Exhausted from work, I decided to smoke a good cigar to reward myself. I scanned the humidor, thinking I found the best cigar of the day. The cigar itself is very attractive. The covering has a lovely deep brown wrapper with a rich buttery sheen. You might be wondering what cigar I am referring to—it’s the Knuckle Buster Natural Toro of Punch, a classic cigar brand.
It has been months since I had this cigar, but I still remember how beautiful it was when I bought it. Knuckle Buster is packaged in a bright blue box with eye-catching vivid graphics. When opening the box, the light blue stripes clearly visible on the badge and a set of bronze knuckles undoubtedly increase the visual appeal.
Unlike rare limited edition cigars, Punch Knuckle Buster Natural Toro is affordable and practical for tobacco smokers. With a retail price of $5.49, casual smokers would surely be drawn to it.
Pull of Cigar
Prior to smoking, I used a straight cut to remove the lid. The cold draw gave me a blend of petrichor—the pleasant scent when the rain falls on dry soil, the sweet aroma of honey, and the typical cigar smell. I certainly captured the rich earth, strong spices, moist wood, and tobacco aromas on the foot and on its Nicaragua Habano wrapper. I also noticed how the seams were meticulously sealed, making it tight and almost invisible, though the surface seems bumpy with some obvious veins.
Taste
The first third was a bit surprising. My taste buds were welcomed with flavors of cedar, a hint of graham cracker but with overpowering bitterness. There is also a subtle peppery taste, roasted nuts with a touch of saltiness. I tried retrohaling as well which gave further exposure to the flavors.
As the second third begins, the quick transitioning of cigar happens. I can taste a faint of dry wood catching the blend of the same flavors earlier but with a much gentler approach. I was anticipating for more things to occur, but I guess I get my hopes up
When the last third settles in, it was somewhat similar to the second third. An earthy flavor passed through and was then ended with an aromatic cedar.
Sporadically, the burn seems to be a bit off. This may be attributed to its oily wrapper. Nonetheless, the smoke from beginning to end showed consistency.
Overall Review of Punch Knuckle Buster Natural Toro
Knuckle Buster is a mid-weight cigar that will appeal to novices and experienced smokers. It met my expectations. It has an adequately simple and steady flavor. Taking its price into account, the smoking experience I had was just fine. Overall it’s a low-priced, enjoyable cigar which gets a rating of 83 from me.
Other Cigars Reviews
Other Punch Cigar Reviews
Punch Diablo Scamp
Ranked #18 on our list of Top 25 Cigars, the Punch Diablo Scamp cigar is a beautiful mix of Honduran and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. The cigar comes with a stunning dark brown Ecuador Sumatra wrapper. It comes with an easy draw and an ivory ash that is often complemented with a soft and creamy texture and it has notes of sweet and spices as well as earth, leather, and chocolate.
You can’t find any cigar product in the General Cigar’s large portfolio that can be more powerful and full-bodied compared to the Punch Diablo. The thing with Punch Diablo is that it does not only show its strength simply to exhibit power simply for the sake of power. Its strength is justifiable by its function as a vehicle for the delivery of richness that no other punch has ever attained. Every puff you take on the Punch Diablo Scamp is like when you bite on a dense chunk of chocolate fudge combined with espresso beans as well as walnuts. General Cigar employed the services of A.J. Fernandez who is responsible for the superb blend. The Punch Diablo Scamp is the first Punch owned by General to be created outside Honduras. It is usually rolled at the company’s on-site factory: the STG Danlí factory.
Punch Bareknuckle Pita
Punch, a historic Habano brand, gained acclaim with introducing the Bareknuckle variant, noted for its full-bodied intensity that stands out within the brand’s medium-bodied tradition. The Punch Bareknuckle Pita, hailing from Honduras, features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and offers a rich, complex flavor marked by earthy, leathery tones and nuances of spice, pepper, and cream, all encased in a striking Maduro wrapper adorned with eye-catching blue and gold bands. Its harmonious flavor complexity appeals to both novices and connoisseurs seeking an affordable, quality cigar. This blend is particularly suited for individuals who appreciate medium to full strength while enjoying a well-rounded taste, as noted in the review of Punch Bareknuckle Pita.
Other Nicaraguan Cigar Reviews
Joya de Nicaragua Silver
Joya de Nicaragua, a prestigious cigar manufacturer with over five decades of history, is celebrated for producing some of the finest cigars, popular among connoisseurs worldwide. The Joya de Nicaragua Silver, a notable product in their line, stands out with its full-bodied yet smooth flavor, ideal for anyone seeking a quality Nicaraguan cigar. This robusto shape cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and delivers complex flavors, including notes of pepper, nuts, coffee, and a subtle transition to creaminess, all encased in a beautifully crafted, albeit simply designed silver band. Despite minor inconsistencies in the draw, the cigar’s excellent construction, rich flavor profile, and the value it offers for its price point make it an attractive choice for both casual smokers and aficionados alike. This comprehensive analysis concludes with a positive review of Joya de Nicaragua Silver, endorsing it as a premium choice for anyone looking to savor a meticulously crafted Nicaraguan cigar.
La Herencia Cubana Toro
The La Herencia Cubana Toro cigar stands out for its dark, rough wrapper and full-bodied, robust flavor profile, with predominant black pepper and Nicaraguan tobacco notes. Originating from Nicaragua and encased in an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, this Toro-sized cigar provides a long, intense smoking experience, appreciated by enthusiasts fond of bold tastes. Despite its impressive construction, the lack of flavor diversity and the overpowering strength might not appeal to beginners or those preferring milder blends. While a beautifully colored band enhances the cigar’s appearance, some may find the design simplistic. Ultimately, the review of La Herencia Cubana Toro highlights its suitability for those seeking a potent, straightforward flavor profile, though it might be overwhelming for others.
