Romeo y Julieta Dukes Edición Limitada 2009

Size: 54 × 140 (5.5")

Shape: Robusto Extra

Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Smoking Time: 1 ¾ hours

Beverage: Anarchist Amber Ale

Although this review was completed a bit later than we generally prefer, the memories of the Romeo and Julieta Ltd Ed 2009 still stir up images of good conversation and reflection of another week come and gone.  To us, each puff of a good cigar brings another hectic week closer to completion and is the perfect instrument to transition effortlessly into the needed mental break of the weekend.  That being said, we have found that some cigars are much better at ameliorating the stress of a busy week than others.  The Romeo and Julieta Ltd Ed 2009 is such a cigar.

After inspecting a few of the Grand Robustos with careful consideration, ruling out those with prominent veins or small nicks and tears, I concluded my search with a beautifully rolled specimen of fine Cuban craftsmanship.  I had been anxiously awaiting this cigar all week as my fellow reviewer had previously smoked one and raved about its subtle flavors.  As I clipped the cap with my friends Palio cutter and sampled the pre-draw notes of cedar, leather, and hay, I anticipated a fairly mild cigar considering the reputation of Romeo y Julieta as well as my friends comments a week prior.

I attempted to light the smoke using the 3 match technique described by Gordon Mott, the Executive Editor of Cigar Aficionado; however, the technique is harder that it looks and it ended up taking me 5 matches.  The first draw of the cigar provided me with able, sumptuous balloons of smoke that wafted throughout the room.  I noted the mild body and strength of the cigar and the cedar and leather flavors I noticed during the pre-draw sampling were pronounced as I burned through the first third.  Although I would not describe this smoke as anything other than mild-medium in both strength and flavor, it did pick up flavor and I noticed some pleasant tingles on my palate.  I would also comment that although the flavor of the cigar became more intense, it did not seem to change in terms of its complexity. 

One noticeable draw-back of the “Duke” was the unmistakable ammonia flavor of a young cigar that crept in periodically, especially when the draw become too hot.  Therefore, we recommend that you allow this cigar to rest for at least a year before toasting its tip.  That being said, this cigar could become something truly worthy of a Friday cigar with some time in the humidor.  With only some small touch-ups throughout our journey together, I would have to say this cigar was particularly enjoyable and is definitely worth trying.  I give it 3.5 Castro heads out of 5.