The Romeo y Julieta Reserve Belicoso BP packs a 52-ring gauge punch in its 6.1-inch figurado frame, dressed in that signature oily Nicaraguan wrapper that practically winks at you from the humidor. At $286.65 per box of 27 sticks, this Honduran-rolled beast stands apart from the brand's usual Dominican production line. Perfect for those who think regular RyJs play too nice.
Initial draws serve black coffee bitterness with burnt caramel edges - the kind that makes your jaw muscles flex. Smoke production stays modest despite the wide gauge. Watch for sporadic pepper kicks through the nose around the ½-inch burn mark.
Earth tones take over like a damp forest floor, mingling with unsweetened cocoa powder. The Nicaraguan binder starts flexing its muscles here, pushing that strength meter toward solid 4/5 territory. Ash holds firm past 2 inches.
Leather and walnut skins dominate as the burn line approaches the band. Retrohales get spicy enough to make your eyes water - in that good "I signed up for this" way. Cut it before the last inch unless you're chasing nicotine headaches.
The box-pressed belicoso shape sits perfectly between torpedo and robusto dimensions. Maduro wrapper shows visible tooth but no prominent veins. Cold draw has just the right resistance - none of that "drinking milkshake through a straw" nonsense.
Pair with espresso or bourbon to match its intensity. Avoid sweet drinks unless you want flavor clash. Let it rest 6-8 weeks post-shipment - fresh boxes tend to run hot on the nicotine front.
