AshMap
Overview
There is a quiet rebellion in smoking the Cedros de Luxe No. 2. In an era where the industry screams for attention with pepper bombs and maduro saturation, this Corona sits in its cedar overcoat like a gentleman refusing to raise his voice. It is the thinking smoker's Romeo y Julieta, the one that the Churchill smokers secretly envy but rarely admit to. The cedar sleeve is not packaging; it is a prelude. Sliding the cigar free releases a perfume of pencil shavings and sweet spice that primes the palate before the first light even touches the foot.
The opening draw is a study in restraint. The cedar has done its work, infusing the wrapper with a honeyed timber character that leads the first third alongside dry hay and a faint, almost dusty floral note. The retrohale carries a soft white pepper that tickles rather than bites, while toasted almond emerges underneath—not as a flavor, but as a textural sensation, a nutty weight on the mid-palate. It is a profile that feels familiar yet elusive, like a memory of a Cuban cigar you smoked years ago and have been chasing ever since.
As the ash holds its first inch, the second third pivots with a confidence that only well-aged Vuelta Abajo leaf can muster. The creaminess thickens into a rich, almost buttery mouthfeel, but the real story is the arrival of leather and that unmistakable Cuban earth—mineral, slightly damp, and deeply grounded. The cedar transforms here, losing its raw timber edge and becoming rounder, sweeter, integrated. Espresso and dark chocolate emerge as whispers, not shouts, while the pepper fades into a gentle warmth on the finish. This is the heart of the cigar, where the blend's age reveals itself in the seamless transition from one note to the next.
The final third is where lesser Habanos betray their youth, but this one concentrates its essence without a hint of harshness. Nutmeg and dried fig surface, riding atop a toasted oak base that carries a lingering, almost confectionary sweetness. The barnyard funk arrives late—a gentle, earthy reminder of the tobacco's origin that lingers on the lips long after the smoke is done. It is a finish that demands a moment of silence, not because it is powerful, but because it is complete. This is a cigar that respects your time by giving you something worth paying attention to, and it never once mistakes volume for substance.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — Habano wrapper — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban long-leaf fillers — Vuelta Abajo region, aged in the traditional Habanos S.A. process |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — H. Upmann factory (La Corona factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Corona |
| Size | 5.6 x 42 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $20–$28 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers); pricing varies significantly by market and duty |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Minimum 3–5 years in the blend prior to rolling; benefits considerably from further humidor aging of 2–5 years post-purc |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cedar sleeve leaves its unmistakable aromatic signature from the first draw — creamy cedar and dry hay dominate the opening, with soft white pepper on the retrohale. Underlying notes of toasted almonds and mild floral sweetness begin to emerge as the foot opens up.
Second Third
The mid-section reveals classic Cuban complexity: rich creaminess gives way to leather and a refined earthiness characteristic of Vuelta Abajo leaf. Gentle espresso and dark chocolate tones develop, with the cedar note transitioning into something rounder and more integrated — honeyed wood rather than raw timber.
Final Third
The final third concentrates the profile without hardening into harshness — a hallmark of well-aged Habanos construction. Nutmeg and dried fruit emerge alongside toasted oak, finishing with a lingering sweetness and a whisper of barnyard funk that reminds you, unmistakably, this is Cuba.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary by Habanos standards — the draw is typically open with just the right resistance, and the burn is even with a firm, pale grey ash that holds a solid inch before releasing. Occasional minor touch-ups may be needed, as is tradition with hand-rolled Habanos.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban rum — Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva; alternatively, a well-aged Speyside Scotch such as Glenfarclas 15 or Aberlour 16 to match the cigar's understated complexity without overwhelming it
Wine
An aged Rioja Reserva — Marqués de Murrieta or La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 — whose earthy, cedar-driven Tempranillo character mirrors the cigar's own tasting notes beautifully
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Cuban or Colombian pour-over coffee, lightly sweetened — the cream and nut notes in the cigar harmonize precisely with a clean, bright coffee acidity
Who Should Smoke This?
You are a collector with a humidor full of bold, modern blends—Nicaraguan heavyweights and Brazilian maduros that you enjoy but no longer find surprising. It is a quiet Sunday afternoon, the house is empty, and you have exactly one hour before the evening obligations begin. You pour a glass of aged Speyside, not because you need the alcohol, but because you want a companion that listens. You have smoked the Romeo y Julieta Churchill before and found it pleasant but diffuse. This No. 2 is for you—the version that proves subtlety is a language, not a lack of volume. It will not knock you back, but it will make you lean forward. You will finish it and feel like you have had a conversation with Cuba itself, not just a smoke.
Bottom Line
The Cedros de Luxe No. 2 is the most refined expression of the Romeo y Julieta portfolio, a Corona that outclasses its larger siblings through sheer precision. It is a mandatory benchmark for anyone who claims to understand the depth of classic Cuban character. Buy a box, age it, and thank yourself in three years.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Romeo y Julieta cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means the nicotine delivery is gentle and gradual—you will feel a mild, pleasant calm rather than a head rush. The flavor intensity is medium, but the power is deliberately restrained, making it suitable for extended sessions without palate fatigue.
What does Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2 taste like?
The first third opens with creamy cedar, dry hay, and soft white pepper on the retrohale, with toasted almonds underneath. The second third develops leather, refined Vuelta Abajo earth, gentle espresso, and dark chocolate, while the cedar turns honeyed. The final third brings nutmeg, dried fig, toasted oak, and a lingering barnyard funk with a sweet finish.
How long does Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2 take to smoke?
As a Corona vitola measuring 5.6 x 42, expect a 45–55 minute smoke. The ring gauge is narrow enough to concentrate the flavors, but the length is moderate, so it does not overstay its welcome. Smoking slowly to appreciate the nuances can stretch it closer to an hour.
What is the best pairing for Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2?
Aged Cuban rum, specifically Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva, is the ideal match. The rum's oak, vanilla, and dried fruit notes mirror the cigar's honeyed cedar and nutmeg character, while its moderate sweetness complements the cigar's gentle espresso and leather without overwhelming them. The shared Cuban heritage makes the pairing feel intentional, not accidental.
Is Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2 good for beginners?
The strength is beginner-friendly at Mild-Medium, but the price of $20–$28 per cigar makes it a costly learning tool. A novice will appreciate its smoothness, but may miss the subtle transitions that make it exceptional. It is better suited for a smoker with at least a year of experience who can recognize the cedar and earth notes, or for a beginner with a generous budget and a patient palate.
Where can I buy Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2?
This is a premium Cuban release, so you will need to purchase it at La Casa del Habano (LCDH) locations, authorized Habanos specialists, or reputable online retailers that ship from duty-free or international markets. Avoid unauthorized sources, as the cedar sleeve and band are commonly counterfeited. Verify the Habanos S.A. authenticity seals before purchase.
What is the price of Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2?
Expect to pay $20–$28 per cigar at LCDH and authorized retailers. Pricing varies significantly by market and duty—for example, Canadian and Australian buyers may see prices near the upper end or higher due to tobacco taxes, while travelers through duty-free zones in Europe or the Middle East may find it closer to the $20 mark.
Is Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobacco is already aged 3–5 years in the blend prior to rolling, but this Corona benefits considerably from an additional 2–5 years of humidor aging. The cedar sleeve continues to interact with the wrapper, and the Vuelta Abajo fillers will further integrate, softening the white pepper and deepening the honeyed wood and dried fruit notes. At the 5-year mark, the barnyard funk becomes more pronounced, adding a coveted tertiary complexity.
What wrapper does Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2 use?
It uses a Cuban Vuelta Abajo—Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade. This wrapper is medium brown, lightly toothy with a subtle natural sheen. The Vuelta Abajo origin is critical—it is the premier tobacco-growing region in Cuba, and this wrapper contributes the initial cedar and floral sweetness, while its natural oils support the even burn and pale grey ash.
Where is Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2 made?
It is made in Havana, Cuba, at the H. Upmann factory, which is also known as the La Corona factory. This is a totalmente a mano (totally by hand) production with long filler, meaning each cigar is constructed by skilled torcedores without any machinery. The cedar sleeve wrapping is applied individually by hand, a practice dating to the late 19th century.