Let's talk about the Romeo y Julieta Reserve Real Nicaragua Churchill - a 7" x 50 Nicaraguan puro that's been turning heads since its release. This Tabacalera Fernandez-made stick comes in slick navy boxes (25-count) at around $10 per cigar. I found the Habano wrapper surprisingly oily for a sub-$12 smoke, with that classic Churchill heft that says "I mean business" without being overwhelming. My sample had about 6 months of humidor time, showing minimal wrapper veins and a solid cold draw.
First Third (0-20 mins): Immediate black pepper through the nose with wet earth undertones. The draw started a bit tight but opened up after 5 mins. Noticed baking spices (cinnamon/nutmeg) mixing with espresso grounds - typical AJ Fernandez signatures but dialed back for broader appeal.
Middle Third (20-45 mins): Transitioned to creamy cashew butter with bitter dark chocolate notes. Smoke output doubled here - serious chimney action with minimal relights. The retrohale developed a leathery quality that pairs surprisingly well with black coffee.
Final Third (45-70 mins): Charred oak emerges alongside accumulating nicotine. Pepper returns but softer now, blending with dark cherry undertones. Stopped at nub not because of bitterness (there wasn't much), but the vitamin N buzz becomes noticeable around 60-minute mark.
This hits the Nicaraguan puro sweet spot between the harshness of cheaper sticks and over-engineered $20 premiums. The Churchill format lets the blend develop properly - I'd recommend it over the Robusto size. While not as intense as some Estelí-made cigars, there's enough depth here to keep experienced smokers engaged without overwhelming newcomers. Perfect for late afternoons when you want something bold enough to stand up to bourbon, but smooth enough for a 90-minute smoke.
