I found this one buried deep in the humidor this evening as I was searching for a quick smoke. At only four inches long and a 45 ring gauge, it’s certainly a good candidate for a quickie. I got this one in a grab-bag deal from JR Cigars almost a year ago, so it’s had some time to consider its fate. But sooner or later, the man with the cutter comes a-knockin’, and that time is now.

The standard Romeo y Julieta line is sometimes called the “1875,” from the year that they were first manufactured in Cuba. The wrapper is Indonesian TBN, the binder is Dominican Olor, and the filler is Dominican with a bit of Pennsylvania leaf thrown in for good measure. They are manufactured in the Dominican Republic in La Romana.

Altadis is no longer producing this size in the standard line, though it continues to do so in the Reserve Maduro line.

The prelight scent of this little belicoso is quite nice, something along the lines of bittersweet chocolate. The draw is firm and it cuts very cleanly.

The first few puffs are somewhat papery and a little flinty. By the midway point, after about ten minutes, it graduates to a sweet nutty flavor. I’m not the biggest fan of Indonesian wrapper, but the Romeo y Julieta 1875 is blended very well and the slightly bitter attributes of the wrapper are nicely balanced against the sweet nutty flavor of the filler. The aroma is not exceptional by any means, but its mild spiciness is quite enjoyable. It’s also very well constructed. The ash is an attractive solid white.

After twenty minutes the spring has sprung and the deal is done. This line has plenty of fans and is available nearly everywhere, at least in the U.S.  It’s definitely a cigar to try in your favorite size, but the mini belicoso is gone for good I think. It was good while it lasted.