Romeo y Julieta Reserve Maduro Belicoso

Romeo y Julieta Reserve Maduro Belicoso
6.12x52
Filler – Nic/Peru/DR, Binder – Nic, Wrapper – Conn BL

A dark oscuro cigar with a slight box press flattening the sides, this stick had a beautiful black and silver band with nicely detailed embossing. The skin was tough and leathery with veins and a few lumps, and there were two tiny round holes in just the wrapper about halfway down. Also, there were a few little wrinkles in the cap. It did have a nice springy roll, however, and when clipped deep it allowed a medium firm draw.

There was a good earthy pre-light aroma, and the pre-light draw was loamy. Upon lighting there was a burst of flinty flavor, and then a full, medium bodied taste emerged. A decent grey ash held on well and tapped cleanly, even though there was a slightly uneven burn at times. It produced lots of chewy smoke.

A black and tan prepared in the traditional manner proved a good companion to the cigar as it continued to push out decent mid-range flavor. Smoked to the band, the cigar became stronger as it went, eventually giving me a slight nicotine buzz towards the end. Throughout, the aroma was rich and tempting.

Overall a good, generally well constructed cigar. Although satisfying, I’ve come to expect more from Romeo y Julieta products. This cigar could easily have been more complex and it was rougher than the usual Romeo y Julieta in construction and appearance; however, it was a nice change of pace. Recommended.

Appearance: 8/10
Construction: 9/10
Flavor: 17/20
Finish: 8/10
Smoking experience: 18/20
Aroma: 9/10
Overall impression: 17/20

Total: 86/100