The Romeo y Julieta brand can cite its beginnings in 1875 when the original brand was founded by Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin Garcia. The brand won many awards over its first decade, but truly took off after being acquired by Jose “Pepin” Rodriguez Fernandez, who promoted the brand throughout Europe and America by racing his horse Julieta. Wealthy patrons of the company eventually began to request personalized cigar bands. 2000 of these personalized bands were produced. The most famous patron of Romeo y Julieta was Winston Churchill. He became such a prominent symbol of cigar smoking that a cigar size came to be named after him.
The Romeo y Julieta Vintage No. 1 Maduro features a Dominican maduro wrapper over a aged Mexican binder leaf and a filler of Cuban Seed and Dominican Long Leaf. The wrapper is a bit rugged looking, firm, and emanates tobacco and cedar. The cigar burn is very even despite the veins, and the ash clings on well past an inch if you’re careful. The draw is quite good, and the first puffs summon forth the aromas of dark chocolate, coffee, and pepper. A slightly sweet and toasty aftertaste follows each puff. The peppery tone fades out quickly, while the chocolate and coffee last through the rest of the smoke. The finish is creamy and delicious, not bitter or acrid like many cigars can be at this point. The total experience is relaxing and very agreeable.
The Romeo y Julieta Vintage No. 1 Maduro is available for just $5.00, which makes it an excellent price for an exquisite smoke. The cigar is well constructed, aromatic and flavorful—well balanced without any one note becoming overbearing. This is a nice medium strength cigar which should be accessible both to smokers who enjoy strong cigars and those who prefer a lighter smoke.