Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Toro

The bold Nicaraguan answer to the Dominican original. Blended by Rafael Nodal with A.J. Fernandez and rolled at Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez in Esteli, Reserva Real Nicaragua is a true puro — wrapper, binder and filler all grown on Fernandez’s own Nicaraguan farms. Medium-to-full and unmistakably Nicaraguan, it leads with black pepper and spice, then settles into thick notes of leather, cedar, roasted nuts and dark earth, all without giving up the smoothness the Reserva Real name promises. Presented in deep blue boxes rather than the house red.

6″ x 54 — the size most reviewers reached for, and the one that best carries the pepper-to-leather arc.