Description
The Anejados Secret That Most Collectors Miss
I’ll be honest – when I first heard Romeo y Julieta was releasing Piramides in their Anejados collection, I thought it was just another marketing gimmick. We’ve all seen brands slap “aged” on a label and charge extra, right? Then I actually smoked one during a trip to Mexico City in 2019, and I had to eat my words. This isn’t your typical Romeo y Julieta experience – not even close. The Anejados program takes already-aged tobacco and gives it even more time to mature in ideal conditions, and the difference is… well, you’ll see what I mean when we get into the tasting notes. Thing is, these limited edition releases don’t stick around forever, and this particular vitola showcases exactly why the aging process matters more than most smokers realize.
What Makes This Piramide Different
Romeo y Julieta has been a cornerstone of Cuban cigar culture since 1875 – that’s not hyperbole, that’s just history. But somewhere along the way, they became known as the “safe choice,” the cigar you hand to someone at a wedding who doesn’t really smoke. The Anejados program completely flips that script.
The Piramides Anejados takes the classic torpedo shape and fills it with tobaccos that have undergone an additional aging period beyond the standard production timeline. We’re talking minimum five years of aging – sometimes more, depending on the batch. All that time in the cedar-lined aging rooms at the Habanos warehouses does something magical to the Vuelta Abajo tobacco. The harsh edges disappear. The flavors marry and deepen. What you get is a smoke that feels like it’s been waiting specifically for you to light it up.
This isn’t a cigar for beginners, though I wouldn’t call it overwhelming either. It’s for the smoker who appreciates subtlety, who doesn’t need every puff to punch them in the face with strength. Medium body, but complex as hell. The kind of cigar that makes you pause between draws and actually think about what you’re tasting.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Piramides (Torpedo) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 156 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (extended aging) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
Lighting Up: The Journey Through Three Acts
The cold draw on these – and I’m probably biased here since I love a good pyramid shape – gives you just the right amount of resistance. Not too tight, not too loose. You get hints of what’s coming: cedar, a touch of sweetness, maybe some dried fruit? Hard to pin down exactly, which is part of the fun.
First third hits differently than regular Romeo y Julieta releases. That initial light brings smooth, creamy smoke with this underlying leather note that reminds me of opening an old book. Not the musty kind – the good leather binding kind. There’s a natural sweetness that I can only describe as honey-drizzled toast, maybe some almond in there. The construction is typically flawless – these rollers know what they’re doing after all these years. The burn line stays even without any babysitting, and the ash holds for a solid inch and a half before dropping. White-gray ash, dense and sturdy.
Second third is where the aging really announces itself. The flavors start layering in ways that younger cigars just can’t replicate. Coffee comes forward – not espresso, more like a medium roast with cream. Some cocoa notes weave in and out. Then this beautiful spicy element develops on the retrohale. Not pepper spray spicy, more like… hmm, how do I put this… like cinnamon and nutmeg got together and decided to be subtle about it. The leather from the first third is still there, but it’s playing backup now. The strength creeps up slightly but stays firmly in medium territory. My buddy Tom, who only smokes full-bodied Nicaraguans, found this too mellow. I told him he was missing the point entirely.
Final third – and this is where aged cigars really shine – maintains all that complexity without getting harsh or bitter. Some pyramids get aggressive toward the nub. Not this one. The coffee note deepens, picks up some earthy characteristics. There’s this woodsy aroma that fills the room (apologies to anyone sitting nearby who isn’t smoking). The spicy element intensifies just enough to keep things interesting. I’ve smoked these down to the point where I’m burning my fingers, and I regret nothing. The retrohale in this final stage gives you the full spectrum: leather, coffee, earth, a whisper of cocoa, and that persistent smooth spiciness.
One thing worth mentioning – actually, scratch that, it’s critical – these need proper humidor time after you receive them. Even though they’re already aged, shipping can stress them out. Give them at least two weeks at 65-68% humidity before lighting up. Trust me on this.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romeo y Julieta Piramides Anejados | Medium | 75-90 minutes | Experienced smokers wanting refined complexity |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Those preferring bolder, more direct flavors |
| Partagás Serie P No. 2 | Full | 70-85 minutes | Smokers seeking earthy strength in pyramid format |
The Montecristo No. 2 is the obvious comparison – probably the most famous Cuban torpedo out there. But they’re completely different animals. The Monte punches harder and comes at you more directly. This Romeo is elegant, refined. It whispers where the Monte shouts. Neither is better – depends what mood you’re in.
The Partagás Serie P No. 2? That’s for when you want your pyramid to have some muscle. Fuller body, more earth and tobacco-forward. The Anejados is more nuanced, more about the aging process expressing itself.
What to Drink With It (And When to Smoke It)
Coffee. Straight up, a good Cuban coffee or any quality medium roast pairs beautifully with this cigar. The flavors complement each other without competing. I’ve also had excellent experiences with aged rum – specifically Havana Club 7 Year or anything in that category. The sweetness and oak from the rum play really well with the leather and spice notes.
Whisky drinkers – and I count myself among you – go for something smooth. Highland single malts work great. Glenmorangie 10 or Dalwhinnie 15. Don’t overpower the cigar with a heavily peated Islay. Save those for your Partagás.
This is an afternoon cigar for me. Late afternoon, maybe around 4 or 5 PM, when you’ve got nothing pressing to do and can really dedicate 90 minutes to enjoying it. Not a morning smoke – too refined for that. Not an after-dinner smoke either, unless dinner was light. This is the cigar for contemplation, for good conversation, for sitting on a porch and watching the day wind down.
Special occasions? Absolutely. But don’t save them so long they dry out in your humidor while you wait for the “perfect moment.” The perfect moment is when you feel like smoking a damn good cigar.
What does “Anejados” actually mean and is it worth the hype?
Anejados means “aged” in Spanish, but it’s not just marketing speak. These cigars undergo additional aging beyond the standard production timeline – typically five to eight years total. The tobacco mellows significantly, harsh notes disappear, and flavors integrate in ways younger cigars can’t match. Is it worth it? If you appreciate subtle complexity over raw strength, absolutely yes.
How should I store these after purchase?
Keep them in your humidor at 65-68% humidity and around 65-70°F. These are Cuban cigars with extended aging, so they actually prefer slightly lower humidity than fresh-rolled cigars. Give them at least two weeks to recover from shipping before smoking. I know that’s torture when you’re excited about them, but patience pays off here.
Can a newer smoker enjoy this cigar or is it too refined?
Honestly? A newer smoker might not appreciate what makes this special. They’re not getting slapped with bold flavors, so there’s less immediate “wow” factor. It’s like the difference between a loudspeaker and a fine acoustic guitar – both make music, but one requires more attention to appreciate. I’d say get comfortable with regular Romeo y Julieta or Montecristo first, then graduate to the Anejados releases.
How long do these limited edition releases stay available?
That’s the million-dollar question – wait, can’t talk about money. The tricky question. Limited edition Habanos releases vary wildly in availability. Sometimes they’re around for a year or two, sometimes they vanish in months. The Anejados program itself is ongoing, but specific vitolas come and go. If you see them available and you’re interested, don’t sleep on it thinking they’ll be around forever.
What’s the ideal ring gauge for someone who loves the Piramides shape?
The 52 ring gauge on this Piramides hits the sweet spot for most smokers. It’s substantial enough to give you complex flavor development and a good hour-plus smoke, but not so thick that it overwhelms. Some of those 60+ ring gauge torpedos out there are just too much cigar for me personally. This size lets the pyramid shape do what it’s supposed to do – concentrate smoke at the tapered head for intensified flavor without being overbearing.
Does the aging process affect the strength or just the flavor?
Both, actually. Extended aging mellows the strength somewhat – nicotine becomes less aggressive even though it’s still present. But the bigger change is flavor integration. Young tobacco can taste disjointed, with different notes competing for attention. Aged tobacco – especially five-plus years like these Anejados – develops this harmony where everything works together. The leather, coffee, spice, and sweetness all complement each other instead of taking turns.
What makes the Vuelta Abajo wrapper special on these?
Vuelta Abajo is the premier tobacco-growing region in Cuba – has been for over a century. The soil, climate, and generations of cultivation expertise produce wrapper leaves with this silky texture and natural oils that you can’t replicate elsewhere. On an Anejados release, that wrapper has had years to develop even more complexity. You’ll notice it’s smooth to the touch, slightly oily, with minimal veins. That’s not accident – that’s the result of selecting the finest leaves and giving them time to mature properly.
Final Thoughts on This Aged Beauty
The Romeo y Julieta Piramides Anejados isn’t trying to be the strongest cigar you’ll smoke this year. It’s not trying to be the most complex either – though it’s damn close. What it does is showcase exactly what proper aging can do to already-excellent Cuban tobacco. The medium strength makes it accessible, but the depth of flavor keeps experienced smokers engaged for the full 90 minutes.
If you’ve never tried an Anejados release from Habanos, this is an excellent introduction. If you’re a Romeo y Julieta fan who’s only experienced the standard production releases, this will genuinely surprise you. And if you’re someone who thinks all Romeo y Julieta cigars are boring “beginner smokes,” I’d challenge you to light one of these up and reconsider.
Keep your humidor properly maintained, give these the respect they deserve with proper rest time, and set aside an afternoon when you can really appreciate what you’re smoking. This isn’t a cigar you rush through. Add a few to your collection before this limited edition becomes impossible to find. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re halfway through one, wondering why you didn’t buy more.
