Rosalones is a Eurooean exclusive brand of Joya de Nicaragua that is sometimes available in the US through Famous Smoke. In 2016, Joya added an extention to the Rosalones line, Rosalones Reserva. The Rosalones is a value focused brand with no cigars over $7.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Rosalones Reserva is a Nicaraguan puro described by Joya de Nicaragua as medium bodied. Rosalones Reserva comes in different vitolas: 6 x 50, 6 1/2 x 46, 5 x 50 and 4 x 44 with pricing between $2.80-$7.00. Spain became the first country to receive the cigar, with others folowing suit after the InterTabac show.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Corona Gorda
Length: 5.5″
Ring Gauge: 46
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: Joya de Nicaragua
Blender: Nicaragua
Number of reviewers: 4 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) John A. (John A.) Eric (smalls29) Jason H.(Jokey Smurf)
Price: $5.56
Age: 1 year
Release Date: 2017
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 91
“This is a handsome corona sized cigar that is sporting a well worn looking dark brown wrapper leaf. The body of the cigar isn’t quite perfectly round but not oval enough to be intentional. The seams are nearly invisible and the double cap is a bit haphazardly applied. ” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Aroma: 91
“Aroma is that of honey” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
First Third
Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“There is a delicious flavor of black tea and spices. the flavors tend to hang around on the palate and slowly sink in. The blend is nice a balanced throughout. The lingering after taste is delightful and tasty.” –Eric (smalls29)
“Flavor is very nice honey earth tobacco witjout any spice. First third is very consistant with this profile.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
Second Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Strong
Body/Complexity: Full
“Sweetness disapates leaves just the nice earth behind pretty muddy and rich” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
“As the second portion begins I’m getting a decrease in the leather and tang and an increase in peppery earth. The finish is lengthening as well, causing the flavor and pepper sensation to linger longer on my palate. Through the nose the pepper has intensified but not so much that retrohaling is a burden.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Final Third
Flavor: 86
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium
“A quick touch up gets everything on the up and up burn wise. The intense black pepper finally takes a back seat as flavors of leather, salt and cream come through, lasting until the end of the smoke. ” –John A. (John A.)
“The final portion of this sample has smoothed into dark bitter chocolate and just a hint of black licorice. The smoke has become softer through the nose as well which only serves to enhance the enjoy ability as the cigar nears its end. ” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 90
“Even though the cigar wasnt much to look at the draw and performance of the cigar makes up for it” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
Burn: 93
“The burn was strong and clean.” –Eric (smalls29)
Construction: 89
“Solid. The cap punched nicely and the structure held up between the thumb and forefinger.” –Eric (smalls29)
“Most points came off in the last third to be honest up until that point it was a very enjoyable experience ” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
“This cigar was alright, however I couldn’t see myself enjoying another. The black pepper profile was strong with this one and made its presence known the whole duration of the smoke. I would of liked to see more complexity and variety of flavors personally, however if you like big bold black pepper bombs, Iam sure you would enjoy this!” –John A. (John A.)
“This was a good cigar with wonderful flavors and a personality. The taste started off on the medium strong side, went mild and then came back to a strong flavor. The black tea and cinnamon were wonderfully balanced and left a nice spicy taste on the tongue. The strength never got too strong to make me even think of putting it down. The tea and cinnamon remained consistent throughout the entire smoke. Definitely one for the humidor.” –Eric (smalls29)
“This was a really nice cigar in each section and in its entirety. I really enjoyed the flavors and the transitions the cigar offered. The strength never reached full, and the flavors were not strong or sharp, but they were well defined and pleasant. This is something I’d definitely visit again and often!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
Blind Cigar Review: Joya De Nicaragua | Rosalones Reserva R546
Overall Score – 89 – Good
Blind Cigar Review: Joya de Nicaragua | Rosalones Reserva R546
Summary
"This was a good cigar with wonderful flavors and a personality. The taste started off on the medium strong side, went mild and then came back to a strong flavor. The black tea and cinnamon were wonderfully balanced and left a nice spicy taste on the tongue. The strength never got too strong to make me even think of putting it down. The tea and cinnamon remained consistent throughout the entire smoke. Definitely one for the humidor." -Eric (smalls29)
