Blind Cigar Review: Romeo y Julieta (Dominican) | Habana Reserve Churchill

Cigar Info

The Romeo y Julieta Reserve is made in Honduras at La Flor de Copán (Altadis), and is blended to be stronger than the other brands offerings. A mix of Nicaraguan and Honduran long-leaf tobaccos make up the filler in Reserve. These tobaccos are put together with a Nicaraguan binder , and wrapped by an oily Nicaraguan Habano leaf.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Churchill
Length: 7″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Honduran and Nicaraguan
Factory: La Flor de Copán (Altadis)
Blender: Altadis (Jose Seijas)
Number of reviewers: 5 —– Ron (shuckins) Craig (WyldKnyght) Gregg (McGreggor57) Dave (mdwest) Aaron (aaron72)
Price: $4.40
Age: 2 Months Rest
Release Date: 2008
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 90

“A couple of visible veins, but I love the caramel color of the wrapper.” –Ron (shuckins)

Aroma: 90

“Grass and barnyard along the outside while the cold draw produces a nice sweet hay.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

First Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

Romeo y Julieta (Dominican) | Habana Reserve Churchill

“An unexpected blast of pepper kick starts the cigar on light up. After toning down a bit, the cedar flavor comes through, although there is a dryness to it. The cocoa flavor is hidden behind the spiciness of the nutmeg so far.” –Ron (shuckins)

“This stick establishes itself as true medium-strong right from the start. Within the first inch or so, the effects of nicotine become present. The cigar presents a nice blend of wood, floral and pepper notes and the smoke is reasonably smooth and cool.” –Dave (mdwest)

Second Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The second third just got better as it went along. The harshness from the first third, disappeared shortly into the third. The cigar became mellow and creamy. There were some subtle earthy notes, but mainly mild pepper.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“The creaminess really kept up in this third along with the cedar flavors. The retrohale was nice and smooth and really enhanced the overall flavors.” –Aaron (aaron72)

Final Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Toast and nuts over a bed of grass and leather. Some harsh baking spices get my attention at the back of the throat. The grassy profile is returning, albeit quite a bit harsher than before. The cigar went out with an inch to go. Rather than re-light with the harshness that was developing I let it go.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Strength picks up a little in this third. Starting to get a bit of charred wood and the creaminess is taking a step back. Overall woodiness is what I got through the finish of the cigar.” –Aaron (aaron72)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 91

“Excellent draw, from start to finish.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

Burn: 88

“After progressing past the first inch of the cigar I never could get a straight burn line. A couple of minor touch ups were required, but no significant problems were experienced. Overall a decent burn.” –Dave (mdwest)

Construction: 90

“This cigar seemed to be very well constructed. It was firm with a nice easy give when pressed. It had a nice double cap.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Overall Experience: 90

“A very enjoyable cigar, with pleasing flavors that were right in my wheelhouse.” –Ron (shuckins)

“At first I was skeptical of this cigar, as I don’t normally like a cigar with a mainly pepper flavor. But the pepper was so mild and the cigar was so creamy and smooth, it completely surprised me. I would definitely smoke this cigar again.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“I would love to try this in a smaller vitola. It had the makings of a great breakfast stick. Prior to the halfway mark I was ready to throw the one-dimensional card, but the toast and nuts coupled with the leather gave it some interest in the middle.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“I don’t normally smoke much in the way of “big” cigars. Anything that takes longer than about 90 minutes to smoke usually wont keep my attention. This cigar did a pretty good job of keeping me interested though and was nice to smoke. I don’t know if its close enough to my normal “likes” for me to run out and make a purchase on, but I would certainly re-visit it down the road and give it another shot.” –Dave (mdwest)

“Nothing really special about this cigar. The flavors didn’t transition much and were pretty one note throughout. It required my attention to keep it burning right which took away from the experience. Definitely would consider this a morning cigar due to the strength profile. Might revisit it if I was handed another.” –Aaron (aaron72)