Stogie Reviews: Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No. 3 (Cuban)

16 Oct 2008

This cigar was a gift, so I can’t tell you how old it was or even where it was purchased. I determined it was a No. 3 by measuring the length (a little over 5.5 inches) and the ring gauge (46)—slightly longer and slimmer than the 4 and 1/2 stogie-rated Romeo y Julieta No. 4.

Cosmetically, the cigar wasn’t much. It was a pleasant light brown color, but the wrapper was a little loose and there were several small veins visible along the fairly lumpy body. Neither the wrapper nor the filler at the foot revealed much aroma.

But this corona gorda shines where it matters. From the first puff, the thick, creamy smoke exploded with flavors. I picked up floral notes, citrus, and cocoa almost immediately.

The mellow blend continued to evolve and shift throughout, with a brief sharp bitterness about halfway through, followed by a little cedar and then hay in the final third.

It also performed well, with a straight burn and a good draw. I also greatly enjoyed the size, which is comfortable and easy to smoke.

Checking a couple of international websites, this cigar seems to retail for about $12 for a single and a little less per stick for a box of 25. Of course, the figures vary widely among countries, with some, such as Canada, levying extremely high taxes.

I can only wish I had more of these to smoke. It was a pleasure from beginning to end, which is why I give the Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No. 3 four stogies out of five.