By Alan R. Nye
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6 x 54
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua and Honduran
Romeo y Julieta commissioned pop artist Charles Fazzino to produce the Romeo y Julieta Museum Edition. These cigars come in individual frosted glass tubes lined with Fazzino prints and thin strips of cedar. You can also purchase them in a beautiful black humidor. Displayed in the inner lid of the humidor is a 3D Charles Fazzino print, which is hand numbered and signed by the artist. Amazon describes it this way:
Romeo y Julieta Museum Edition Fazzino Humidor (very limited) Charles Fazzino is one of the most popular artists in the world today. As the creator of the limited edition fine art prints, he is best known for his obsession with bright colors, wonderful detail and a unique hand-assembled, 3-D layering technique that brings his images to life. His artwork can be found in the private collections of hundreds of prominent collectors and sports and entertainment celebrities. He has been commissioned to paint masterful tributes for many high-profile events including the Super Bowl, the MLB All-Star Game, NASCAR’s Daytona 500 and the Grammy Awards. This Limited Edition 3-D Giclee print was specially commissioned for Romeo y Julieta. It is printed on 100% Rag Museum Board and paper. Once printed, each image is meticulously cut and assembled and embellished by hand, establishing each print as a unique work of art.
The wrapper of this cigar is dark brown and lined with several veins of varying lengths. The body is firm but gives fairly easily when squeezed. The simple gold band is attractive. Make no mistake, these cigars are pricy and Amazon lists the limited edition humidor for $350.00. Other online sites list the humidor with full complement of 36 cigars for around $1000.00.
The cigar is very smooth. After lighting it with a wooden match, I Initially noted a somewhat sweet earthy taste. Even though the cigar wasn’t packed tightly, the medium gray ash stayed attached for a full inch or more before falling off. The smoke was thick when drawing on the cigar – but when left sitting in an ash tray, it became so light it was practically invisible.
This is a mild to medium cigar. The first third was light with no harshness tones evident. It’s easy on the palate and is perfect for folks who enjoy a cigar on just a few special occasions. The frosted glass tube with its gold cap is elegant and well worth keeping for future use as a means to carrying a cigar in your pocket.
The cigar became more complex as I reached the second third, with a more distinct tobacco flavor. The initial sweetness faded and was replaced by a creamy malty flavor – almost like a dark beer. The burn was even and the draw easy and smooth. I appreciate that the band removed easily and wasn’t so stuck to the cigar that it peeled off some of the wrapper, which sometimes happens.
I enjoy a more full bodied cigar and the final third was where this cigar shined. It became more earthy and flavorful – though that creamy texture remained. The mildness of the first third was gone – it had transformed into a medium smoke with just a hint of spiciness. Since other Romeo y Julieta cigars I’ve tried have all been mild disappointments, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this cigar so much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
The high price of this cigar is justified by the elaborate packaging. But if this cigar could be made without the fancy glass tube and was half the price, I’d smoke it often. It’s worth a try, so if your wallet can handle it, stop by The Old Port Wine & Cigar Shoppe and try one of these rare cigars. It would also make a classy gift.