Punch History Revealed: The British-Influenced Success Story from Cuba

Punch History / Punch is a traditional Habanos brand with origins around 1840 and strong ties to the British market.

A Punch Petit Coronations in a tube; a few years ago, the design of the Punch brand was completely revised.

What are Punch cigars?

Punch cigars are among the classic Habanos brands, founded in 1840 with a clear focus on the British market. The name „Punch“ refers to an English court jester, clown, or Punch and Judy character, reflecting the cultural ties to Great Britain.

To this day, the inner lid of the boxes shows the character Mr. Punch with a cigar and dog, surrounded by scenes of 19th-century cigar manufacturing. The brand originated in a period after the fall of the tobacco monopoly in 1821, when numerous new cigar brands were founded in Cuba.  

The logo of the brand Punch with the famous Punch (or Jack-in-the-box or Punch and Judy puppet) in the centre, smoking a cigar, in the company of a dog wearing a hat.

Why are Punch cigars special?

Punch cigars are characterised by their strong historical connection to the British market and their consistent flavour profile over the decades. The figure of Mr. Punch has two possible origins: a popular puppet show in Great Britain or the title motif of the satirical British magazine „Punch“, although this has only existed since 1841.

The brand has been shaped over generations by various owners, with Manuel López Fernández considered the key entrepreneur. A British importer later financed the expansion and received exclusive distribution rights throughout the Empire in return.  

The Punch brand logo with the name of one of the owners, Manuel Lopez and „Juan Valle y Cía.“; what the abbreviation R.E. stands for can only be speculated: Royal Engineers, Kings of Spain, ....

Classification within the context of the Habanos world

Punch cigars have been established internationally recognised Habanos brands for decades. They were particularly prevalent and successful in the British market both before and after the Cuban Revolution. 

In the 1970s, Punch was among the most well-known brands behind Montecristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, and H. Upmann. To this day, the brand remains known for its medium-bodied profile and its broad portfolio.  

A relatively new cigar in the Punch brand's portfolio is the Punch Short de Punch, which has been available since 2019.

The history of Punch cigars in detail

The story of Punch cigars dates back to around 1840, falling into a period of intense brand activity in Cuba. Some sources name a German called Stockmann as the founder. Others claim it was Manuel López Fernández. However, he was either just born or very young in 1840. He did, however, play a central role later on.

The brand was initially associated with the company „Juan Valle y Cía.“, the exact origins of which are not documented. Between 1873 and 1884, Punch was managed by Buenaventura Parera and later by Luis Corujo. At that time, the factory was located at Calle Gervasio No. 38.

On this narrow street, Calle Gervasio No. 38 in Havana's Centro Habana district, was probably the first factory of the Punch brand. In those days, cigars were mostly produced in very small manufactories.

From 1884, Manuel López Fernández took over the brand and developed it decisively for over 40 years. His name is immortalised in the Punch logo to this day.

From 1902, he was listed as the sole owner, with production at Calle Rayo No. 28. After his retirement in 1924 and his death in 1925, Punch was transferred to „Fernández & Palacio y Cía.“.

The Punch factory (from 1884) was located at Calle Rayo No. 28/30 under owner Manuel Lopez and the company „Juan Valle y Cía.“. The building is in today's Barrio Chino in Havana.

Fernando Palicio Argüelles played a key role, expanding the brand with financial support from the British importer „Melbourne Hart & Co.“. 
The loan was repaid within five years while the importer received exclusive distribution rights.

In 1931, a significant merger followed with Hoyo de Monterrey, as well as the brands Belinda and La Escepción. Production was moved to the „La Escepción“ factory in Havana, at Calle Máximo Gómez No. 51.

From 1931, cigars of the Punch brand were produced in the factory of Hoyo de Monterrey founder Jose Gener at Calle Maximo Gomez No. 51.

Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, production moved to the La Corona factory, initially at Agramonte No. 10 and later to Avenida 20 de Mayo No. 520. Despite political upheaval, Punch remained a continuously produced brand, particularly due to its strong demand in the British market.

The portfolio was always extensive, although individual formats were discontinued in the 1970s and 1980s. To this day, Punch is frequently chosen for Edición Regional series and remains true to its medium-bodied style.  

After the revolution, Punch cigars were manufactured in the Iron Palace. That's what the building is called that housed the Corona factory for many years.

Facts about Punch Cigars

• Introduction: 1840
• Special feature: Strong connection to the British market
• Concept: Classic, medium-strength Habanos
• Production: Today at the La Corona factory in Havana

To the point

Punch cigars combine British culture with Cuban tradition and have been a staple of the Habanos world for almost 200 years.

The Punch Triunfos, for example, are also available in very attractive and practical tin boxes.

Here you will find the Punch Manufactory

If the live folder does not work, Please click here for Punch Manufaktur.

Picture credits

• Claudia Puszkar
• Habanos S.A.

Curated for you

External website: Experience the Habanos Club in Germany

At Origin Of Cigar: THE PLEASURE LETTER by Origin Of Cigar: A curated email celebrating the fine pleasures of Cuban cigar culture.

Historical Habanos manufactories documentary film

In this film, their stories - and their true faces - are uncompromisingly revealed. This is far more than just a documentary film - it is a journey into the soul of Cuba. 

What is in your drawers?

Some chapters in the history of cigars still lie in hidden in drawers, archives or private collections. Do you own Records, documents or references to Cuban cigar brands? Or do you know Sources, that could help with historical research? Then please send us an e-mail. Claudia Puszkar will contact you personally and discuss everything else with you. Together we can Bringing buried stories back to light. 👉 admin@origin-of-cigar.com

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References

• Min Ron Nee:
  • “AN ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF POST-REVOLUTION HAVANA CIGARS” / Hong Kong 2003, ISBN: 978-3980930826

• Instituto de Investigaciones del Tabaco Cuba:
  • „The world of Habanos“ / Havana 2013, ISBN: 978-959-7212-08-9

• Adriano Martínez Rius:
  • “Habano the King” / Barcelona 1998, ISBN: 84-930387-1-7

• Adriano Martinez Rius:
  • “The Great Habano Factories” / Barcelona 2005, ISBN: 84-609-4024-1

• Orlando Quiroga:
  • “El Habano al rojo vivo” / Havana 2002

• Enzo A. Infante:
  • “Havana Cigars 1817-1960” / Neptune City 1997

• Eumelio Espino:
  • “El Habano - De la semilla al puro en 539 pasos” / Madrid 2019, ISBN: 978-84-09-07091-6

• Alexander Groom:
  • “El Habano Moderno” / Helios House Press 2022, ISBN: 978-911683-05-6

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