Altadis claims on their website that "The World's Hottest Love Story has a new Cast Member".  We're not quite sure if it's love, but we're sure willing to go out on a second date.

Introduced at the 2003 RTDA show in Nashville, the Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real from Altadis is another in the long line of non-Cuban cigars that take advantage of the famous name from the old country.  We chose the No. 2 box pressed Belicoso as our test cigar from the Reserva Real line.

The first thing that strikes you  is the relative solidity of the construction.  This doesn't feel like RyJ's of the past, the No. 2 brings to mind cigars from much more quality oriented manufacturers like Padron or Fuente.  Now this isn't intended to be a slap at RyJ cigars of the past, the differences are just damn glaring.

Once cut, the construction still holds some serious hopes.  The cutter snips through the cigar like it is gently cutting through one solid piece of tobacco. 

The wrapper is a Connecticut Shade seed,  Ecuadorian grown wrapper that looks beautiful, but does not impart confidence in the Altadis claims that this will be a "rich and aromatic" smoke.  That said, as long as you don't confuse "rich" with "strong" you won't be badly disappointed.  In this case, rich is good, and rich is delivered.  The Romeo y Julieta is a smooth cigar, that can't be called mild, but has a little something extra on the palate that helps it stand out from the crowd.

"This Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real No. 2 made me smile when I went back to grab a second try from my humidor.  The first experience was good, but left me some questions...mainly wanting to verify my initial experience.  The second was as good as the first.  not world class, but definitely major league.  Throw in a very attractive price, and this may be the best member of the Romeo y Julieta Altadis family."

As you meander your way towards the middle of the cigar, you can start feeling the heat from the tobacco.  Thus begins a slow decline in the flavor and appeal of the Reserva Real No. 2.  We're not talking about a jump off the Grand Canyon kind of decline...just a dropping down the slope with every few puffs kind of drop-off.  If your searching for faults, this will be the one you focus on.  Not that big of flaw that you won't give them another try, and that's what we recommend.  Another date with the Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real is not going to leave you hurting in the least.

Vital Statistics:
Size: 6 1/2 x 52
Shape: Torpedo
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder:  Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic

Est. Cost: $6.00