I’m really excited to give you my impressions of the cigar that I’m going to review. It is a cigar that kind of flies under everyone’s radar (mine included), until the cigar Gods sent one my way. Today we’ll be talking about the Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe which is a La Casa del Habano exclusive edition. The Cedros de Luxe is a 5-1/2 X 50 cigar. The factory size name is a Gordito but is marketed as a Robusto Extra. Romeo y Julieta had a release date of 2014 but were not introduced until mid 2015, which makes sense as the box from which my cigar came from was dated June 2015. Cedar wrapped and looking good, I’m ready to put a flame to this beauty.
The cold draw on this cigar is promising. Cinnamon, cardamom, and no surprise, cedar is what I taste. Usually the first couple of puffs on a cigar that’s just been lit come on a little strong but this cigar comes on smooth as silk. Creamy is the word here, with hints of almond on the draw, followed by a quick tingle of black pepper on the tip of the tongue. All the while being accompanied by a slight cedar tangyness and astringency. Loads of smoke and a fine draw.
The second third brings on slight burnt toffee/coffee hints then settles down into that classic R&J flavors. It strengthens a bit but retained that creamy and cedar-y characteristics. The draw still remains effortless.
In the last third the woody notes intensify as does the astringent quality. The sweet flavors and cinnamon and cardamom return quickly for a final appearance as the cigar burns down. This cigar is definitely a finger burner for me!
I paired this cigar with Suntory Toki Whisky as the whisky is light and has some nice floral notes that complimented the cedar notes of the cigar.
Pick one up today and see what you think!
*****
Our team member Danilo Bulatovic revisited this same cigar in July 2022. See his thoughts on it, plus a little history on cedar wrapped cigars HERE
[…] 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 […]