Punch unveiled the elegant Princesas. With Mediterranean glamour and Cuban soul, this debut marked a fresh chapter for one of Havana’s most charming heritage brands.
Hello, dear reader,
There are moments in the cigar world when time seems to slow, when a new release carries not just excitement but an almost ceremonial weight. This past weekend in Limassol, Cyprus, I found myself standing in one of those rare moments, the global launch of the Punch Princesas, held at the magnificent City of Dreams resort. And as you might imagine, the evening was filled with all the energy, elegance, and anticipation a Habanos debut deserves.
Punch and Its Princesas
Punch is one of those Cuban brands that never really stole the limelight, not like it did now at least. Founded in the 19th century for the British market, Punch has retained its unmistakable charm: rustic, honest, consistent, and full of personality.
The Princesas vitola marks a meaningful extension of the brand’s modern portfolio, a small Robusto format, vitola de galera Edmundo, 52 x 135, it’s compact, elegant, and approachable, it’s the kind of cigar that fits beautifully into everyday life without compromising on authenticity. A vitola with lineage, now bearing the Punch diadema for a new generation.
A Setting Fit for a Global Debut
The City of Dreams resort in Limassol is exactly what its name promises: sleek lines, polished marble, an atmosphere suspended somewhere between ultramodern luxury and Mediterranean ease. On that evening, the resort was filled with the unmistakable scent of freshly lit Habanos drifting through the hallways.
I arrived early enough to take in the setting, the panoramic views of the sea, the architectural details that seemed designed specifically to complement a cigar in hand, the energy of aficionados gathering from countries near and far. Cyprus may not frequently host global launches, but on that night, it felt like the perfect stage.
Smoke and Glamour
As the sun dipped into the Mediterranean, the evening took shape. Soft amber lights illuminated the space, bartenders crafted cocktails with precision, trays of canapés made gentle circuits between groups deep in conversation and the Magnum Taitinger Champagne flowed freely.
In the cocktail area we had the opportunity to see amazing lighters and accessories from ST Dupont and try on high end horologerie made by Roger Dubuis.
As we made our way into the dining area, where a 6 course dinner was waiting for participants, everything was perfectly aligned and the attention to detail was taken to new heights. Even the butter had the Punch 185 anniversary logo on it. Besides the selection of 4 Punch cigars we were gifted upon arrival, during the night a Punch Double Corona made its appearance to make everything even better.
And then, with all the quiet excitement of a curtain rising, Punch Princesas made its royal entrance.
The cigars were presented with elegance, classic Punch branding, perfectly rolled vitolas, their wrappers shining softly under the venue's lights. I took mine in hand, appreciating the symmetry, the firmness, the aroma hinting at the profile to come. It was one of those simple yet unforgettable first encounters.
What can you expect from enjoying the Punch Princesas.
The opening should be gentle but confident, creamy notes, toasted cedar, and a mild sweetness that feels entirely in character with Punch. The smoke will be warm and fragrant. There might be a touch of spice at the edges, subtle but promising.
The cigar will deepen as you enjoy it further, probably hints of dried fruit and soft pepper. The flavor progression will be surprisingly layered for the vitola size as the tobacco is aged for two years before rolling.
Near the end richness will build without aggression. This is a smooth cigar, with an elegant finish that lingers longer than you might expect, a signature of Punch’s honest tobacco style. Compact but expressive, refined and celebratory.
For its size, the Princesas delivers more than enough complexity to justify its presence in the modern lineup. I feel it's a cigar made not just for collectors, but for daily ritual.
Your focus should be on getting your hands on some of these sooner rather than later.
The launch of Princesas means more than just another addition to the Habanos portfolio. It represents something the industry has subtly been moving toward, thoughtful vitola choices, and a return to cigars that celebrate time well spent rather than time consumed.
Princesas fits perfectly into this philosophy. It’s the cigar you can smoke on a terrace before dinner, during a break in conversation, or while watching the sun fade into the horizon.
Collectability & Future Market Potential
Will Punch Princesas become collectible? The honest answer is yes, it already has. Any global launch in today’s Cuban cigar climate carries inherent desirability. The packaging, the size, and the renewed energy behind the Punch brand all contribute to this momentum.
But more importantly, Princesas will likely become one of those cigars people always keep on hand. A dependable smoke that balances interest, accessibility, and charm. In other words, a cigar with both practical appeal and long-term significance.
UNA NOCHE para recordar en Limassol
The evening stretched on with more cocktails, more conversations, and more of that unmistakable sense of community that only cigars can conjure. The City of Dreams provided the perfect backdrop, stylish yet welcoming, luxurious and warm.
This event was organized by Phoenicia and Habanos SA, and this combination is the reason why most aficionados world wide eagerly wait for this event. Everything is perfectly planned, catered and carried out with an acute attention to detail. All this effort increases the comfort we selfishly enjoy. That being said I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone that invested their time and energy into this event as it took a long time to put together. Not to mention the execution was flawless.
Here’s to Punch Princesas, a cigar that carries a touch of old Havana charm into the modern world.
Wishing you rich flavors and good company, until we meet again.