This Nicaraguan puro from Romeo y Julieta's Reserva Real series arrives in a box-friendly corona size (5½"×44). Crafted by AJ Fernandez and Rafael Nodal at Tabacalera Fernandez, it swaps the brand's traditional red packaging for sleek navy boxes - a visual cue to its modern flavor profile. Though marketed as full-bodied, most smokers find it lands solidly in medium-strength territory.
The cold draw reveals toasted cashews. Initial light brings cedar and black pepper, with burnt caramel sweetness developing at the ½-inch mark. Smoke production stays moderate - no fog machine effect here.
Dark chocolate emerges as the core flavor, edged with espresso bitterness. Watch for occasional cinnamon spikes around the band point. Ash holds solid in 1-inch segments when properly humidified.
Strength ramps up slightly with leather and earth notes. The last inch develops a distinct vanilla undertone, though some find it turns slightly ashy if smoked too fast.
Expect textbook Fernandez construction - tight seams, even burn lines when stored at 65% RH. The dark Habano wrapper shows minimal veins. First boxes released in 2023 needed 2-3 months aging; recent production smokes better ROTT (Right Off The Truck).
