Ramon Allones Gigantes vs. Punch Double Coronas

[EasternPromises]

I am looking to pick up a box of either RA Gigantes or Punch DC but I’m currently undecided on which to pick.

The RA marca has never done it for me - I think the No 3 is OK and the RASS is decent but the Superiores is not tasty to my palate (even with some age) and the RASCC is just so-so. I understand, however, that the RAG is the most complex of the line and is generally regarded as an under appreciated DC.

I probably like Punch better than RA but out of the entire line, I’ve only really resonated with the PsdP and the Royal Seleccion 12 and Petite Coronas. I understand the Punch DC is the cigar of choice for those with the patience for long-term aging. 

For those who have smoked some recent RAG and Punch DC:

• Which are smoking better and which box would be your choice?
• For the Punch DC, would you describe it as closer to a Punch Punch or a PSdP?

[Chitmo]

Whenever I have such a problem I buy both! Sorry, I’m more of a enabler than a helper. 

[Li Bai]

Both are outstanding cigars, I would take the Punch myself but only because I only have two of those left 😅

You should probably try a few of each beforehand, my two cents...

[Cigar-Therapy]

I enjoy the Punch DC over the RA Gigantes. I’ve got a box of each from 2020. Like you - the RA have been lost on me - but I keep smoking them trying to find it. 

[Cigarsmoker81]

I would go for Punch DC. Ramon Allones doesn’t seem like a marca that resonates with you.

[Ford2112]

Buy them both. I'm a fan of Punch DC. Only 4 left in the humidor 😕

[NSXCIGAR]

I would have to vote for the Punch DC over the RAG. I really haven't been that impressed with the RAG for many years. 

[Chibearsv]

RAG is molasses, touch of tart berry, and creamy. Punch is nutty, bread, and woody. Both very good and very different. For me, depends on the day as is true with most cigars. 

[Lt4-396]

Your second paragraph,to me,points you towards Punch. Both DCs are representative of their Marca. To think you will enjoy the RAG when you don't like RA is odd to me.

When these were $300 a box I could see rolling the dice and grabbing both. I would buy the Punch and try to buy/trade a single or three of the RAG.

[BettyHumpder]

i'm in the same boat as you. very much disliked the superiores. i thought RASS was the bees knees but after smoking through a cab of them and i'm not sure i need to smoke them again. however, i absolutely love the gigantes.

[EasternPromises]

Thanks, all - appreciate the replies and input. 

For me, i think the RASS has always had to battle against the burden of expectations as an almost universally-loved cigar. I didn’t hate the RASS but it also didn’t blow me away or make me want to include it in my regular rotation.

Looks like the consensus is to go with Punch. I just picked up a couple boxes of LGC Turquinos though so the Punch DC might have to wait!

[BrightonCorgi]

I'd go for the Punch DCs; really special and dear. As @Lt4-396 mentions, both are true to their style. Punch DCs don't come around as often and I would snag that first and then work on the RAGs. 

Either cigar will afford decades of enjoyment if they stay in your cabinet that long.

[smpf67]

Punch DC is astounding, can never go wrong. (Except for their prices now!)

[Li Bai]

I really like the Punch DC myself, that's quite interesting because in my cigar community it doesn't get so much love.

[SUP8333]

10/10 Would go for the Punch DC! 

[Jaks93]

I would suggest picking up a few singles of each cigar and sampling them before investing in a full box. This way, you can avoid committing to a box that you might not enjoy later.

Everyone's palate is different, and taste is very subjective. Ultimately, the best cigar for you is the one that tastes best to you. Hope you find what you're looking for and happy smokes 👍