Punch and Cigar City Brewing Team Up For Beer-Friendly Smoke
Beer and cigars can be a tricky combination as hops and tobacco don’t always play well together on the palate. But General Cigar Co. and Cigar City Brewing believe they’ve found the perfect pairing. The Tampa-based brewery has teamed up with General for a new, beer-friendly smoke called Cigar City Brewing Maduro by Punch.
Made in Honduras at the HATSA factory in Danlí, the new Punch is made entirely of Honduran tobacco and was blended especially for Cigar City’s brand of beers.
Cigar City Brewing Maduro by Punch comes in two sizes, Magnum, at 5 1/4 inches by 54 ring gauge, and a 6-by-50 Toro. Packaged in 20-count boxes, they retail for $8.29 and $8.49, respectively. According to General, the new Punches are shipping now to select liquor chains across the U.S. with a larger launch coming early next year.
Punch senior brand manager Ed Lahmann said the new cigar “pairs beautifully with the Cigar City portfolio of beers, and also stands strong on its own.” He called out the Habano leaves from Honduras as an element that accentuates the beers of Cigar City.
Maria Grieshaber, brand director for Cigar City Brewing, is also proud of the collaboration: “Given our hometown of Tampa which has deep roots in the handmade cigar category. We were delighted to partner with Punch to bring the enjoyment of pairing cigars and beer to life in a meaningful way.”
