Cigars.ie

The Lonsdales of Christmas, Day 8 - Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No.1

The Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No.1 is the largest of the Cedros de Luxe family. These cedar wrapped cigars were introduced before the revolution and they are known to be stronger in flavour than the regular Romeos. The cedar strip seems to give these cigars a distinctive cedar flavour, especially when they are aged for 4 or more years. Up until 2008 the cigars were wearing a gold and black label, but in later that year the label was replaced with the standard Romeo y Julieta label.

The No.1 is a Cervante, measuring 6.5″ in length by 42 ring gauge. I haven’t smoked the No.1 before, but I have been quite pleased with the smaller No.2 and No.3 I have tried. Time to blaze the last cigar for 2010, let’s hope it’s a good one!

Appearance 12 /15

Under the cedar strip, the wrapper looks in immaculate condition. It is dark brown, smooth to touch and with some veins. The triple cap is rounded and a little sloppy and the bunch is inconsistent. It feels spongy on the bottom half, while the top half seems harder. Sweet, floral aromas are noticeable on the bottom of the cigar and the prelight draw is good, leaning towards the loose side.

Flavour & Body 23 /25

The cigar shows good complexity from the start, with strong and rich flavours of cedar (surprise!), earth, peanuts and some herbs. The body is medium and the flavours are well balanced and deep. In the second third the cigar maintains its flavours and the body is now medium to full. It is now sweeter than in the first third, with dark chocolate and notes of caramel in the mix. It reminds me of a good Romeo Churchill, only a little stronger. In the last third the cigar changes again, with flavours of cedar, black pepper and leather taking over,while a sweet spiciness tingles your palate. The body remains medium to full and the cigar has a long, savory finish.

Draw & Burn 20 / 25

The cigar draws very well from start to finish, producing good amount of thick smoke. The burn is even all the way through, but the combustion is not good and goes out if it is left waiting for too long and requires several touch ups. The ash is light grey, with a good structure, and it reaches about an inch in length before falling off.

Overall 32 / 35

Like all the Cedros de Luxe, the No.1 tends to be stronger than the rest of the Romeo y Julieta vitolas. However, there is no give in the flavours, as this cigar is as complex as any premium Romeo can be. Very interesting alternation of flavors all along, you wouldn’t know what to expect after each puff - or after each relight! That was the only part I could fault this cigar in; its poor burn. I started getting annoyed towards the end, as I had to relight it every time i picked it up from the ashtray. But against all odds, it still tasted good until the very end. A very nice cigar, the Cedros de Luxe is a must try! Try to give it at least 4 years of age in order for any edges on the flavours to get refined, and you will have a lovely cigar!

TOTAL 87 /100