Match of the maduro mini belicosos: Onyx Reserve vs. Romeo y Julieta Reserve

[djmoniz]

Did a comparo today between these two cigars and was surprised by the results. Up against each other were two maduro mini belicosos - the Onyx Reserve at about $3.15 per stick vs. the Romeo y Julieta Reserve at about $4.32 per stick (prices from JR). Now, as a disclaimer, although I've been smoking about ten years, I still don't have a distinguished palate like some of my other more esteemed gorillas, so this is my very unsophisticated opinion:

Both sticks came from the devil site and have been in my humi at 70 degrees temp and 68% RH for about two weeks since arriving. I'll compare again after few months of aging to see if the results are different.

Onyx - I've always enjoyed the Onyx Reserve line and this one was no disappointment either. It burned evenly, had a good draw, held a smooth two-inch ash before finally giving in to gravity, smelled great, and had that chocolately taste that is always yummy. This cigar will definitely stay stocked in my humi.

Romeo - this line is touch and go for me depending on which size I've tried. This stick had a good draw but did not burn evenly, only held a one-inch ash that was flakey, had more of an earthy taste, and a harsher aroma.

Overall, the Onyx Reserve won this comparo hands down in all categories. This shows that a more costly cigar is not necessarily a better cigar. T25C gives an average rating of 7.73 for the OR , and 7.15 for the RJ (for the regular belicoso, the mini is not rated). I would personally give the OR something closer to an 8.5 and the RJ a 7.0. Again, I'll test again after both have aged a few months in my humi to see if the results are different. Until then, this is my on this mini belicoso match.

Smoke on!

[Stogiefanatic182]

nice comparison, Ive got an onxy reserve churchill that Im letting age

[illuminatus]

Nice comparison.. I've had one of each, and I MUCH preferred the Onyx..

[billysglitch]

I agree the Onyx reserve are a great choice no matter which one you choose... I have boxes of the Robustos, mini belicosos, and the torbustos in my humidor and they are always a good go to smoke.

[Ivory Tower]

Gonna try the Onyx now, based on your review, if I haven't already - gotta take notes on such things or I tend to forget those random purchases.

[Dogwatch Dale]

Nice comparison review, thanks for posting it. The Onyx Reserve Mini Belicoso is a regular in my rotation and your description matches my experience with it.

[Bigga Petey]

Onyx was my 'go-to' for a long time.
Those are good smokes.

[ShawnP]

Nice review, I always try to have some Onyx Mini Belicosos resting in my humi.

[drevim]

Nice review. I have enjoyed the Onyx Reserves before, but not the RyJs. I guess I have, via dumb luck, been choosing correctly.

[pinokio]

Had a Onyx Mini Belicoso (courtesy of the Kid) and I really enjoyed it! One of my first NC's. Never had a Romeo (NC) but thanks for the "review"!

[Kayak_Rat]

The Onyx was one of the first cigars I really tried. I toatlly agree. Still one of my favorites.

[UP IN SMOKE]

I have had two of these both were good. You really cant beat it for the price. Nice review!

[Neuromancer]

I prefer the Onyx Reserve over the RyJ Reserve Maddie too...the Onyx has a much sweeter taste...

[PuffDaddy]

I like the Onyx better too. I don't dislike the taste of the RYJM but every stick I've had burnt poorly (or drew too tight). A bad burn ruins it for me.
The OR's are a great bang for the buck stick.

[palm55]

A heartening review for this neophyte! Among 5 in my smoke schedule this weekend is the Onyx Reserve... Looking more forward to it today than I was yesterday!