RoMa Craft · Neanderthal
New WorldAficionadosRoMa Craft Neanderthal LH
RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH — the box-pressed, flat-capped 4.75 x 56 that Skip Martin calls the strongest cigar RoMa Craft Tobac has ever produced.
The short answer
The RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH is a bold, full-bodied cigar — a Nicaragua robusto (box-pressed) with a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper. Expect charred oak, red pepper, and dry earth. Critics rate it 92/100.
Flavor profile
Earthy · Spice · Fruity
Critic ratings
halfwheel
2019
92/100
Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.
The verdict
The RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH is a bold, full-bodied cigar from RoMa Craft's Neanderthal line. It's a Nicaragua (New World) robusto (box-pressed) wrapped in Mexican San Andrés Maduro at 4.75 in × 56.
On the palate, expect charred oak, red pepper, and dry earth, leaning earthy. Plan on roughly 60 minutes from light to nub.
It's well regarded: halfwheel rated it 92/100 in 2019. It pairs naturally with scotch whisky, black coffee, and aged rum. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The LH is the youngest and, by Skip Martin's own description, the most extreme vitola in the Neanderthal family. At 4¾ × 56, this box-pressed Robusto shares the flat cap and DNA of the flagship HN figurado, but its compressed square construction is unique in the line. More critically, the LH reportedly leans even more heavily on the Pennsylvania Double Ligero (GR-S1) high-nicotine leaf than other Neanderthal vitolas — making it RoMa Craft's most powerful production cigar by design.
What it tastes like
The box press concentrates the smoke, so the LH hits differently than the HN despite the identical blend. It opens with red pepper and barnyard notes against charred oak and dry earth — raw and aggressive from the start. Citrus zest appears as a minor counterpoint, which is unusual for a dark Maduro-wrapped cigar, but the GR-S1 leaf can express itself in unexpected ways. The dominant through-line is earthy, spicy, and leathery, deepening toward the nub. Strength builds linearly; by the final third this is a genuinely powerful smoke.
Who it's for
The LH is for aficionados who have already smoked the HN and want more. This is not a casual cigar. Eat a full meal first, set aside at least 45 minutes, and don't be surprised if you feel the nicotine. If you're just getting into full-strength territory, the cigar strength guide will help calibrate expectations. The Neanderthal line as a whole is a case study in what Nicaraguan tobacco is capable of — our Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars comparison covers that contrast. Track your Neanderthal adventures in the Casa DNC app.
Curious how it stacks up? See Maduro vs Connecticut wrappers.
RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH — frequently asked
- Is the RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH a good cigar for beginners?
- Not as a first cigar. Full-bodied smokes are intense and high in nicotine — save it until you're comfortable with strength.
- How strong is the RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH?
- The RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH is Full-bodied — bold and high in nicotine. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH taste like?
- Expect charred oak, red pepper, and dry earth, leaning earthy. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What is the RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH's rating?
- Published critic scores: halfwheel 92/100 (2019). Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings and doesn't score cigars itself.
- What pairs well with the RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH?
- It pairs well with scotch whisky, black coffee, and aged rum. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH?
- Plan on about 60 minutes for the robusto (box-pressed) — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH head-to-head
See how RoMa Craft Neanderthal LH stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.
