Quick Smoke: Punch Knuckle Buster Toro
13 Jul 2020
From time to time we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,†“hold,†or “sell.â€
Earlier this year, General Cigar launched a regular production extension to its Punch brand called Knuckle Buster. “Punch is committed to staying true to what the brand has represented over the last six decades: a consistent, well-made, no-nonsense cigar at a price that’s fair and reasonable,†said Ed Lahmann, senior brand manager, in a February press release. “Punch Knuckle Buster honors this commitment with a solid, enticing blend for the people who work hard to enjoy the good life.†Made at General’s Honduras American Tabaco S.A. (HATSA) factory in DanlÃ, Knuckle Buster boasts a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, a Nicaraguan Habano binder, and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and Honduras. The Toro (6 x 50) retails for $5.49 and, while not overly complex or sophisticated, gets the job done in terms of bang-for-your-buck. It’s medium-bodied with ample Honduran leather and black pepper spice offset by a dark cherry sweetness. The burn and draw are good, though the gray, flaky ash tends to fall off the foot prematurely. I’d recommend this cigar for yardwork, fishing, or the golf course.
Verdict = Hold.
photo credit: Stogie Guys
I very much enjoy your reviews and have appreciated that you review on the basis of value, rather than only giving high marks to ridiculously expensive smokes. I always enjoyed Roger Ebert’s movie reviews for the same reason: he didn’t downgrade an action movie just because it was an action movie; if it was a good action movie it was rewarded for being an exemplary representation of what it was trying to be. So . . . it sounded like you enjoyed this cigar, but gave it a Hold. Just wondering whether you thought the price was too high for a golf cigar or that no “golf” cigar could get a Buy designation. I enjoy the occasional high-end cigar, but would also appreciate what you think is a great golf cigar.
Thomas – I would say I enjoyed the cigar, but was not terribly enthused either. Personally, I’d prefer to pay a couple dollars more for a better experience in terms of flavor. That’s ultimately why I settled on a “hold” rating.