This 5⅞"x52 parejo from VegaFina comes in boxes of 10 priced at $90, sporting an Ecuadorian Havana wrapper over Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. While marketed as "Exclusivo," its approachable medium strength makes it more of a premium daily smoker than ultra-luxury item. The tight roll gives about 70 minutes smoke time - perfect for after-dinner unwinding.
First Third: Opens with cedar and roasted almond notes. Draws tight initially but opens up after 10mm burn. Earthy sweetness emerges like raw honey drizzled on barn planks.
Middle Third: Flavor shifts gear with wet leather and baking spices. Noticeable white pepper tingle on retrohale. Burns slightly uneven unless slowed to 45-second intervals.
Final Third: Bitter cacao dominates as nicotine builds. Many enthusiasts stop at 50mm mark to avoid harshness - worth sacrificing last 15 minutes for cleaner aftertaste.
The Habano Ecuador wrapper shows visible tooth but lacks oil sheen. Packing density varies - some cigars feel 10-15% heavier. Box code shows 6-month aging upon arrival. Recommend 60% RH storage to prevent cracking.
While not the "exclusive" masterpiece the branding suggests, VegaFina Romanenses delivers consistent mid-range performance. Stock up if you value quantity over complexity. Try pairing with rum-based cocktails to amplify its sweet core.
