When it comes to cigars, the Romeo y Julieta brand is almost always identified with one country: Cuba.
Altadis U.S.A. is hoping to change that a bit with a new release called the Romeo 505 Nicaragua by Romeo y Julieta, the first completely Nicaraguan Romeo that is also made in the country. The cigar gets its name from the code used to make a phone call to the country and uses a habano seed wrapper and binder from Jalapa, with fillers from Jalapa, Estelí and Condega.
The line is debuting in four box-pressed sizes, each in 20-count boxes: Robusto (5 1/2 x 50), Toro (6 x 52), Churchill (7 x 50) and Piramides (6 1/2 x 54). While Altadis U.S.A. has not announced pricing, the Romeo 505 Nicaragua will cost approximately $10 per cigar according to a report in Cigar Aficionado.
The line is being made at Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua. While select retailers have already received it so that the line will be in compliance with FDA regulations, the full launch is expected in September.
A representative from Altadis U.S.A. has not replied to a request for comment on the Romeo 505 Nicaragua.