Winston Churchill walked into the Romeo y Julieta factory in Havana in 1946 and never looked back. By the time he left Cuba, he'd ordered enough cigars to last a lifetime—and the factory had named their largest vitola after him. That's the kind of brand this is. Not just a cigar company, but a piece of history. A love story between a man and his smoke that lasted until Churchill's death in 1965, with an estimated 250,000 cigars consumed along the way.
But here's what gets me: you don't need to be a Prime Minister to appreciate a Romeo y Julieta. The brand named after Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers has always been about romance in the broader sense—about moments of beauty, connection, and pure sensory pleasure. These are cigars meant to be savored with someone you love, or in solitude when you want to feel something deeper. Medium-bodied, impossibly aromatic, and elegant in every way that matters.
Complete Guide to Romeo y Julieta Product Lines
Churchills - The Flagship Line
Named after Sir Winston himself, these are the vitolas that define the brand. Medium-bodied, aromatic, and satisfying for extended smoking sessions.
- Romeo y Julieta Churchills - 7" x 47. The original Churchill format, elegant and refined.
- Churchill Tubos - Protected in aluminum tubes for freshness.
- Short Churchills - 4.9" x 50. All the character, less time commitment.
- Short Churchills Tubos (25) - Full box in tubes.
- Wide Churchills - 5.1" x 55. Modern ring gauge, classic character.
- Wide Churchills Gran Reserva Cosecha 2009 - Ultra-aged prestige release.
- Churchill 50's - Selection celebrating the 1950s decade.
Línea de Oro (Golden Line)
Launched as a premium tier, Línea de Oro offers refined vitolas with slightly fuller character while maintaining Romeo y Julieta's signature elegance.
- Línea de Oro Nobles - 5.5" x 56. Modern robusto extra with golden character.
- Línea de Oro Dianas - 5.3" x 54. Elegant figurado format.
Exhibición Series
Classic vitolas showcasing Romeo y Julieta's range and heritage.
- Exhibición No. 3 - Corona format, traditional elegance.
- Exhibición No. 4 - Classic petit corona size.
Cedros de Luxe Series
Each cigar wrapped in cedar sleeve, adding aromatic complexity and protecting the delicate wrapper.
- Cedro de Luxe No. 1 - 6.5" x 42. Lonsdale in cedar dress.
- Cedro de Luxe No. 2 - 5.6" x 42. Corona gorda format.
- Cedro de Luxe No. 3 - 5.5" x 42. Classic corona.
Romeo Series (Tubos)
Traditional numbered series in protective aluminum tubes.
- Romeo No. 1 Tubos - Lonsdale format in tubes.
- Romeo No. 2 Tubos - Corona gorda in tubes.
- Romeo No. 3 Tubos - Petit corona in tubes.
Classic Vitolas
Traditional formats that have defined Romeo y Julieta for over a century.
- Romeo y Julieta Coronas - 5.6" x 42. The quintessential corona.
- Petit Coronas - 5.1" x 42. Shorter, equally aromatic.
- Belicoso - 5.5" x 52. Torpedo format with concentrated flavors.
- Prince of Wales - 5.6" x 47. Named for British royalty.
- Clemenceau - 6.7" x 47. Named for the French statesman.
- Cazadores - 6.2" x 44. Traditional Cuban format.
- Hidalgos - Classic petit format for quick enjoyment.
Añejados - Factory Aged
- Pirámides Añejados - Aged at the factory, enhanced complexity.
Reserva and Gran Reserva
- Reserva Cosecha 2008 - Special reserve from 2008 harvest.
- Wide Churchills Gran Reserva Cosecha 2009 - Prestigious aged release.
Romeo y Julieta Size and Strength Comparison
| Vitola | Line | Size | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Coronas | Classic | 5.1" x 42 | Medium |
| Coronas | Classic | 5.6" x 42 | Medium |
| Short Churchills | Churchill | 4.9" x 50 | Medium |
| Belicoso | Classic | 5.5" x 52 | Medium |
| Wide Churchills | Churchill | 5.1" x 55 | Medium |
| Churchills | Churchill | 7" x 47 | Medium |
| Línea de Oro Nobles | Línea de Oro | 5.5" x 56 | Medium-Full |
| Gran Reserva | Special | 5.1" x 55 | Medium-Full |
Romeo y Julieta Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Romeo y Julieta is renowned for its aromatic elegance and impeccable balance. These are cigars that perfume a room—the kind of smoke that makes non-smokers pause and ask, "What is that? It smells wonderful."
Primary Flavor Notes
- Floral and aromatic - The defining characteristic, delicate flower notes throughout.
- Cedar - Clean, aromatic wood that enhances the bouquet.
- Honey sweetness - Natural sweetness that builds through the smoke.
- Cream - Silky mouthfeel with buttery notes.
- Light spice - Gentle white pepper, never aggressive.
- Dried fruit - Hints of raisin and fig in longer vitolas.
What Makes Romeo y Julieta Special
- Exceptional room note—the smoke itself is a pleasure for everyone present
- Consistent quality across all vitolas
- Accessible to beginners yet rewarding for experts
- Perfect pairing cigars for food and fine beverages
How to Identify Authentic Romeo y Julieta Cigars
As one of the world's most famous cigar brands, Romeo y Julieta is heavily counterfeited:
The Romeo y Julieta Band
- Romantic crest - Juliet on her balcony, Romeo below—should be detailed and clear
- Medallions - Gold medallions flanking the crest with sharp definition
- Red and gold colors - Rich, consistent coloring
- Text clarity - "Romeo y Julieta Habana" clearly legible
- Embossing - Raised elements you can feel
The Box
- Official Habanos hologram seal
- Factory code on bottom
- Date stamp in Cuban format
- Serial number matching hologram
Best Drink Pairings for Romeo y Julieta Cigars
Romeo y Julieta's aromatic profile pairs beautifully with refined beverages:
- Champagne or quality Cava - The classic pairing. Bubbles cleanse the palate while floral notes dance together.
- Cognac VSOP - Grape-based elegance meets Cuban refinement.
- Aged white rum - Havana Club 3 años or aged Plantation complement the sweetness.
- Earl Grey tea - The bergamot echoes the floral notes. Surprisingly wonderful.
- Dessert wines - Sauternes, Moscato d'Asti, or late harvest Riesling.
- Coffee with cream - Café au lait rather than espresso.
Romeo y Julieta Storage and Aging Recommendations
Romeo y Julieta cigars are exceptional fresh and continue to improve with age:
- Humidity - 65-70% RH. These smoke beautifully at 65%.
- Temperature - 65-70°F (18-21°C).
- Aging potential - Churchills and Wide Churchills develop wonderful complexity at 3-5 years. Gran Reservas can age 15+ years.
- Resting period - 2-3 weeks minimum after shipping.
Romeo y Julieta Limited Editions and Collectibles
Romeo y Julieta releases elegant limited editions that collectors treasure:
- Wide Churchills Gran Reserva Cosecha 2009 - Prestigious aged release.
- Tacos E.L. 2018 - Special limited edition.
- Capuletos E.L. 2016 - Named for Juliet's family.
- De Luxe E.L. 2013 - Elegant limited release.
- Duke L.E. 2009 - Continuing the aristocratic naming tradition.
- Escudos Edición Limitada 2007 - "Shields" limited edition.
- Petit Pirámides Limited Edition 2005 - Torpedo format LE.
- Exhibición No. 2 L.E. 2004 - Vintage limited edition.
- Hermosos No. 1 Limited Edition 2003 - Early collectible LE.
- Robustos L.E. 2001 - One of the first modern LEs.
- Exhibición No. 2 Edición Limitada 2000 - Turn of millennium release.
- Reserva Cosecha 2008 - Special harvest reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romeo y Julieta
Why did Winston Churchill love Romeo y Julieta?
Churchill appreciated the brand's medium body, aromatic character, and the long smoking time of the Churchill vitola named in his honor. He reportedly smoked 8-10 cigars daily and found Romeo y Julieta's profile perfect for extended sessions during work, meals, and relaxation. The brand sent him special shipments throughout his life.
What is the best Romeo y Julieta for beginners?
The Short Churchills is ideal—medium body, manageable size (50 minutes), and all the signature Romeo y Julieta elegance. The Petit Coronas is another excellent starting point if you prefer a classic format.
How does Romeo y Julieta compare to Montecristo?
Both are medium-bodied brands, but they have different personalities. Romeo y Julieta is more aromatic and floral; Montecristo is nuttier and earthier. Romeo y Julieta is like a fine perfume; Montecristo is like aged leather. Both excellent, different moods.
What does "Cedros de Luxe" mean?
The Cedros de Luxe series features each cigar wrapped in a thin cedar sleeve. This adds aromatic complexity (the cedar imparts subtle notes) and protects the delicate wrapper during storage and transport.
Are Romeo y Julieta cigars mild?
They're medium-bodied, not mild. There's an important distinction. A mild cigar has little flavor; Romeo y Julieta has abundant flavor that's simply not aggressive. They're aromatic and balanced rather than powerful, making them accessible without being boring.
What is the Churchill cigar size?
The Churchill vitola is 7" x 47 (178mm x 47 ring gauge)—a generous format originally called "Julieta" until the factory renamed it after Winston Churchill's famous 1946 visit. It provides 60-90 minutes of smoking time.