Established in 1840 and intended for the British market - where a comic book featuring a character named ?Mr. Punch? was in fashion - Don Manuel López, owner of the J. Valle y Cía, established the Punch cigar brand. The comedian Mr. Punch, who wore an unmistakably sly smile and who always had a cigar in his hand, still adorns the box decoration of these outstanding Cuban cigars.

The Punch cigar soon became a Habano of indisputable quality in the marketplace. The tremendous popularity of Punch cigars amongst the British also trapped Sir Winston Churchill who gave into the temptation to visit the Monte y Zulueta factory during his stay in Havana. The British statesman ended up giving his name to a size of this brand.