ROMEO Y JULIETA CEDROS DE LUXE CIGAR REVIEW

The cedar-wrapped vitola occupies a unique position in the Habanosphere, inspiring enthusiasm and impartiality from cigar enthusiasts. Some swear by its capacity to insulate the stick from the elements over time, resulting in a smoother aging arch, while others dismiss the cedar as mere marketing accouterment. Whatever the reader’s position, the pursuit of innovative ways of distinguishing cigars from relative anonymity is nothing new.

A SHORT HISTORY OF DECORATIVE WRAPPING STYLES ON CIGARS

The famously sartorial Francisco Fonseca of the eponymously named Habanos brand innovated tin foil packaging with a fine Japanese paper wrapper. Today the tissue addition has become a distinctive feature of all regular production Fonseca vitolas despite having no intrinsic function.

Shortly after, in the 1930s, Waldo Braden of H. Upmann would update Fonseca’s use of tin with the aluminum tube, adding a revolutionary dimension of mobility and longevity to the tobacco stick. As of the mid-2010s, nearly half of all UK Habanos sales were made in tubes. This should be no surprise, from the exceptionally cylindrical cigars to the potent concentration of aroma unleashed once the cap is unscrewed or the elegant keepsake remaining. The range of tubed vitolas has been expanding year after year.

Cedros-wrapping does not share this universal acclaim. Used to garnish tactical and special edition releases, some enthusiasts have lamented the discovery of mold beneath the wrapper after a stint in the humidor. To avoid the problem of over-humidification, some swear by removing the cedar before placing the stick amongst the others, placing it in a separate container, or avoiding the cedar-induced headache altogether. Others are attracted to the soothing ritual of lighting Cedros cigars. The relatively unknown trick involves sliding the thin wrapper four or so centimeters from the foot of the cigar. A soft flame is applied to the thin wood, acting as a wick as it intensifies and reaches the circumference of the cigar, applying an even burn as the smoker puffs. Whether this action infuses a woody flourish into the overall cigar portfolio is hotly debated.

CEDAR IN THE NEW WORLD BRANDS

Arturo Fuente, a brand with famous Cuban roots, helped popularize the cedar-wrapping feature with the wildly successful Opus X, Chateau Fuente, and Sungrown series. Interestingly, this feature is prevalent amongst New World brands with claims to Cuba, from the Dominican H. Upmann brand to the Fonseca series by My Father Cigar. The history of Cedros wrapping is shrouded in mystery, yet all directions point to the pearl of the Antilles.

With such a notoriously broad portfolio, it is no wonder why Romeo Y Julieta would spearhead the cedar element for setting apart their countless vitolas. The famed trio of pre-revolutionary 42-gauge smokes, the Cedros de Luxe No.1, No.2, and No.3, are the pioneering cedar-wrapped Habanos. Additionally, the Flor de Cano (brought back on the scene by last year’s excellent Elegidos) plays a role in this history with their trusty regular production Petit Corona.

Far from anybody’s go-to cigar, a small but vocal group of aficionados are vested in the advantages of cedar vitolas. The medium strength Romeo No.1. No.2 and No.3 are known to contain similar blends. Enthusiasts have lauded an exceptional aging potential correlating with the hypothesis that cedar offers additional insulation from humidity fluctuation. The result is a more stable, more gracefully aged smoke, positively affecting flavor development.

ROMEO Y JULIETA CEDROS DE LUXE – LA CASA DEL HABANO EXCLUSIVE

The year 2014 brought cedar back into the public imagination with the release of the La Casa Del Habano Exclusive Romeo Y Julieta Cedros de Luxe. This Gordito-sized (50 X 140 mm) special release was overshadowed by the highly anticipated Partagas Maduro No.1 (52 X 130 mm), relegating it to a sleeper hit. Its rare size was only once before reproduced in Habanosphere with the cult favorite San Cristobal de la Habana “La Fuerza”. This LCDH release is selectively available worldwide in rather unceremonious semi-natural boxes of 10. Today I have the pleasure of reviewing the Cedros de Luxe procured from a box from mid-2018. Near the sweet spot of the aging arch, I’m excited to discover what awaits.

Cold Draw: A perfectly cylindrical and highly aromatic Colorado Maduro wrapper delivers barnyard, straw, and baking spice notes. Any hints of cedar are surprisingly faint. Gauging the draw, I recognize an unambiguous sensation of black cherry sweetness on my palette.

First Third: An excellent draw delivers rich, velvety plumes of smoke, matching a generous creamy introduction. The billowing cigar’s buttery texture is paired with a leather base and a cashew nut sweetness. Tannic, creamy, bitter, and sweet notes are suspended in total balance, offering plenty of flavor without overpowering notes.

Second Third: The portfolio remains consistent while gradually picking up in intensity. The draw remains silky despite a slightly lopsided burn detour midway. More toasted wood and astringent mineral elements emerge, tempered by faint dark chocolate sweetness. A retro-hale introduces a white pepper kick to the forefront.

Last Third: The blend retains a relatively smooth medium-light profile, despite the increased presence of oak and charred baking spices coming to fruition. Near the end, R & J’s classic leathery character chaperones this smoke to its ashy finale.

Final Thoughts: This LCDH exclusive R & J delivers a consistently smooth, enjoyable smoke. This Gordito felt aged way beyond its four years, leading me to believe the hypotheses about cedar wrappers facilitating the aging process. An excellent post-meal aperitif, or a fine accompaniment to a charcuterie plate, the Cedros De Luxe offers 50 minutes of enjoyment, delivering some quintessential R & J expressions. A lack of complexity makes it a great candidate for a vivacious whisky pairing, for which I direct readers to the acumen of my dear colleague and pairing extraordinaire, Steve Chioda.  See what his thoughts on the cigar were HERE