I forgot how I came across this cigar, I know it wasn’t from the rep because when he visits my job he never offers up samples to me. I mean, I work in a cigar store and every rep that rolls through always offers a smoke, which I politely decline at times and accept on others. I also know I didn’t get the cigar at Two Guys Smoke Shop as the only Anejo we sell is that from Fuente. But, the cigar has been sitting in my humidor for a while so I decided it was time to smoke it.
Cigar: Romeo Anejo
Size: 6 x 54 (Toro)
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf (2010)
Binder: Dominican Olar (2008)
Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras (2009)
Strength: Medium
Source: Unknown
The Look: At first look I wouldn’t peg this for a Connecticut Broadleaf as it looks a little lighter than many cigars on the market utilizing this wrapper. Near the shoulders of the cigar the wrapper is darker and looks like a different leaf was used. There are some significant veins present and a few soft spots. There are two bands of silver and black the primary showcases the new Romeo logo with the word Anejo under it, and the band on the bottom features the word Anejo. The band of the cigar is pretty ugly with way too much silver and a hideous shade of brown.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Romeo Anejo is pretty non-descript, which is not what I envision when reaching for a cigar with Anejo in the name. There are notes of tobacco and not much else, even off the foot of the cigar. One would think that a stick with tobacco that is 6 years old there would be some aroma to enjoy, but there is none.
Once the cigar is lit there are notes of sour cream to begin before hints of coffee and chocolate emerge. Thankfully they erase the sour cream note that started this cigar.
In the second third of the smoke at times there are notes that are pure tobacco at best, and at times there is some coffee notes, but for the most part it remains very generic.
The final third of the cigar has some saving grace but it is too little too late. There is some sugar like notes similar to frosting on a cookie, and some chocolate notes before becoming sour again as experienced on the initial third.
The Burn: One of the tell tail signs of tobacco that has been aged is how thin the burn line is on the cigar. While this measure isn’t 100% fool-proof, it is a good measure. Looking at the burn of the Romeo Anejo I question wether or not the wrapper is 5 years old, or if it is a marketing ploy. The draw of the cigar was exceptional, and the light color ash held on well, but I can’t get past the thick burn line.
Overall: Let’s face it when you say Anejo, you think Arturo Fuente Anejo. A cigar that is rich with flavor and has an incredible aroma. Things that do not exist on the Romeo Anejo, a brand which continues to survive on a name, instead of the product they put out. This cigar might be one of the worst I have smoked in quite sometime, but that is just one man’s opinion. And we know what they say about opinions…
Score: 80
Price: $9.00
Romeo Anejo
Romeo Anejo Foot
Romeo Anejo Burn
