I’ve found that avoiding the record levels of pollen here in Atlanta really limits your cigar smoking opportunities. Especially when your main source of ventilation is an open window and a fan. Unfortunately that also means another week without my trademark Tower of Burn. But, as luck would have it, I do have a little something to talk about in its place. I’ve come across some interesting information about a couple of new Altadis cigars that will be hitting the market soon.
Romeo y Julieta Romeo
You may have alread seen the tweet I sent out about the first new cigar, the new Romeo y Julieta that’s due to appear in stores in about two weeks. I don’t know too much about this Romeo with the flashy, nontraditional band, other than it’s supposed to be fuller-bodied than the other lines, and some samples were smoked at TAA. But if I were to guess based on the band, the it may just be named “Romeo”. We won’t have to wait long to find out.
Update: The wait was even shorter than I expected. A Cigar Smoker already posted a press release for the new Romeo. No details on price, but it does list four sizes: Churchhill, Piramide, Robusto, and Toro, as well as specifying a May release date. It’s also interesting to note that that there is a Cuban Romeo y Julieta “Julieta” that was released in 2011, targeting female cigar smokers. (Cigar Inspector has the press release for it here.)
Update 2: A few days ago I was provided with some official Romeo images from Altadis, and the text of the official press release. Here they are for your viewing pleasure.
Introducing Romeo by Romeo y Julieta
A Romeo y Julieta cigar unlike any to come before!Ever since 1875, cigar aficionados have been passionate about Romeo y Julieta. Now Altadis USA is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the latest act in this enduring love story – ROMEO by Romeo y Julieta. As one of the premium cigar world’s best-known and most highly trusted brands, Romeo y Julieta has always been revered for its consistently excellent, mild smokes. Now, Romeo brings new excitement to the contemporary aficionado with this line of modern, fuller-bodied cigars. The new cigar will be available at retail tobacconists in May.
Robust, full-bodied and rich in complex flavor nuances, Romeo is meticulously crafted at the famed Tabacalera de Garcia in the Dominican Republic by the skilled hands of the factory’s most accomplished artisans, each with decades of expertise, chosen specifically to create this uncommon cigar. The new cigar will be available in four sizes: Churchill, Piramide, Robusto and Toro. We’ve made an early introduction of the new Romeo cigar at the TAA meeting and plan to start presenting the brand during the week of April 23. Romeo by Romeo y Julieta – a spectacular smokedestined to set a new trend in luxury cigars.
Montecristo Epic 2007
I have more information about a new Montecristo named “Epic 2007”, but sadly, no pictures. This cigar begins what is to be an annual, limited, brick & mortar exclusive. (The next iteration in 2013 will be called “Epic 2008”.) The date is a reference to the vintage of the tobaccos used, but I don’t know if it applies to all the tobacco, or just select components. Speaking of tobacco, this cigar will feature a Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. Like the new Romeo, this will be fuller bodied, and the word is it will retail for around $14 a stick. Look for it to land in 2 months.
I’m told the Epic 2007 is the beginning of a push by Altadis into the boutique market, which will likely include more cigars made in small batches, using leaf not available in large enough quantities for regular production. And I suspect, more power and body than most of their current offerings.
So what do you think? Can Altadis win at the boutique game, and do you plan on trying these new cigars?
That is a God awful band on the R&J…
I don’t know how I feel about Altadis entering the boutique arena (although a company of that size will never be boutique in my eyes, no matter how small the run of cigars). I like seeing more ‘specialty’ cigars hitting the market but the $14 price tag is a real turn-off.
Regarding that band…..
Do you remember the Adam Sandler Movie Billy Madison? At one point he is standing on stage and the principal tells him that everyone in the audience was dumber for having heard his speech. With that said, I feel dumber for having seen that band.
RO wait for it ME wait for it O
I agree Walt, I don’t think they could eve be Boutique unless they just start a complete new line and disassociate it with the Altadis name. The band is just a disaster. I instantly see ROME and I think oh, was the seed grown in Italy? … Not a great idea IMHO
I’ll echo Walt’s comment regarding the band.
I rarely smoke any Altadis or General Cigar products. However, I would think that both have access to some of the very best tobacco. So it would stand to reason that they COULD produce a cigar that would compete with the boutique brands. And sure, I would give it a shot.
It does make sense that they would and could.
I cannot see someone picking up this cigar in a shop by that band.
To be honest the Giants of Altadis and General is how I and I assume most cigars smokers got their start in the cigar world. it wasn’t until this Damn website and Walt turned me on to really good sticks. Which I assure you has hurt the Wallet but never the less I’m glad I stumbled upon the Cigar geeks here at SR and don’t plan on turning back
I already hate the over-use of the word “epic” in the past few years to the point that I cringe every time i hear it now. But for a company that is out of touch and trying to catch up, attempt to do so by naming a cigar what seems to be the cool word to use… I don’t even have words. Seems a little desperate.
And jesus that band is awful and as an Art Director/Graphic Designer, it actually offends me haha.
I would have much preferred “really? REALLY?!” as the name of a cigar. That would have been epic.
Actually, if you think of “epic” in terms of the long story/poem, it kind of makes sense. It’s as if the cigar represents the saga of 2007 in tobacco. Makes sense for a one time, limited release. It’s a little less annoying.
Yea that makes more sense I guess. I just feel like that word has been killed over the past few years i think it just annoys me on all levels. And I’d buy “really? REALLY?!” for the soul purpose of being able to say it just like that when people asked what i was smoking.
I’m pretty interested in trying them too. Like Matt said above, they probably have access to great tobacco that would work for limited run cigars.
Before I shell out any money on one, I’ll let one of you guys tell me if it is worth it. Y’all have pointed me to some good ones , I don’t always agree but before I spend $14.00 I want to know if it’s got a chance to be good.
Since Altadis and General products helped get me started in this pastime, I’d like to give them the benefit of the doubt on this, but their pricing makes that a bit difficult. I guess they have to do that so they don’t undermine the pricing of the core lines, but they’ll have a tough road if they’re going to compete with $14 cigars – or even much less expensive ones – from true boutique companies. And the Scooby Doo label won’t help. Ro-oh!
On the other hand, it looks like they’ve had a pretty successful start with the VegaFina Sumum.
The serie R and N are awesome sticks. I believe as mentioned with these companys’ abilities to get certain tobaccos that yes they could make it in the boutique world. They would have to overcome a “stigma” of being the anti-boutique brand but I believe it could work. With 14$ a stick, I may not grab one unfortunately at least until a verdict is reached on it.. But I like this attempt/idea in general.
You are all nut, Its only a labe. Its for old whom don’t need wearing glass to read the label………OLD SCHOOL
I think Altadis is coming out with great things. I’m looking forward to trying this, but when it comes to new releases from the giant look no further than the two Vega Finas. Jose seijas and Sumum are both amazing sticks at the price!