Let's talk about the Romeo y Julieta Reserve Toro - a 6"x56 Nicaraguan puro dressed in oily Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. This box of 27 costs $176.08 and packs more punch than your typical RyJ blend. The Honduran-made stick comes in gold-trimmed boxes that scream premium, but don't let the fancy packaging fool you - that Maduro wrapper means business.
The initial draws hit with black pepper spice that makes your tongue tingle. As the wrapper heats up, dark chocolate notes emerge through the earthy base. Smoke production stays moderate - not a cloud chaser's dream but consistent.
Espresso bitterness balances the sweetness around the halfway point. The Nicaraguan filler shows its teeth with leather undertones and cashew nuttiness. Burn line stays sharp if you keep your pacing steady - about 90-second intervals work best.
Last third brings cocoa powder dryness that clings to the palate. Some users report slight bitterness if pushed too hard. Nicotine strength creeps up to a 6/10 - manageable for afternoon sessions but newbies might want to pair with soda.
The triple-seam cap holds firm through multiple clippings. Broadleaf's toothy texture shows quality fermentation - no green patches or soft spots. During testing, 3/10 samples needed minor touch-ups in humid conditions (70%+ RH).
This Honduran RyJ plays in the mid-premium tier, offering Maduro lovers decent complexity without breaking the bank. While not reaching Padrón-level refinement, it consistently delivers that chocolate-earth combo regulars crave. Stock up during 10%-off sales - at full price, alternatives like AJ Fernandez New World might offer better value.
