Description
The Romeo That Almost Got Away
I’ll be honest – I nearly wrote off the Romeo y Julieta No. 2 for years. Why? Because I had this stubborn idea that pyramid vitolas were all smoke and mirrors (pun intended). Boy, was I wrong. The first time I properly sat down with this cigar was at a friend’s place in Miami, one of those humid summer evenings where nothing else felt quite right. He handed me this torpedo and said, “Trust me on this one.” That evening changed my whole perspective on what Romeo y Julieta could do when they weren’t playing it safe.
Here’s the thing: the No. 2 isn’t your typical Romeo. If you’ve only tried their Churchill or the Wide Churchill, you’re in for something different. This pyramid format – officially called a Torpedo – brings out flavors in the Vuelta Abajo tobacco that the standard vitolas just don’t quite capture the same way. And after smoking these regularly for the past decade, I can tell you there’s a reason it’s remained in production since 1935.
What Makes This Cuban Stick Stand Out
Romeo y Julieta has been around since 1875, which means they’ve had plenty of time to figure out what works. The brand was actually one of Churchill’s favorites (though he preferred the Churchill vitola, naturally). But the No. 2? It’s got its own personality.
The tapered head does something interesting to the smoke. Creates this concentrated flavor profile that builds gradually. You know that feeling when you’re listening to a song and it slowly crescendos? Kind of like that, but with tobacco. The blend uses leaves from Cuba’s legendary Vuelta Abajo region – pretty much the gold standard when we’re talking Cuban wrapper, binder, and filler tobacco.
Who’s this cigar for? Look, if you’re brand new to Cubans, this might not be your starting point. Not because it’s too strong – it’s actually medium-bodied – but because the tapered format requires a bit more attention when cutting and lighting. But if you’ve smoked your way through a few boxes and want to explore what a classic Cuban house can do with a pyramid shape, you’re gonna love this.
The construction on these has been pretty consistent in my experience. I’ve gone through maybe eight or ten boxes over the years (lost count honestly), and I’d say 85-90% of them have been spot-on. That’s solid for Cuban cigars, where consistency can sometimes be… let’s call it “variable.”
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Torpedo (Piramides) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo blend) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 70-90 minutes |
How It Actually Smokes (The Good and the Real)
Cutting a torpedo always feels like a small ritual. I typically take about a quarter-inch off the cap – go too deep and you’ll unravel the wrapper, which I learned the hard way on a gorgeous Monte No. 2 years back. Still hurts thinking about it. The cold draw on a well-made No. 2 gives you cedar, maybe some hay, and this subtle sweetness that hints at what’s coming.
First third? It starts gentle. Creamy smoke with notes of toast and butter. There’s usually some light pepper on the retrohale – nothing aggressive, just enough to remind you this is Cuban tobacco. The burn line tends to be sharp right from the start, and the ash holds well. I’ve seen it go past an inch before tapping, though I’m usually too impatient for that.
But here’s where it gets interesting. That second third?
The flavors deepen considerably. You start getting leather, coffee, and this earthy complexity that’s tough to describe but you’ll know it when you taste it. The smoke becomes denser, more luxurious. The pyramid shape really shows its worth here because the concentrated smoke at the tip seems to intensify everything. I’ve found that if you slow down your puffs during this section – maybe one every minute or so – you’ll catch nuances that faster smoking just steamrolls over.
Speaking of which, ever noticed how some cigars lose their charm in the final third? Not this one. The No. 2 actually gets a bit sweeter toward the end, with cocoa notes joining the party. There’s more spice too, but it’s balanced. The only time it gets harsh is if you’re puffing like a chimney (been there, done that, learned my lesson). Give it time, let it breathe between draws, and it’ll reward you right down to the nub.
Construction-wise, I’ve rarely had issues with these. The draw is typically firm but not tight – exactly where you want it. Burn’s been even on probably 8 out of 10 sticks. When you do get a wonky one, a quick touch-up with your lighter usually sorts it out. The ash is pale gray, sometimes with darker stripes running through it – nothing unusual for Cuban tobacco, and honestly kind of pretty if you’re into that sort of thing (I am, my wife thinks I’m weird).
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romeo y Julieta No. 2 | Medium | 70-90 minutes | Evening relaxation, special occasions |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 75-95 minutes | Experienced smokers seeking complexity |
| H. Upmann No. 2 | Medium-Light | 60-80 minutes | Afternoon smoke, beginners to torpedos |
What to Drink With This Beauty
Coffee’s my go-to with this cigar. Not gonna lie. A proper Cuban espresso if you can get it, or a well-pulled shot of something dark and oily. The bitterness cuts through the smoke’s creaminess in a way that just works. I’ve also had fantastic experiences pairing it with aged rum – specifically Havana Club 7 Year or anything from the Santiago de Cuba line. The molasses and oak notes in dark rum complement that second-third earthiness beautifully.
As for occasions? This is an evening cigar for me. Too much going on to waste it on a quick morning smoke (and honestly, it’s probably too much cigar for breakfast unless you’re having a really interesting morning). Perfect after a good dinner, especially if you’ve had steak or something rich. Also great for those nights when you’ve got nowhere to be and nothing to do – just you, your thoughts, and 90 minutes of aromatic smoke.
I’ve smoked these on the golf course, but here’s my take: the No. 2 deserves your attention. If you’re walking 18 holes and trying to line up putts, you’re not giving it the focus it deserves. Save it for when you can sit still.
Common Questions About the Romeo y Julieta No. 2
How do I properly cut a Romeo y Julieta No. 2?
Use a sharp cutter and remove about a quarter-inch from the pointed cap. The key is cutting just enough to expose the filler without going past where the cap was applied – if you cut too deep into the shoulder, the wrapper can unravel. I prefer a straight cut over a V-cut for pyramids, but that’s personal preference. Just take your time with it.
What’s the difference between the No. 2 and other Romeo y Julieta vitolas?
The torpedo shape concentrates the smoke differently than parejos (straight-sided cigars). This creates a more intense flavor profile, especially in the first and second thirds. The No. 2 also tends to have more complexity than, say, the Exhibicion No. 4 or the standard Churchill. If you’ve only tried straight-sided Romeos, you’ll notice the difference immediately.
How should I store Romeo y Julieta No. 2 cigars?
Keep them at 65-70% relative humidity and around 65-70°F. I personally lean toward the lower end – around 65% RH – because it makes the draw easier and the flavors seem crisper to me. These cigars benefit from aging too. I’ve smoked five-year-old No. 2s that were absolutely stunning, with the rough edges smoothed out and the flavors more integrated.
Is the Romeo y Julieta No. 2 suitable for beginners?
Depends on what you mean by beginner. If you’ve never smoked a cigar before? Probably start with something smaller and milder. But if you’ve worked through a few boxes and feel comfortable with Cuban tobacco, go for it. The medium strength won’t overwhelm you, and it’s a great introduction to pyramid vitolas. Just don’t rush it – this cigar rewards patience.
Why does my Romeo y Julieta No. 2 taste harsh in the final third?
You’re probably smoking it too fast. When you puff frequently, the cigar gets too hot and tar builds up. Slow down – aim for one draw per minute, maybe even longer in that final third. Also make sure you’re not holding it in your mouth between puffs. Let it rest, and it’ll stay sweet and complex all the way down.
How long should I age Romeo y Julieta No. 2 cigars?
They’re perfectly smokeable fresh, but aging them 6-12 months smooths out the flavors noticeably. I’ve got a box from 2019 that’s smoking like a dream right now – the pepper has mellowed, the cedar notes have become more pronounced, and there’s this honey sweetness that wasn’t there when they were young. If you’ve got the patience, buy a box and forget about it for a year. Your future self will thank you.
Can I smoke a Romeo y Julieta No. 2 on an empty stomach?
I wouldn’t recommend it. While it’s medium strength (not full), it’s still Cuban tobacco and you’re looking at 70-90 minutes of smoking. Have at least a snack beforehand, and keep some water or a sweet drink handy. I made the mistake once of smoking one first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Let’s just say the room started spinning and leave it at that.
Final Thoughts From the Ashtray
The Romeo y Julieta No. 2 isn’t trying to be anything it’s not. It’s a classic Cuban cigar with a format that’s been working since the 1930s. Medium strength, complex flavors, and enough smoke time to really settle into your evening. Yeah, it requires a bit more attention than a robusto – you need to cut it properly, light it carefully, and pace yourself through the experience. But that’s kind of the point, isn’t it?
Thing is, we’re not exactly short on torpedo options in the Cuban cigar world. You’ve got the Montecristo No. 2, which is more intense. The H. Upmann No. 2, which is gentler. But the Romeo sits right in that sweet spot – enough complexity to keep experienced smokers interested, but approachable enough that you’re not going to get knocked on your ass if you’re still building up your tolerance.
If you’ve been curious about pyramids or just want to explore what Romeo y Julieta can do beyond their standard lineup, grab a few of these. Light one up on a night when you’ve got nothing pressing to do. Pour something that complements rather than competes with the smoke. And just… pay attention. That’s when this cigar really shows you what it’s got.
Ready to experience what a classic Cuban torpedo should taste like? Add the Romeo y Julieta No. 2 to your humidor and see what nearly 90 years of production refinement tastes like.
