Romeo y Julieta Duke

[Dbone]

Romeo y Julieta released their 8th Limited Edition, I believe, in 2009 named the Duke. Measuring in with a 54 RG and 5.5", it's a Robusto Extra. One of the new large and in charge releases. The Dukes where released in boxes of 10. I had purchased a couple boxes and shortly after receiving them I found them to be tasteless and dull. I placed them back in the humidor and forgot about them. That is until now.

Fast forward 8 months later. I had a business retreat and after looking at all the boxes to bring I reached for these. I decided to bring both boxes of 10 since I wouldn't mind not having them anyway LOL. I couldn't have been more wrong. Given the resting these cigars turned into pure gems. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed smoking a cigar like this. Typically I'm not one for the larger ring gauge, but this is definitely one exception.

These babies where smooth, real smooth with no rough edges biting at you. The complexity was out of this world. The big one was orange peel, also stone-fruit including cherries, burnt toast, light coffee, and chocolate. These flavors wove a tapestry of flavors that continuously changed. There really wasn't any 1st third, or 2nd third because it constantly was evolving with every draw. As I mentioned earlier, if there was one father to all the flavors it would be the orange peel.

The finish was long, smooth, and earthy. I did not experience the normal LE sweetness in the Dukes.

Construction was excellent. There where no plugs and no wind tunnels I had or had been reported from the others. Personally I had three and two of them only gave up one tuff ash. After the ash there was a nice cone ready to begin building another 2" ash.

In closing I would rate this cigar very high. If these where in regular production I would definitely have a box on hand. And now that I'm out, it's time to look for a couple more while they're still available LOL

[pedromendes]

Fantastic review! I had shied away from these because of the initial blasé reviews, but having tried my first RyJ Wide Churchill recently, which I LOVED - very similar experience to your review of the Duke - I'm going to look for a box of each!

[CBL]

Fantastic review! I had shied away from these because of the initial blasé reviews, but having tried my first RyJ Wide Churchill recently, which I LOVED - very similar experience to your review of the Duke - I'm going to look for a box of each!

The only LE of that year I didn't bother to try while I was in Cuba, RyJ never really impressed me accept, as where you, the Wide Churchill and maybe the cazadores (only had two singles) But this review kinda has me wondering if I made a mistake Hopefully I have a chance to try a single some day. The one on the picture looks stunning! Beautiful wrapper.

[Torontonian]

Thanks for the heads-up Dbone.

[Puros Y Vino]

Great review DBone. RyJ Dukes are winners IMO. Great flavour profile and range.

[peanutpete]

good to know there smoking well, may have to dig my box out the humi and sacrifice one to the smoking gods

[ckearns]

I really enjoyed this review. Its great when a little time and tlc pays huge dividends. Thanks for adding it.