Description
A Classic Torpedo That Never Gets Old
There’s something about reaching for a Romeo y Julieta that just feels right. Maybe it’s the history, or maybe it’s because I know exactly what I’m getting – a smooth, reliable smoke that won’t let me down. The Romeo y Julieta No. 2 has been around since the 1960s, and honestly? It hasn’t lost a step. This pyramid-shaped beauty delivers that classic Cuban profile with just enough complexity to keep things interesting without overwhelming your palate. If you’re looking for a medium-bodied cigar that bridges the gap between everyday smoke and special occasion, you’ve found it.
What Makes the No. 2 Special
Romeo y Julieta traces its roots back to 1875, making it one of Cuba’s most established marques. The brand’s known for consistency – and I mean that in the best way possible. You’re not gonna get wild surprises here, but that’s exactly the point. The No. 2 sits in their Churchill line (yeah, the classification can be confusing), and it’s become a benchmark for what a proper Cuban torpedo should taste like.
Here’s the thing: this isn’t a cigar that’s trying to prove anything. It doesn’t need to. The 52 ring gauge gives you enough tobacco to develop real flavor, while the pyramid shape concentrates the smoke beautifully. I’ve found that newer smokers appreciate how approachable it is, while veterans – myself included – keep coming back because it just works. The wrapper comes from Vuelta Abajo, which if you know Cuban tobacco, you know that’s the gold standard. Rich, silky, and it ages like a dream.
Who should smoke this? Pretty much anyone with a couple hours to spare. The medium strength means you can enjoy it in the afternoon without getting knocked on your backside (looking at you, Partagás Serie D No. 4). But there’s enough going on that experienced palates won’t get bored. It’s that sweet spot cigar.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Torpedo (Piramides) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban long filler blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – From Light to Nub
Alright, let’s talk about what actually happens when you light one of these up. The cold draw is usually pretty open – not too tight, not too loose. You’ll pick up some cedar right away, maybe a touch of hay. It’s inviting without giving away all its secrets.
That first third? Pure smoothness. I’m talking creamy cedar notes with this underlying sweetness that reminds me of roasted almonds. There’s a subtle spice on the retrohale – not aggressive, just enough to remind you this is premium tobacco. The construction is typically spot-on. Romeo y Julieta’s factory work has always been solid, and the No. 2 usually burns straight with minimal touchups. The ash holds for a good inch and a half before it drops, showing you that they used quality leaf throughout.
Now, don’t get me wrong – the second third is where things get interesting. The flavor profile shifts. That cedar backbone stays, but leather notes start creeping in. Coffee, too. Sometimes I get cocoa, sometimes it’s more espresso-like. Depends on the humidity and how you’re smoking it (slow down if you want more complexity, by the way). The spice kicks up just a notch, playing off that smooth sweetness. This is the part where I usually pair it with a strong coffee or maybe an aged rum. The smoke production is generous – thick, white clouds that hang in the air.
The final third is where medium-strength cigars can get tricky. Some get harsh. Some lose their flavor. The No. 2? It actually builds. The strength picks up to medium-full territory, and the flavors concentrate. More leather, more earth, touches of black pepper. It’s never bitter though, which is impressive for a cigar you can smoke down to the last inch. I remember smoking one at my local lounge last summer – got it down to a nub that burned my fingers because I didn’t want to let go. That’s the sign of a well-made cigar.
Ever noticed how some cigars taste better at certain times? The No. 2’s versatile. Morning with coffee? Works. After lunch? Sure. Evening smoke? Absolutely. That medium body means it won’t ruin your appetite or keep you up at night.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Cigars
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romeo y Julieta No. 2 | Medium to Medium-Full | 75-90 minutes | Versatile all-day smoke with classic profile |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 80-95 minutes | Those wanting more strength and complexity |
| H. Upmann Magnum 46 | Medium | 60-75 minutes | Milder alternative with similar elegance |
| Partagás Serie P No. 2 | Full | 85-100 minutes | Experienced smokers seeking bold flavors |
Look, the Montecristo No. 2 is the obvious comparison – same vitola, similar profile. But the Monte’s got more oomph. If you want something bolder, go there. The Romeo’s more refined, more approachable. The H. Upmann is lighter but lacks some of the depth. And the Partagás? That’s a different animal entirely – way more strength and earth. The No. 2 sits right in the middle, which is why it’s such a crowd pleaser.
What to Drink With It
Pairing cigars isn’t rocket science, but some combinations just sing. With the Romeo y Julieta No. 2, I’ve had the best luck with Cuban coffee – the strong, sweet kind with a touch of sugar. The coffee’s sweetness plays off that almond note beautifully. If you’re drinking alcohol, consider a Spanish brandy like Cardenal Mendoza. The aged fruit notes complement without overpowering.
Scotch works too – go for something from Speyside. Not too peaty, just smooth and honeyed. A Glenlivet 15 or Balvenie DoubleWood hits the spot. Personally, I think rum’s the move though. Mount Gay XO or Ron Zacapa have that caramel sweetness that mirrors what’s in the cigar. Time of day matters – I’d smoke this mid-afternoon or early evening. It’s substantial enough for after dinner but won’t knock you out like a Cohiba Behike would.
Storage and Aging Notes
Thing is, Cuban cigars benefit from rest. If you’re buying fresh boxes, let them sit in your humidor for at least six months before diving in. I’ve got some No. 2s from 2019 that are smoking like absolute dreams right now – the cedar’s mellowed, and the complexity has really opened up. Keep them at 65-68% humidity and around 65-70°F. Too wet and they’ll burn poorly; too dry and you’ll lose those subtle flavors.
The wrapper on these is delicate – that’s your premium Vuelta Abajo leaf – so handle them carefully. Aging for 3-5 years really lets the filler tobaccos marry. Some people age them longer, but honestly? After about five years, the profile starts to mellow out maybe a bit too much for my taste. But that’s personal preference speaking.
Common Questions About Romeo y Julieta No. 2
What’s the difference between Romeo y Julieta No. 2 and Montecristo No. 2?
While both share the same torpedo vitola and length, the Romeo y Julieta No. 2 offers a smoother, more cedar-forward profile with medium strength. The Montecristo No. 2 is bolder, earthier, and kicks up to medium-full more quickly. If you prefer refinement and approachability, go Romeo. If you want power and complexity, choose Montecristo. Both are exceptional cigars – it really comes down to your mood and experience level.
How long should I age Romeo y Julieta No. 2 before smoking?
Minimum six months rest after you receive them, but 1-2 years really brings out the best in these cigars. I’ve found that the sweet spot is around 3-5 years of aging, where the cedar notes deepen and the overall profile becomes rounder and more harmonious. Fresh ones can be good, but they often show young tobacco harshness. Patience pays off here.
Is the Romeo y Julieta No. 2 good for beginners?
Absolutely. The medium strength means it won’t overwhelm newer smokers, and the smooth cedar and almond flavors are approachable without being boring. The pyramid shape concentrates the smoke nicely, making it easy to pick up flavor nuances. Just make sure you’ve got 75-90 minutes to dedicate to it – this isn’t a quick smoke. Start slow, don’t inhale, and you’ll have a great experience.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Romeo y Julieta No. 2?
That’s the beauty of this cigar – it’s versatile. Mid-afternoon works great, especially with coffee. Early evening after dinner is classic. I wouldn’t smoke it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (save that for a lighter Cuban), but anytime from late morning onward is fair game. The medium strength means it won’t interfere with your day or keep you wired at night.
How do you properly cut a torpedo like the No. 2?
Use a sharp guillotine cutter and cut just the tip – maybe 1/8 to 1/4 inch max. You want to preserve that tapered shape because it concentrates the smoke. Cut too much and you lose the torpedo’s advantage. Some folks use a V-cut or punch, but I prefer a straight cut for pyramides. Test the draw before lighting – if it’s tight, take a tiny bit more off. Better to start conservative.
Are Romeo y Julieta No. 2 cigars consistent batch to batch?
Romeo y Julieta is known for solid consistency compared to some other Cuban brands. That said, Cuban cigars can vary based on harvest year, factory roller, and storage conditions. I’ve never had a truly bad No. 2, but some boxes shine more than others. The core profile – cedar, leather, medium strength – stays consistent. Minor variations in spice or sweetness happen, but that’s part of the charm of Cuban tobacco. They’re agricultural products, not factory widgets.
What humidor conditions work best for storing Romeo y Julieta No. 2?
Keep them at 65-68% relative humidity and around 65-70°F temperature. Cuban cigars generally prefer slightly drier conditions than New World cigars – too humid and they’ll burn poorly and develop construction issues. I keep mine at 65% year-round and they smoke beautifully. Use a calibrated hygrometer to monitor conditions, and avoid temperature swings. Stable conditions are more important than hitting exact numbers.
Final Thoughts on a Cuban Classic
The Romeo y Julieta No. 2 isn’t trying to be the boldest cigar in your humidor or the most complex. It’s not a limited edition that’ll break the bank or disappear next year. What it is? A consistently excellent Cuban cigar that delivers exactly what you’d expect from this legendary brand. That cedar-forward profile with leather undertones, the smooth medium body that builds to medium-full, and construction you can rely on – that’s what keeps me coming back.
If you’re building a collection or just want something reliable for special occasions (or hey, regular ones), grab a box. Let them rest for a while. Then light one up with good coffee or aged rum and enjoy 90 minutes of what Cuban cigars are supposed to be. No gimmicks, no surprises – just quality tobacco rolled the way it’s been done for decades. And speaking of which, isn’t that what we’re really after?
