Punch Spring Roll – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

At the beginning of this year (2023), Punch announced that they were celebrating The Year of the Rabbit with a limited-edition cigar: Spring Roll. This latest release is the fifth edition of their Chinese New Year Series which previously has included: Fu Manchu (2022), Kung Pow! (2021), Chop Suey (2020) and Egg Roll (2019). This latest release honors the original. “Spring Roll is the yin to Egg Roll’s yang,” a press release described. The release also mentions that the “Year of the Rabbit is said to bring good fortune,” and they “invite Punch fans to kick back and let the good times Spring Roll.”

Punch Spring Roll is produced at the HATSA factory in Danli, Honduras. The blend uses tobacco from five countries including an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, USA Broadleaf binder, and fillers from Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Mexico. Punch Spring Roll also includes a signature shaggy foot and comes in 25-count “takeout” boxes inspired by the packaging of Punch Egg Roll which kicked off the Chinese New Year series. Only 5,000 boxes were made and each cigar has a price tag of $5.99. Punch Spring Roll measures 4.5” x 50.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Rothschild
Length: 4 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Columbia, Dominican Republic, USA, Mexico
Factory: STG Danli
Blender: Agustin Garcia
Number of reviewers: 5 – Sean F. (fullermaine) Randy B. (randobush) Noah S. (Noah) Chris M. (Chris) Angel M. (Angel)
Price: $5.99
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: Feb 2023
Contributed by: General Cigar

Initial Impressions – Punch Spring Roll

Appearance: 93

“Most notable with regards to appearance is the fact that about a half inch of wrapper is missing right at the foot, revealing the binder leaf and a stark contrast in shade between it and the wrapper leaf. I can only assume that because the wrappers edge is uniform all the way around the cigar’s circumference and is clearly not torn that this was an intentional feature. At the very least it will certainly highlight the contributions of the wrapper leaf to the flavor, aroma, and blend. The binder is a much lighter sandy tan shade with a rosado hue and itty bitty tiny teeth that are crystalline. The wrapper is a few shades darker, a soft medium brown with very subtle mottling, barely noticeable teeth and thick veins that contribute to a bumpy texture.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Aroma: 93

“On the wrapper, there is a nice amount of sweet tobacco, baking spice, and vanilla. The foot, on the other hand, is a bit more muted, with a slight hint of sweet tobacco.” –Angel M. (Angel)

First Third

Flavor: 95
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The initial puffs produce a smoke that is plentiful and ultra-smooth with aromatics that are noticeably sweet. A dynamic combination of spice balanced by a touch of sweetness is evident right off the bat. Cedar dominates and is accompanied by plum with subtle hints of a citrus zest, all of which lead to a finish that is surprisingly short. With regards to flavor, it is pretty obvious when the burn line reaches the point where the wrapper leaf begins. Cedar drops back almost entirely to the finish while a delightfully creamy milk chocolate and cinnamon duo join the fruity flavors up top. The retro further balances and accentuates the smoke with the addition of an undeniable black pepper, not overpowering but certainly enough to grab some attention.” –Noah S. (Noah)

“The first 1/2” (with no wrapper) flares out slightly and intentionally from the ring gauge of the rest of the cigar, and burns relatively fast. Fast enough that I was not even aware enough to note the flavors before getting past the exposed binder, and into the wrapper, which definitely added a toasty complexity. 3/4” in, I’m getting fig, baking spices, coffee, toffee, and a delightful retrohale that’s all marshmallowy baking spices, and cedar.” –Randy B. (randobush)

Second Third

Flavor: 96
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Going into the second third, the smoke still remains very smooth and creamy and cool. The flavors remain fairly the same with the cashew dominating, followed by the vanilla. However, the faint hickory taste I was picking up has disappeared, and has been replaced by leather.” –Angel M. (Angel)

“The coffee and oak have picked up a fair amount. The cocoa/plum combination hits at a more moderate level currently, also where the sweet floral notes ended up. The nuttiness has taken the biggest dip, more of a background note now. There is a spice mix that decided to pop out as well. It’s a low to moderate mix of black pepper and nutmeg.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Final Third

Flavor: 96
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“With the exception of a gradual rise in the temperature of the smoke, there isn’t much new to report entering the home stretch. The change in temperature has lent itself to a few subtle changes in the mouthfeel of the smoke but that’s about it. The fruity tanginess from the plum is now biting at the tip of my tongue in a pleasant and noticeable way. Meanwhile the creamy finish from the milk chocolate and cinnamon is lingering on the palate long between each puff and is making my mouth water. Most surprisingly, the finish is remaining sweet which I find atypical as a hotter smoke generally takes a bitter turn. Even the retro hangs on until the very end, bogarted by the same black pepper that tingles the nostrils as this stick approaches the nub.” –Noah S. (Noah)

“Coffee and oak still lead, but the plum/cocoa notes have picked back up. Also elevated are the black pepper and nutmeg. They are both well balanced just below the top. The nuttiness on the back is joined by a sweet natural tobacco that replaced the floral notes.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Overall Impressions – Punch Spring Roll

Draw: 96

“The cigar has a fairly tight draw and does require you to put in a little effort.” –Angel M. (Angel)

Burn: 98

“Razor sharp burn and stacked dimes of ash the entire cigar.” –Randy B. (randobush)

Construction: 95

“As mentioned before I believe the missing portion of wrapper leaf was an intentional feature and I will not be detracting from the rating on construction. I see no major flaws. Ultra tight seams are most notable as I can’t even feel them when dragging a thumbnail across. A nice lengthy double cap that was applied with expert fashion is fairly straight. Lastly, a consistently firm roll from head to foot provides just the right amount of give when the stick is given a squeeze.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 96

“A great after-dinner cigar. Notes of leather, hickory, oak, and salt. A perfect cigar in appearance, construction, burn, and taste. Pairs well with an iced tea or your favorite adult beverage. I’d want this cigar in my humidor and share it with friends. I would seek this out at my local cigar shop.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“Really enjoyed this cigar, from its unique appearance of the wrapper stopping short a 1/2” at the bottom (leaving the binder exposed) to the fantastically toasty/toffee/coffee/fig/baking spices/salty butter flavors, and an equally delicious retrohale throughout. I’d sure smoke it again!” –Randy B. (randobush)

“With a smoking time south of an hour, this smoke was quite literally short and sweet making it a shoo-in for a lunch break or any other occasion where time is not a luxury. It is hard to say with absolute certainty whether or not the missing chunk of wrapper right at the foot was intentional or not. The fact that the wrapper was not torn and the uniformity of the transition where the wrapper begins leads me to believe that this feature had a purpose. Regardless, it showcased and highlighted in an intriguing way just how much the wrapper leaf contributes to a cigar’s aroma, blend, and flavor profiles. Without it, the cigar would certainly not be the same. Aside from the obvious transition that took place once the burn line reached the leading edge of the wrapper, this smoke was dead consistent with regards to flavors. A smoke this short doesn’t need a ton of transitions and with such enjoyable flavors, I couldn’t be happier in their absence. Not only were the flavors right in line with my preferences, they were well balanced and the smoke was buttery smooth. A top-notch draw and trouble-free burn were the cherries on top of an incredible smoking experience that I can not wait to have again.” –Noah S. (Noah)

“This is definitely the type of cigar I like to keep around. The flavors were fairly complex, though only slightly transitional. On top of that they were very appealing flavors to me, a great mix of sweet and savory, with a touch of spice. The construction just boosted my enjoyment. Almost no need to pay attention to this one. Finally, the smoke time fits for the amount of time I generally have for a cigar. Absolutely an enjoyable experience that I hope to duplicate once I figure out what I was smoking.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“Overall, this was a wonderful cigar. All the flavors were just to my liking, and the smoke textures and temperature were right on. I would’ve enjoyed a little bit more of an open draw, but other than that I would most definitely add this to my rotation. Although there were some nice bold flavors, I think this is a well-rounded cigar for just about any pallet.” –Angel M. (Angel)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 44

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Punch Spring Roll – Blind Cigar Review