Let's cut to the chase with this Honduran-made Romeo - the Reserve Robusto comes in 5x54 format packing Nicaraguan binder and Honduran-Nicaraguan filler blend. Darker than your typical RyJ stick, it's sold in boxes of 27 ($167.87/box) wearing that classic golden logo. First impression? That oily maduro wrapper feels like it's been dipped in coffee grounds.
Initial puffs deliver damp cedar with a cream soda sweetness. Smoke production stays moderate - about 1.5 smoke rings per second. The ash holds firm for first 25 minutes before needing a tap.
At 40-minute mark, burnt caramel edges emerge alongside black pepper that tingles mid-tongue. Draw tightens slightly - a quick poke with the PerfecDraw tool fixes it. Watch that uneven burn line though.
Last third gets earthy with mineral notes, like licking a wet stone. Nicotine buzz creeps up at 90-minute mark. Better have some sugar on standby if you're nicotine-sensitive.
The Honduran puro shows dense packing - squeeze test reveals slight give near head. Pre-light sniff gives fermented tobacco aroma with a hint of molasses. Cold draw resistance measures 3/5 on my draw tool scale.
RyJ regulars wanting more oomph without jumping to full-bodied smokes. Newbies might find the nicotine punch overwhelming post-90 minutes. Pair with espresso to cut through the sweetness.
