Romeo y Julieta Churchill (purchased from Hotel Nacional in 2018; no box code) (C&CRW)

[Glass Half Full]

RyJ Churchill purchased in 2018 from Hotel Nacional (no box code available)

For the pre-light, a Dickman cut.  Wonderful draw.  Easy, sweet, tobacco.  This begins upon lighting as perhaps the most mild RyJ Churchill I’ve ever experienced – all sweetness and light; retros are mild too; there’s subtle richness but tempered. 

The entire first 1/3^rd was much more mild than I’d experienced before, loads of sweetness; while initial creaminess does pick up it begins as almost too mild for an after dinner cigar, …except for the luscious retrohales.  

Getting into the 2^nd third it picks up nicely in strength (at last) though still a seemingly a very “easy” cigar – this one – all shortbread, cream, spices and the like.  Perfect construction so far, no touch ups needed at all.  Retros are still key to enjoying this relatively mild Churchill (so far).

Entering the 3^rd/3^rd, mild leathers start to step in for the transition.  I’ve taken to smoking with three strong puffs and then a deep retro per each exchange with this cigar, which (for me) maximizes the flavor experience.  Deep, rich, and more strong flavors step in, in a good way.  Now THIS has become an “after dinner” cigar.  Milder vanilla has been evident throughout, but it is now really adding to the complexity – full on vanilla bean (like when it’s scraped up from within a really great bean) contrasted against the mild leather.  

Now becoming "Wow."  Smoke production has been consistently good.  Leather and baking spices definitely picked up over sweetness in the final bit.  Sparkling water pairs best for me at this point.  This one is getting nubbed.  

I always hesitate to grade, but I believe that’s what’s expected for a review:  I’m giving this a 91+ after all.  Can't wait to try another after a little wait   

[Islandboy]

Nice review, sounds like a fine experience. I’ve often concluded that the best short Churchill is actually the final third of a full sized Churchill.