For the discerning aficionado, the turn of the millennium represents a pivotal moment in the modern history of Cuban tobacco. It was in the year 2000 that Habanos S.A. formally inaugurated its highly prestigious Edición Limitada program, a series designed to showcase the pinnacle of rolling expertise and tobacco maturation. Among the inaugural releases stands the Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No. 2, a cigar that not only signaled a new era for the brand but also introduced a unique format to the world. This release was more than a mere addition to the portfolio; it was a declaration that the storied house of Romeo y Julieta could produce robust, commanding vitolas that rivaled the most sought-after cigars on the global stage.
A Unique Vitola: The Prominentes Format
One of the most compelling aspects of the Exhibición No. 2 is its specific dimensions, which were crafted exclusively for this limited run. While many enthusiasts are familiar with the standard sizes found in the regular production lineup, this release offered something entirely different. The cigar is rolled in the "Prominentes" vitola, a size that commands respect and demands time. Measuring an impressive 194 mm (7 ⅝ inches) in length with a substantial ring gauge of 49, this is a cigar designed for the long, contemplative smoke. It offers a substantial heft in the hand, weighing in at an official 17.86 grams, promising a complex evolution of flavors from the first draw to the final inch.
- Commercial Name: Exhibición No. 2
- Factory Vitola: Prominentes
- Dimensions: 194 mm (7⅝″) length x 49 ring gauge
- Official Weight: 17.86 grams
Extended Aging and Construction Quality
What truly separates an Edición Limitada from standard production cigars is the rigorous selection and aging process applied to the wrapper leaves. For the Exhibición No. 2, the artisans utilized leaves that had undergone a mandatory aging period of two full years before rolling. This additional maturation is critical; it allows the tobacco to shed the aggressive, raw bitterness often found in younger leaves, replacing it with a refined, smooth complexity. The result is a wrapper that burns evenly and delivers a nuanced flavor profile that is the hallmark of the early Limited Edition releases. Every cigar in this series is entirely handmade, a testament to the enduring traditions of Cuban craftsmanship. Visually, the cigar features a classic brown wrapper, embodying the aesthetic standards expected of premium tobacco from this illustrious marca.
Presentation and Banding Details
The packaging of the Exhibición No. 2 adheres to the traditional elegance associated with Romeo y Julieta. The cigars are presented in standard dress boxes, each containing 25 units, arranged to showcase their uniform construction and rich color. However, collectors should pay close attention to the bands, as they tell a story of the program's history. Each cigar bears the brand's recognizable "A" band, which is accompanied by a secondary band denoting its Limited Edition status.
Notably, this release features an undated Limited Edition band. In the early years of the Edición Limitada program, before standardization changed the protocol, these secondary bands did not display the release year. This subtle detail serves as an immediate identifier for seasoned collectors, distinguishing the early 2000 releases from later vintages where the year was printed directly on the ring.
A Milestone in the Limited Edition Legacy
The introduction of the Exhibición No. 2 was a significant event for the Romeo y Julieta brand. Historically, the marque has been celebrated for its medium-bodied, elegant cigars, often associated with the Churchill vitola. By releasing this specific size as part of the 2000 wave, the brand demonstrated a willingness to expand its horizons and offer enthusiasts a special vitola that deviated from the norm. It remains a fascinating piece of cigar history, representing the dawn of a collecting culture that prizes rarity, extended aging, and unique formats. For those lucky enough to find a well-preserved box today, it offers a window into the turn-of-the-century Cuban cigar industry at its most ambitious.
