The Romeo y Julieta Belicosos is a tapered masterpiece, blending the marca’s signature elegance with unexpected depth in a 140mm x 52 format. Featuring a golden-hued Cuban wrapper, it delivers creamy flavors of almond, cedar, and honey with a hint of citrus zest. A perfect balance of strength and sophistication, this belicoso offers a 90-minute smoking experience that showcases RyJ’s artistry in tapered vitolas.
Key Details
Brand: Romeo y Julieta
Line: Standard Production
Vitola: Belicoso
Length: 140mm (5.5 inches)
Ring Gauge: 52 (tapering to 42)
Strength: Medium-bodied
Wrapper: Cuban Colorado Claro
Binder/Filler: Vuelta Abajo
Packaging: Lacquered box of 25
Box Code: TUE/BRE (2021-23 optimal)
Smoke Time: 75-90 minutes
Construction: Handmade, long filler
Flavor Evolution
Cold Draw: Marzipan
First Third: Almond cream, citrus blossom
Middle Third: Honey-glazed cedar, white pepper
Final Third: Graham cracker, mineral water
Why It Stands Out
✓ Only regular production Belicoso in the RyJ lineup
✓ Tapered foot enhances flavor concentration
✓ Ages into a caramel bomb (3-5 years)
✓ 95-rated (Cigar Journal)
Perfect Pairings:
• 15-year Spanish sherry
• Jasmine pearl tea
• Lemon tart desserts
Ideal For
• Special occasion smokers
• Those exploring tapered vitolas
• Afternoon garden parties
• Pairing with floral cocktails
Pro Tip: The 2022 BRE productions show exceptional draw—look for slightly box-pressed examples.
Historical Note
Introduced in 2016 to modernize the RyJ portfolio, this vitola quickly became a cult favorite for its unexpected complexity. The 2019 blend tweak increased ligero content slightly while maintaining its approachable character.
2024 Update
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Current crops emphasize more citrus notes than earlier years
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Optimal RH: 62-65% for perfect combustion
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Cutting: V-cut recommended to maximize tapered draw
Aging Potential:
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1-3 years: Bright, floral dominance
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3-5 years: Caramelization begins
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5+ years: Develops baking spices
Collector’s Insight:
Boxes from 2020 (last pre-pandemic production) now show exceptional balance between freshness and early maturity.
Vitola Comparison
Feature | RyJ Belicosos | RyJ Churchill | RyJ No.2 |
---|---|---|---|
Strength | Medium | Mild-Medium | Medium |
Profile | Cream/Citrus | Cedar/Cream | Wood/Spice |
Unique Trait | Tapered intensity | Classic linear smoke | Quick smoke |
Ideal Age | 3-5 years | 5-7 years | 1-3 years |
The thinking aficionado’s RyJ—offering more nuance than the marca’s traditional lines while remaining approachable.
Special Occasion Serving Suggestions
For memorable pairings:
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First third: Serve with Elderflower spritz
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Middle third: Switch to Oloroso sherry
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Final third: Accompanied by honey-almond baklava
Note: The belicoso shape makes this one of the best outdoor cigars—its tapered foot resists wind disruption.
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