Romeo y Julieta
Named after William Shakespeare’s tragic lovers, the origins of Romeo y Julieta as a Habano date back to 1875. The brand rose to international fame during the early years of the 20th Century under the direction of Don ‘Pepin’ Rodríguez, a talented promoter, who was amongst the first to recognise the power of the cigar band.
Being a very cosmopolitan man, Rodriguez constantly travelled across Europe and the Americas, actively promoting his brand, and entering his horse, the aptly named Julieta, in racing events across the world.
As a result of his salesmanship, the brand became exceptionally popular around the world among wealthy customers, many of whom demanded personalized bands for their cigars. At its height, as many as 2000 personalized cigar bands were produced for customers.
The branded was also known at this time for specializing in figurado cigars, such as perfectos and pirámides, with over a thousand such shapes believed to have been in production. During his heyday no less than 20,000 different bands were used in production.
Winston Churchill became a devotee of the brand. Following his visit to Havana in 1946, his name has not only been commemorated on a band but it has also served to describe the marque’s most famous size – Romeo y Julieta Churchills. The 21st century has seen the arrival of two additional sizes using the name.
The first called Short Churchills, a robusto size that had been missing from the range, was added in 2006. And the second, launched at the12th Festival del Habano in 2010, was Wide Churchills, which boast a 55 ring gauge to mark the trend amongst enthusiasts for stouter girth vitolas.
Romeo y Julieta’s balanced and aromatic blend of selected filler and binder leaves from the Vuelta Abajo zone make it the classic medium bodied Habano.
Be my Valentine - Romeo y Julieta Churchill: The aroma is beautiful, and the construction and burn were flawless. The intoxicating and decadent vanilla and cream combination is the most unforgettable.
Be my Valentine - Romeo y Julieta Petit Corona: A wonderful smoke, a hint of sweetness on the lips and spice in the mouth. Light and cedary aroma with a pleasantly sweet vanilla flavor in the first half. Don't miss the opportunity to try a few.
Romeo y Julieta Belicosos Cigar: Good construction a burn. Earthy and woody notes, with hints of sweet honey and pepper. A truly exquisite delight.
Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No. 2 Cigar: Excellent draw and burn. Leathery tones with notes of coffee and sweet cedar.
Cover Photo: TLMB