Romeo y Julieta 150 years or not? The mysterious history of a legend
Romeo y Julieta 150 years? In 2025, the traditional cigar brand celebrates its 150th anniversary. Romeo y Julieta officially celebrates its 150th anniversary. On the occasion of this special anniversary, the brand will be celebrating during the Habanos Festivals 2025 with an exclusive evening event celebrating its rich history and importance in the world of Habanos. But when was it really founded? And did Winston Churchill ever smoke "his Churchill" from Romeo y Julieta?
Romeo Y Julieta Cazadores with the box date MAR 15, a wonderfully mature cigar, tasted 10 years later.
Romeo y Julieta: Founded in 1875 or 1873? A look at the contradictory history
The beginnings of Romeo y Julieta date back to 1875, when the brand was launched in Cuba by Inocencio Álvarez and Manín García was brought into being. Its name is a tribute to Shakespeare's world-famous tragedy "Romeo and Juliet", a play that was performed in many cigar factories at the time. Reading aloud for the torcedores (cigar rollers) was particularly popular.
Min Ron Nee wrote in his book "Eine illustrierte Enzyklopädie der postrevolutionären Havanna-Cigarren" (2005, German edition) that the brand was registered in 1873. And the book "El Habano Moderno" states: "Habanos S.A. gives the year 1875 as the official founding year of the brand, although it is not entirely clear what the basis for this is." However, this book also states that the brand was officially registered in 1873.
The world-famous Vista on the inside cover of the "Cazadores".
1903 and the rise of an icon: how Pepín Rodríguez Fernández revolutionized Romeo y Julieta
The brand was able to build up an excellent reputation in the first few decades and won numerous awards at international cigar exhibitions. These successes are reflected in the gold medals that still adorn the Romeo y Julieta trademark today.
A decisive turning point came in 1903, when the Spanish businessman José "Pepín" Rodríguez Fernández took over the brand. He was a master at raising the international profile of cigars through strategic marketing and an exclusive customer approach. He became particularly famous for personalizing the cigar rings - an innovation that allowed him to create individual designs for his wealthy clientele.
The super-premium "Línea De Oro" line adorns the high-gloss box with an elegant plaque.
The truth behind the Churchill cigar: an honor without proof?
One of the most prominent personalities who appreciated the taste of Romeo y Julieta was Winston Churchill. After his visit to Havana in 1946, the following format was created in his honor Julieta No. 2 in "Churchill" an elegant cigar with a length of 178 mm and a ring gauge of 47, which is still one of the brand's best-known vitolas.
However, Min Ron Nee wrote that this visit took place in 1947. And in the book "El Habano Moderno" it says: "It is often wrongly described as Winston Churchill's favorite cigar. In reality, it is not known whether he ever smoked one. The usual story is that Winston Churchill was sent an unlimited supply of cigars by the Romeo y Julieta factory during the Second World War, before visiting the factory in 1946 and creating the Vitola shortly afterwards. There is little evidence that either the deliveries or the visit ever took place."
The Vista on the wooden lids in the interior.
Two worlds, one brand: Romeo y Julieta between Cuba and the Dominican Republic
After the Cuban revolution, the brand was nationalized and integrated into the portfolio of Habanos S.A. which meant that it continued to be represented on the international market. At the same time, an alternative production facility for the US market was established outside Cuba, which Dominican Republic was established.
What counts today Romeo y Julieta is one of the most prestigious cigar brands in the world and offers a variety of formats and flavor profiles ranging from mild to strong. To mark its 150th anniversary, the brand is celebrating with special editions and exclusive events that further cement its status as an icon of the cigar world.
What does Romeo y Julieta mean to you? 💭🔥
The brand has had an eventful history - from its ambiguous founding years to its association with Winston Churchill and its global expansion following the Cuban revolution. Now it is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
👉 What experiences have you had with Romeo y Julieta? Do you have a favorite vitola or a special memory? Write it in the comments! 🚀💬 Without registration, following this post.
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Hi Vasilij, thanks for the breviary! In addition to the Churchill, which is actually my favorite format, I find the Wide-Churchill very exciting. This mixture of leather, earth and a hint of nut has inspired me for decades now. Best memory: celebrating the end of my evening studies with one of my best friends and the WideC!
The exclusive Nobles is similarly delicious, but I leave the pricing to the exclusives since 2022 🙂