Initial Thoughts
The Altadis USA brand Romeo y Julieta is pretty much a household name in the cigar business. Though often overshadowed by their Cuban counterparts, RyJ cigars are highly popular and carried in most B&M’s across the country. However, for this particular release, Altadis has partnered with Famous Smoke Shop to create two blends exclusively for them; the House of Capulet and the House of Montague. The names of the blends come from Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, with Capulet being that of Juliet and Montague of Romeo. In my opinion, the use of names from the actual story had to be done at some point!
From the description of the two blends, it is apparent that the Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet is the milder of the two. I am sure this has something (or everything) to do with the fact that Juliet is a Capulet. Though this makes sense, I don’t know that I want to state this as fact for fear of offending someone due to gender bias. Let’s just say, the fairer of the two blends has been named after the fairer of the two main characters of the story.
Another thing that is fair about this blend is the price. You can find any number of deals on this or the Montague on Famous’ site; anywhere from $4 a stick to free with a qualifying purchase. Based on my experience with the Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet Robusto, I’d say it is certainly worth looking into.
Looks
Normally, I start with the cigar wrapper first, but that is not what catches my eye initially. The majority of the cigar is covered in either bands or tissue paper and is quite elegant. There is a traditional white band with silver trim and red print near the shoulder and another one at the foot with the same color scheme. In between, there is a frosted, translucent tissue paper with the name “House of Capulet” and the family crest in a faint silver tone. The designs and classic, subtle colors are very well done.
As pretty as the bands and tissue are, you can’t (or shouldn’t) smoke them, so I slip them off to inspect the actual cigar. It has a slightly veiny and silky smooth, blonde wrapper. The triple cap is tight and flush. This Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet looks and feels well-constructed.
When removing the bands and tissue paper, both bands came off. However, I wanted to keep the top band on, so I separated it from the paper and slid it back on. My only complaint (and it is very minor) is that the band was quite loose, sliding up and down the cigar while I smoked it. Alas, twas merely a minor annoyance!
Function
Since the Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet Robusto looked so great, I was hoping it smelled great too. I would say it was close, but no…never mind. The foot was grassy and earthy, but the barrel smelled like a cookie, maybe sugar to be exact.
As previously mentioned, the wrapper is silky smooth. The minimal veins provide a bit of texture, but nothing out of the ordinary. There are no soft spots, but the cigar is just a tad spongy. However, compared to most Connecticut shade wrapped cigars I’ve had, it is quite firm.
After clipping the cap with my CRA cutter, I test the draw. There is good airflow on the Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet Robusto, but not a lot of flavor. There is only a hint of grass and dust. Hopefully that will change when I light it up.
Smoking:
I went with the two-match light again and it fired right up. You have to be careful with Connecticut shade wrappers, as they will singe quite easily. Even using matches, I still managed to leave some black marks along the sides of the wrapper. Nothing severe though. The draw was mostly open with just a touch of resistance. There is a nice amount of smoke on each pull.
The burn was very even for this entire Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet, but the ash, however, performed 3 different acts. The first ash was white and gray and over an inch long. It was absolutely beautiful! The second “act” was not as stunning, becoming flakier. As it moved into the third “act” it was able to form another 1+inch ash that held on tight. Not bad cigar, not bad!
Flavor:
It’s fair to say that the Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet Robusto is a beautiful-looking cigar, but there are more important things than looks when it comes to cigars. Top of the list for me is flavor. I usually don’t have high expectations on the flavor of cigars with Connecticut shade wrappers as I find most of them to be bland. Let’s see if this one is different.
The first third begins with a mild black pepper, grass, and wood. As it progresses, I taste nuts and a touch of cream on the finish. The retrohales also develop new flavors, mostly fragrant pepper and fennel.
The next third sees the pepper fully become white and fragrant, with a continuation of the wood, nuts, and grass. The cream fades out and some tangy notes appear.
By the final third, the pepper and cream are mostly absent, but the other flavors remain. The creaminess does reappear at the very end. The cigar is smooth until the very end, never getting harsh or hot.
The Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet Robusto is mild in strength and medium in flavor. The smoke time was just under 1.5 hours. Though I don’t usually prefer milder cigars, I thought this one was really good for what it is.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes, just to have a milder smoke for the rare occasion or for newer smokers to try.
Is It An Everyday Smoke?
For me? No. For those who like mild cigars? Yes!
Would I Buy a Box?
I would not, but I will most likely get another 5 pack in the near future.
Conclusion
The Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet Robusto is a very solid mild cigar that is as tasty as it is beautiful. Though I am not a big fan of mild cigars, I do enjoy them now and again and can certainly appreciate them for what they are. If I was going to choose one, this would be on my “go-to” list for sure. For the price, it would be difficult to find something of equal or greater quality.
