Romeo y Julieta Hermosos No.1 LE 2003
A Hidden Gem from the EL Archive
The Romeo y Julieta Hermosos No.1 LE 2003 is one of the quieter entries in the early Edición Limitada timeline — less discussed than the Churchill-format ELs but valued by those who have smoked well-preserved examples. At 127mm by 50 ring gauge, it offers a robusto-format smoke with the depth of aged, EL-selected tobacco.
Two decades of age have transformed the 2003 into a cigar of remarkable composure, and for the collector seeking a lesser-known EL with genuine smoking merit, the Hermosos No.1 deserves attention.
Specifications
Tasting Notes
Twenty years of ageing have brought the Hermosos No.1 to a state of serene integration. The opening third delivers resolved cedar, softened hay, and a creamy sweetness that speaks to long cellaring — the sharper elements of youth have dissolved into a rounded, unified character. A gentle dried-fig note emerges, adding subtle complexity.
The second half reveals the cigar's depth: toasted walnut, faded leather, and a gentle earthiness — the tertiary notes that only time develops. The smoke is silky and contemplative, the 50 ring gauge providing substance without heaviness. The finish is long and composed, leaving cedar, cream, and a whisper of dried fruit. This is a cigar for quiet reflection, not brisk conversation.
Construction
The Hermosos No.1 benefits from EL production standards and twenty years of settling. Well-stored examples show a darkened colorado-maduro wrapper, supple rather than brittle, with a triple cap that has held firm through the decades. The draw should be gently open, and the burn steady — though the exact performance depends on the cigar's storage history. The 50 ring gauge ensures ample, cool smoke even after two decades.
Pairing Suggestions
A twenty-year-old cigar calls for a spirit of comparable maturity. An aged Armagnac, a well-matured rum, or an oloroso sherry all complement the Hermosos's tertiary development. The key is restraint — aggressive, young spirits overwhelm the cigar's settled refinement.
Value Proposition
As a 2003 Edición Limitada, the Hermosos No.1 is long out of production and commands collector pricing. Its relative obscurity compared to the Churchill-format ELs can make it a smarter acquisition for the knowledgeable buyer — genuine aged-el character without the premium attached to the more visible limited editions.
About the Brand
Founded in 1875 and named after Shakespeare's tragic romance, Romeo y Julieta is Cuba's archetypal medium-bodied marque, distributed by Habanos S.A.. Browse our complete collection.
Storage & Care
Maintain 63–65% humidity for cigars of this age. The wrapper has become fragile with time — handle minimally and avoid rotation. Inspect periodically for beetle activity. If you acquire an intact box, consider smoking a test cigar before committing to long-term storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Hermosos" mean as a cigar format?
"Hermosos" translates to "beautiful" in Spanish and refers to a robusto-class format. The Hermosos No.1 LE 2003 measures 127mm x 50, a substantial but manageable size.
Is the Hermosos No.1 LE 2003 worth buying today?
For collectors of aged Cuban cigars, yes — if properly stored. Its two decades of ageing deliver a settled, integrated profile unattainable in younger cigars, and it often represents better value than more sought-after EL releases.
Related Cigars
Discover the Vuelta Abajo tobacco region.
