Romeo y Julieta Viejo

A gorgeous little number.

It's a shame that manufacturer price increases plus SCHIP tax increases have combined to cause Romeo y Julieta prices to go up in price so drastically. Romeo's Viejo is, for many customers, one of the top Romeo y Julieta blends there is. Its super-smooth, thick, slightly toothy maduro wrapper - grown in the famed San Andres Valley of Mexico - features an oily sheen and triple cap, while the subtle square-press presentation feels great in the hand and adds to the anticipation. The flavor is dependable and consistent throughout: mellow and smooth from start to finish, highlighted by some richness, hints of caramel and a faint sweet woody note. The aftertaste is very pleasant, while the draw is effortless and pumps out voluminous clouds of smoke. Of the myriad Romeo y Julieta blends, to me this gorgeous little number is hands-down the best.

If you can stomach the price increase, it's worth it (and still 25% below suggested retails).