Stogie Reviews: Romeo y Julieta Reserve Maduro Robusto
1 Feb 2007
This past Saturday, we posted a Quick Smoke of the Romeo y Julieta Reserve Maduro Robusto. George E found the cigar’s diverse tobacco blend created “a smooth, complex stick with a satisfying finish,†and he recommended picking one up.
While I don’t disagree with George, my numerous experiences with this particular cigar keep uncovering one, very prominent flavor: salt. As a result – every time I smoke one of these – a dry, spicy kick leaves me yearning for a cool drink.
Now I’m not saying George is wrong for not pointing this out; as I told him via a friendly email exchange earlier this week, it’s entirely possible for two people to have different experiences with the same cigar. That fact, after all, is one of the reasons we instituted our unique ratings system.
But I think Stogie Guys should be aware of the possibility of encountering a salty cigar that’s not exactly balanced on the flavor profile when they light one of these up. At the very least, make sure you’re within arm’s reach of a beverage.
All things considered, however, I found this five inches by 50 ring gauge Robusto to be a very enjoyable smoke. For starters, its blackened Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper has a nice oily sheen, and I think it’s the kind of stogie that really looks nice through a glass-top humidor.
Once lit, the wrapper combines with Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian filler to create tasty nut and coffee flavors. Like many Maduros, this is an earthy smoke; unlike many Maduros, it’s light-bodied with a short finish. So, if you’re looking for a powerhouse, this isn’t your cigar.
My experience with Romeo y Julietas had me expecting a well-constructed cigar, and I was not disappointed. The burn remains even, the gorgeous white ash holds firm, and the foot manages to stay lit – even when left unattended for periods of five minutes or more.
I should mention, however, that this is a tightly-packed cigar, and the draw can be a bit difficult.
At about $5.50 apiece, this cigar is a good value. Despite a salty disposition and a firm draw, the Romeo y Julieta Reserve Maduro Robusto has a lot to offer. I give it three and ½ out of five stogies.
[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
A salty smoke and a beer… what could be better!
Good smoke… but I'm not a fan of the black and silver band.
Smoked it last ngiht with my uncles around a nice toasty fire. It was really smooth from the light and a real pleasure to smoke despite the draw being quite firm.
Definitely tasted the salty flavor, and to be honest, did not enjoy it nearly as much as a Hoyo Maduro or Partagas Black.
Smoking one right now 🙂 IMHO – great cigar, full taste and not to strong (mild – mild to medium). RyJ I used to smoke before was Cuban, but this one (I smoke it with Cabernet-Sauvignion red wine) is really good too and I really enjoy it, so I definitely may recommend it to any cigar lover