The Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas stands as one of Cuba’s most iconic short smokes, offering a condensed yet complete expression of the Romeo profile in a classic mareva format (129mm x 42 ring gauge / 5.1″ x 16.67mm). A staple since the 19th century, this 30-45 minute smoke delivers remarkable complexity for its size, making it the quintessential Cuban “lunch break cigar.”
Construction & Presentation
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Wrapper: Semi-glossy Colorado claro with delicate veins
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Box: Traditional cabinet-style box of 25 (cedar veneer)
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Recent Production (2021-2023):
✓ Draw: Consistently excellent (rare tight plugs)
✓ Burn: Razor-straight with white pepper ash
✓ Aging Potential: Surprisingly good for 5-7 years
Pro Tip: These perform best at 62-64% RH – the slightly drier environment enhances combustion.
Flavor Symphony
A masterclass in concentrated flavor development:
First Third (0-15 min):
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Toasted brioche
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Marcona almond cream
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Faint orange zest
Middle Third (15-30 min):
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Cinnamon-dusted cedar
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Honey-glazed cashews
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Emerging white pepper
Final Third (30+ min):
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Cuban café con leche
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Worn leather binder
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Lingering floral honey
Strength: Starts mild-medium, builds to solid medium
Market Position & Value
Attribute | Detail |
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MSRP | $8-$12/stick |
Secondary Value (Aged) | +25% for 5yr+ boxes |
Best Box Codes | TUA 21, EML 22 |
Humidor Space | 25 cigars = 1/3 shelf |
Why Smokers Love It:
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Most affordable “true” Romeo profile
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Perfect workday smoke (full flavor, short time)
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Improves dramatically with 2+ years of age
Ultimate Pairings
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Morning: Cortado + butter croissant
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Afternoon: Oloroso sherry + manchego
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Evening: Zacapa 23 rum + dark chocolate
Against Competitors
Cigar | Difference |
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Montecristo No.5 | Less spicy, more creamy |
Partagas Shorts | Milder than Partagas’ pepper bomb |
RyJ Mille Fleurs | More complexity, better construction |
Collector Notes
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Discontinued 2006-2010, now consistently available
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Pre-2006 boxes show incredible caramelization
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2021+ production is particularly consistent
Final Verdict
★★★★★ (4.8/5) – The gold standard for Cuban petit coronas.
Buy If:
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You want authentic Havana flavor in under an hour
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Need a reliable daily smoker that won’t break the bank
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Appreciate cigars that age above their weight class
Currently: Available at most LCDHs, with 2023 boxes showing exceptional wrapper quality.
Pro Move: Buy two boxes – smoke one fresh, age the other 3+ years for a stunning transformation
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