Every January in the cigar world, two forces collide. One is curation: lists, awards, “best of” roundups that crown winners and shape what people think they should smoke. The other is scarcity: limited releases, allocation games, and “blink and it’s gone” drops that shape what people can actually smoke. In 2026, that collision is getting louder—and more consequential.

The maple syrup echoes the cigar’s woody sweetness. Strawberries lift the aroma with a bright, slightly tangy perfume that keeps the palate awake.

Start with the cigar first. Give it a few minutes to establish its “dry” architecture—wood, toast, a little pepper through the nose.

Across its long history, the cigar has repeatedly reinvented itself without losing its essential premise: a slow technology of pleasure made from an ordinary plant, elevated by knowledge.

Discover the Punch Grand Cru, a long, elegant Cuban corona known for its subtle flavour, floral aroma, and exceptional balance. Reviewed by Grammy-Nominated musician and cigar aficionado Julyo.