There are few brands in Altadis’ premium portfolio of heritage lines that haven’t been touched by cigarmaker A.J. Fernandez. When Altadis wants a modern version of an old brand, Fernandez is the go-to guy, and his formula is simple: amp up the strength with Nicaraguan tobacco. So far, it seems to be working well for Altadis, particularly with the Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua. 

While the original Reserva Real is a mild smoke made in the Dominican Republic, the new brand is made with tobacco grown by Fernandez on his farms. It’s stronger than the original, but it’s not an overly strong cigar, with the Toro imparting a procession of notes ranging from slate, leather and honey-glazed nuts to raisin and spice before the woody finish.

• Previous
• #18
• #19
• #20
• #21
• #22
• #23
• #24
• #25
• Next