The Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Magnum is manufactured by Imperial Brands’ U.S. subsidiary Altadis U.S.A. in La Romana, Dominican Republic at the Tabacalera de Garcia factory. The Romeo y Julieta marque was established in Cuba in the year 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Manin García. It wasn’t until the brand was acquired by José “Pepin” Rodriguez Fernández, former head of the Cabañas factory in Havana, and his firm, Rodríguez, Argüelles y Cia, in 1903, that the company truly became world renowned. Historically known as Sir Winston Churchills favorite cigar brand with its correlating Churchill vitola, the brand was actually more well known for their figurados (perfectos and piramides).
Blend Specifics
- Cigar Reviewed: Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Toro
- Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Dominican/ Nicaraguan
- Size: 6 x 54
Blind Review Notes: Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real
Appearance & Construction
The cigar is hefty but packed loose. Almost soft and squishy. Could have been packed better. Its a Toro with a decent looking Connecticut Shade that looks like it was pasted on but has a nice granite striation throughout. The body and foot offer up notes of sweet hay, honey suckle, mint, and cedar.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
The cold draw is very loose with cocoa and powdered sugar on the breath.
First puff is spicy and nutty with some leather in the mix. The body of the smoke is creamy. There is a little saltiness on the backed of the experience. The smoke production is fair, but can be finicky at times. Ash build up is chunky. The cigar maintains good heat despite the loose draw. The retrohale is leathery.
Second third tastes like pencil shavings and the body of the smoke has transitioned to a chalkiness. Retrohale continues on with leather. The ash build up is brittle, and tumbles down. Better smoke productiion as we progress and no complaints coming from the burn line. The cigar even stayed lit during an extended pause.
Last third returns to a creamy smoke. Pepper dominates the flavor profile, with a nutty and leathery backend. The taste also has a metallic and toasty nuance to it especially on the retrohale. Still, no construction or heat issues. The finish is hot on the palate, but not smoldering or bitter.
Conclusion
In conclusion the Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Magnum wasn’t a bad smoking experience. Its not my favorite Connecticut. I normally tend to gravitate towards the classic “1875” line when it come to Romeo and Juliet. The “1875 Nicaragua” with the white and orange label which is blended for them by Plasencia, is actually quite exceptional in the toro. The price point on the Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Magnum doesn’t justify my final score, but that’s why we smoke blind here at FTNYC. I wouldn’t spend the $10 on this stick, but if your in love with this tried-and-true blend, and are weary about how it tastes in todays trending thicker ring gauge, feel free to have at it!