Okay, quick review of a fresh Punch Punch out of a 50 cab GUT Sept 13, probably very similar to the ones some of you will may be receiving. Perhaps even from the same master case
Appearance and construction: These are some of the nicest looking wrappers I have seen in a while. Smooth and glossy colorado claro, darker and a few more small veins than a cohiba would have, but still really pretty to look at. Fill on this one was generous, I didn't have a scale, but it felt a touch heavier than the mag46 and SLR A I had on hand (both are also CGs). It also burned longer than the mag46. Draw on this sample was spot on. Burn required a touch up mid way through. I attribute this to a stem in the binder. Overall, not perfect but very good.
Strength: It started out mild and built to a medium. For a marca named 'Punch' I always expect these to be stronger. They just aren't. I'm okay with that, but those looking for a strong cigar should look elsewhere. Nicaragua perhaps.
Flavor: This was a very sweet cigar with a heavy molasses flavor. Really bold even though the cigar itself was strong. I had a hard time putting my finger on the nuances. There was something vegetable about it, maybe an Anaheim pepper type quality. This maybe a sign that its still a little young. Also present where those hints of stone fruit you heard about in the marca. My 06 Punch DCs have a black cherry quality, this seemed more like a dried apricot, but hell if I really know.
Assessment: Very Good, but I think these will need a little age before they really shine. In a year or so I could see them improving remarkably. Glad I got enough to put some away for awhile. If I was going to buy one box of 2013 production to smoke now, I would probably go with the HdM epicure #2, but I don't think anyone would be disappointed with these.