, mbflash80 said:

I will pass at this price...175 would have been my max on these...

175 is reasonable for a limited run Punch dalia and where I was hoping they would come in. If construction and blend consistencies were at Davidoff levels then 255 would still be steep but at least somewhat acceptable as an ultra premium special occassion smoke.

[KavalanWhisky]

Found a box in the LCDH in Hong Kong and had to smoke one to see if it was worth the hype...Jun 2019 box as well.

Great cold draw, wrappers were lighter than the 24:24 stock but nice leather colour.  First third was a dream, very punch DNA, nutty, peanut, sweet notes with hint of honey. Medium body with great smoke and lovely retro hale notes.  Developed more into the second third with perfect white ash and reminded me of the peanut nougat sweets you have.  The final third was definitely medium to full and a little harsher but for a 4 month old cigar it was acceptable.  Overall the best Punch I've smoked and give it 89/100. Would think they would only need 2-3 years rest before they are perfect.

 

[tigger]

@El Presidente, do you have any sense as to how these have been received in APAC and beyond ex our Smeagolesque, "My Skiniiiiiiiiiesssss" community?

[El Presidente]

Just now, tigger said:

@El Presidente, do you have any sense as to how these have been received in APAC and beyond ex our Smeagolesque, "My Skiniiiiiiiiiesssss" community?

The take-up throughout Asia has surprised everyone. 

Those holding out for a price drop are likely going to be disappointed. The take - up is light years stronger than the initial RG88. 

I don't know how many are yet to be made/released but right now, it is a huge success for PCC. 

[Vito]

What about the Punch Truncheon?? I’m looking for that one to come out as it’s the only regional I could say with certainty that I WILL be buying. On a serious note though, I don’t have a big problem paying anything for anything because if I bought it, I’m obviously in agreement with it. It cannot be overstated enough that this is a luxury “sport”. The guy looking for the reliable, daily smoke for not much money but also not much enjoyment either - stick to Cigars International and their low dollar offerings. I guess I’ve always been aware and accepted the world this all takes place in - that of luxury - the finest things in life. So I pay what they ask. If I don’t like it or can’t pay (9/10 this is the case if I walk away), I walk. Period. With that being said, I didn’t have a problem paying $298 for a box of ERDM Tainos but $298 for the 898’s doesn’t really get my hands loose with the wallet and “send” button. Know what I mean?? But I will buy one box for sure. Not something I’ll go deep on because I don’t see great value in them even with them being that luxury product. Just to have one box though I’ll buy one. 

[El Presidente]

9 minutes ago, Vito said:

Period. With that being said, I didn’t have a problem paying $298 for a box of ERDM Tainos but $298 for the 898’s doesn’t really get my hands loose with the wallet and “send” 

For the sake of accuracy, they were $255 ....not $298 

PCC sets the price and outside of multi box deals (shipping saving), we are not permitted to move on price for the first 12 months.  If anything is left after that, go nuts. 

They don't always get the price right, they appear to have done so this time. 

[tigger]

2 hours ago, El Presidente said:

The take-up throughout Asia has surprised everyone. 

Those holding out for a price drop are likely going to be disappointed. The take - up is light years stronger than the initial RG88. 

I don't know how many are yet to be made/released but right now, it is a huge success for PCC. 

Thanks Rob.

Always a pleasure to read your insights. ?

[Vito]

52 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

For the sake of accuracy, they were $255 ....not $298 

PCC sets the price and outside of multi box deals (shipping saving), we are not permitted to move on price for the first 12 months.  If anything is left after that, go nuts. 

They don't always get the price right, they appear to have done so this time. 

You had em both up for the same $298 price as I recall just recently. Maybe I was mistaken. Either way, I see more value, for me, with the Tainos and I usually don’t have a problem making purchases. That’s what I was referring to. Whatever GSA puts as a suggested retail price is something else. 

[JoeyBones777]

3 hours ago, El Presidente said:

They don't always get the price right, they appear to have done so this time. 

The beauty and beast of a free market...the consumer sets the price. Its a shame Habanos has slowly starved the market of skinnies and created such demand that people are willing to pay $25/stick for one. I wonder how much of that pricing is based on what Habanos is charging PCC...any insight on how that works?

[Reuben]

Cant wait to try one of these!

[Subcomandante]

59 minutes ago, JoeyBones777 said:

The beauty and beast of a free market...the consumer sets the price. Its a shame Habanos has slowly starved the market of skinnies and created such demand that people are willing to pay $25/stick for one. I wonder how much of that pricing is based on what Habanos is charging PCC...any insight on how that works?

It’s funny to see free market in the same sentence as Cuban cigars.

[El Presidente]

1 hour ago, JoeyBones777 said:

 I wonder how much of that pricing is based on what Habanos is charging PCC...any insight on how that works?

.......how it works is that they charge as much as they believe they can get away with. 

[Reuben]

1 hour ago, El Presidente said:

.......how it works is that they charge as much as they believe they can get away with. 

Is our next opportunity to grab a box next week?  

[Reuben]

I hope soon!  

[Tstew75]

Yep, reading thru this thread has confirmed it for me...I'd rather put my coin in a box of Espys or CoLas (at or around) these elevated prices per stick.

[Reuben]

Im still early in my CC journey, so Im happily trying and sampling everything right now.  My current favs include many such as RASS, Behikes, Most all Montes, QDO 54, Juan Lopez #2, ect ect.   I could keep listing and listing, so i guess that means i really enjoy many many profiles and Im happy to try this too!

[Reuben]

On 10/15/2019 at 9:03 PM, KavalanWhisky said:

Found a box in the LCDH in Hong Kong and had to smoke one to see if it was worth the hype...Jun 2019 box as well.

Great cold draw, wrappers were lighter than the 24:24 stock but nice leather colour.  First third was a dream, very punch DNA, nutty, peanut, sweet notes with hint of honey. Medium body with great smoke and lovely retro hale notes.  Developed more into the second third with perfect white ash and reminded me of the peanut nougat sweets you have.  The final third was definitely medium to full and a little harsher but for a 4 month old cigar it was acceptable.  Overall the best Punch I've smoked and give it 89/100. Would think they would only need 2-3 years rest before they are perfect.

 

Love that cigar rest!  Where did you find that one?  Great pic too!

[KavalanWhisky]

On 11/27/2019 at 1:48 PM, Reuben said:

Love that cigar rest!  Where did you find that one?  Great pic too!

Puro prestige, a little pricey but a gift from the wife