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Blind Review: Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Toro

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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!

Final Score: 85

Blind Review: J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso

4 0 1.3k

The J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso is made by Americas oldest family-owned premium cigar maker, J.C. Newman. The cigar is manufactured in Nicaragua’s second largest cigar factory, J.C. Newman PENSA. El Baton was first manufactured in 1914 in Cleveland as a Cuban puro 10-cent cigar. In 2008 it was reintroduced as a Nicaraguan puro.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso
  • Wrapper:  Nicaragua
  • Binder: Nicaragua
  • Filler: Nicaragua
  • Size: 5×56

Blind Review notes: JC Newman El Baton Belicoso

Appearance & Construction

The cigar is a nice stout belicoso that feels nicely compiled but a little soft to the touch. It has a good weight in hand and bears a gorgeous striated chocolate hued wrapper. The cigars body smells like honey, while the foot smells like honey and oats.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The cold draw could be looser. I can make out cedar, cocoa powder, and spice on the backend. The first puff is sweet cedar with wood and pepper on the retro. The cigar progresses to a sweet and spicy profile which is identical to mesquite BBQ. Obviously pepper on the backend. Heat maintenance could fare better. The burn line is HOT! Lots of smoke production. Nice sturdy ash. So far a very savory smoke.

Second third is sweet and leathery on the palate and retrohale. The cigar still burns a little too hot. Ash build up is becoming a little brittle. Smoke production is great. The cigar is a slow burner, but not in a good way. The wrapper is oily, and though it burn hot, it fails to catch on the draw. The cigar needs a few licks from my torch lighter to get moving again.

Last third transitions to a nutty and woody experience. The cigar cools down a little bit. The retrohale is spicy graham cracker. Still fantastic smoke production. The cigar keeps going out.

Conclusion

In conclusion , The JC Newman El Baton Belicoso was a very mild strength / full body flavor experience with nice transitons. However, the final score reflects how hard the dang cigar was to keep lit.

Final Score: 79

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Artesano Del Tobacco Introduces the Viva La Vida Adjustable Cigar Tray at PCA Trade Show

3 0 819

Artesano Del Tobacco is set to debut an innovative offering aimed at transforming the cigar lounge experience – The Viva La Vida Adjustable Cigar Tray. Announced in a press release dated June 27th, 2023, the new product, along with bundled Viva La Vida cigars, will be introduced at the forthcoming PCA Trade Show.

The tray comes stocked with one bundle of each Viva La Vida size, amounting to a total of six bundles.

In their statement, Artesano Del Tobacco shared their motivation for creating the tray. “We are so happy to introduce this project at the PCA for four reasons. First, the idea came to us after visiting so many Cigar Lounges around the country and listening to the owners and managers, that an adjustable cigar tray is a space saver, will look better, cleaner, and neater in their walking humidors. Second, we are able to reduce the price of Viva La Vida cigars by 7% once Cigar Lounges start ordering Viva La Vida by the bundles. Third, we are less depending on Wood Box Factory production, availability, and cost increases. Fourth, it’s a friendly environment project, by making less wood cigar boxes.”

The company also mentioned that cigar stores nationwide will now have the choice to purchase Viva La Vida cigars either by the box or in bundles. As with all their offerings, Viva La Vida cigars are crafted in Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez.

Artesano Del Tobacco, a boutique cigar company with a 25-year history, has been noted for its passion for mixing art and flavor to enhance the cigar smoking experience. From starting as a small shop, New York Cigar Inn in Manhattan, to teaming up with AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua, the company’s journey has been fueled by innovation and commitment to the cigar community.

For further details on the new offering, Artesano Del Tobacco encourages reaching out to Billy or Geson Fakih, or visiting their website. Attendees at the PCA Trade Show can also get a first-hand look at the product at booth # 19054.

Artesano Del Tobacco Unveils Unique ‘OCTO OCHO’ Twist to their Popular EL Pulpo Line at Upcoming PCA Trade Show

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Cigar aficionados are in for a treat as Artesano Del Tobacco announces the addition of the “OCTO OCHO” to its popular EL Pulpo range. To be introduced at the forthcoming PCA Trade Show, the new Culebra size offers a novel twist, both literally and figuratively, to the EL Pulpo line.

As explained in their press release dated June 27th, 2023, Artesano Del Tobacco’s new creation was inspired by a conversation with friends from the Luxury Cigar Club. The press release quotes Billy Fakih saying, “The idea came to us a year ago when we were smoking the EL Pulpo prerelease with our friends at Luxury Cigar Club. They suggested making a Culebra size for EL pulpo cigars to celebrate and highlight this very well-aged San Andreas Maduro Wrapper and to represent the Octopus tentacles. Smoking this twisted Lancero surpassed our prediction and judgment with its outstanding balance of sweet and full flavors.”

EL Pulpo Culebra “OCTO OCHO” carries forward the same blend as the original EL Pulpo cigars, featuring a San Andreas Maduro wrapper, and Nicaraguan binder and filler. All crafted by renowned cigar maker AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua. The Culebra size involves three Lancero cigars, each measuring 38 x 7 inches, intertwined like tentacles and bound by two red ribbons.

Regarding its presentation, the “OCTO OCHO” boasts luxurious packaging that matches its distinctive form. The cigars come nestled in a slide-lid yellow wood coffin, with three coffins tucked inside a larger red cardboard case.

The EL Pulpo Culebra “OCTO OCHO” is set to ship to retailers starting in September, retailing at a price point of $40.00 per unit. The PCA Trade Show attendees can get a first-hand look at this new product at booth # 19054. For more detailed information, Artesano Del Tobacco invites inquiries via their website or directly through Billy, Bass, or Gus Fakih.

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Amendola NYC Series “The Blade”

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The Amendola NYC Series “The Blade” is made at NYC’s oldest running cigar manufacturer, Martinez Cigars, for the Amendola Family Cigar Co. The cigar is actually part of a duel release. The other cigar is called “The Bat.” They are both named after the weapons used in West Side Story. If you buy a box of these cigars, you will get 10 of each of the blends to experience.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Amendola NYC Series The Blade
  • Wrapper:  Brazilian Arapiraca
  • Binder: Indonesian
  • Filler: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua
  • Size: 6 x 52

Blind Review Notes: Amendola NYC Series Blade

Appearance & Construction

The cigar appears to be a rustic crude and tooth looking pyramid tapered cigar. The body smells like new leather gloves, while the foot smells like cedar. The cigar is loosely packed with an even feel.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The cigar has a loose cold draw with leather and spicy pepper on the breath.

First puff is raisins, toast, leather, and pepper. Leather cedar aroma is in the air. Fantastic smoke production. Cigar develops salty and briny nuances with a bold body feel. Very grippy on the tongue. There is also a toasted marshmallow nuance that makes a cameo every now and then. The retro hale is hot and leathery. Flaky ash build up. Slow burn, but doesn’t burn cool.

Second third is a full body experience of bonfires and leather. Its hot and smoky on palate with spice and savory notes on the backend. Stellar smoke production. The cigar could still burn cooler. Ash looks frail. Develops a chocolate cake nuance for much needed sweetness. I also begin to feel some nicotine strength even after eating a big meal. Aromas of chocolate, cedar, and leather in the air.

Last third sees no major changes or transitions. The flavor profile sort of mellows out to be honest. The heat maintenance is finally at a normal level and smoke production is still hefty. Ash is super flaky. Cigar does need a touch up, before it starts to go out. Disappointing, because the construction has been pretty good up until now. Cigar ends the same way it began- BOLD!

Conclusion

The Amendola NYC Series “The Blade” was a medium strength/full body smoke with a bold flavor. The vitola was also very enjoyable with decent construction. Though I didn’t find the experience jaw-dropping. I would have no problem suggesting you give the Amendola NYC Series “The Blade,” a try.

Final Score: 85

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