Description
The Romeo y Julieta Churchill stands as Cuba’s most iconic cigar format—a 7-inch Habano that defined the Churchill vitola and carries 150 years of Cuban tobacco mastery. Named after Sir Winston Churchill, who visited the Romeo y Julieta factory in Havana in 1946 and became their most famous devotee, this medium-bodied masterpiece delivers cedar, coffee, and vanilla notes across a 90-minute smoking experience. For collectors and connoisseurs seeking an authentic Cuban Churchill cigar, this is the definitive choice.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Tubos Box of 25 | Tubos Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 cigars | 25 cigars (individual tubes) | 10 cigars (individual tubes) |
| Packaging Type | Semi Boite Nature (SBN) | Aluminum Tubos | Aluminum Tubos |
| Ideal For | Humidor storage, long-term aging | Travel, corporate gifting | Sampling, personal gifts |
| Humidity Protection | Requires humidor | Sealed tubes (short-term) | Sealed tubes (short-term) |
| Collector Value | Highest (box codes visible) | Medium | Entry-level |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Churchill (Julieta No. 2) |
| Length | 178mm / 7 inches |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Colorado (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban Long-Filler (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
| Factory | Romeo y Julieta, La Habana, Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Romeo y Julieta: A Legacy Since 1875
The Romeo y Julieta brand was founded in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Manin Garcia in Havana, Cuba. They named their company after Shakespeare’s immortal lovers to evoke romance, passion, and timeless elegance—qualities that would define their cigars for generations.
During the early 1900s golden age, Romeo y Julieta became the cigar of choice for European aristocracy and cultural icons. The brand pioneered a refined, milder Cuban style that appealed to sophisticated palates. At its peak, the factory produced over 250 different vitolas.
Following Cuba’s 1960 nationalization, Romeo y Julieta came under Habanos S.A. control. Today, production continues at the historic factory in Havana, maintaining the traditional hand-rolling techniques that made the brand legendary. The Churchill remains their flagship vitola, honoring both the format’s namesake and 150 years of Cuban craftsmanship.
Tasting Profile
The Romeo y Julieta Churchill unfolds in three distinct stages across its generous 90-120 minute smoking time:
First Third – The Opening
Thick, creamy smoke delivers immediate notes of black pepper, rich espresso, and a surprising vanilla sweetness. The draw is effortless from first light, producing abundant smoke with a perfect even burn. The Colorado wrapper contributes a mild toast aroma with hints of cedar and baking spices.
Second Third – The Heart
Stone fruit and supple leather emerge as the pepper recedes. Warm baking spices—cinnamon, nutmeg—weave through the profile. The strength remains balanced, never overpowering. This is where the cigar reveals its medium-bodied character at its finest.
Final Third – The Crescendo
Complexity peaks as citrus zest and subtle floral notes appear. The coffee intensifies, joined by toasted almonds and a building pepper that rewards patience. A slight strength increase marks the journey’s end.
Finish
Clean and lingering: creamy coffee, roasted nuts, and gentle pepper that invites contemplation. The aftertaste remains refined, never bitter—a hallmark of properly aged Cuban tobacco.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Coffee, Vanilla, Cream |
| Secondary Notes | Leather, Baking Spices, Stone Fruit |
| Tertiary Notes | Citrus, Floral, Toasted Nuts, Cocoa |
| Finish | Creamy, Peppery, Clean |
| Aroma | Toast, Cedar, Warm Spices, Earth |
Aging and Collector Value
Cuban cigars improve with age through ongoing fermentation. Harsh ammonia breaks down, oils settle, and flavors integrate for greater complexity. The Romeo y Julieta Churchill responds exceptionally well to aging.
| Age | Flavor Development | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh (0-1 year) | Bright, slightly rough edges, vibrant pepper | Smokeable but benefits from rest |
| Young (2-3 years) | Edges soften, flavors balance, harshness fades | Minimum recommended aging |
| Optimal (3-5 years) | Deep complexity, smooth blending, creamy sweetness | Peak performance window |
| Mature (5-10 years) | Fully integrated, enhanced nuttiness, refined profile | Collector territory |
| Vintage (10+ years) | Unique refinement, risks muting if over-aged | For experienced collectors only |
Storage for long-term aging: Maintain 63-65% relative humidity and stable temperature around 65-70°F. Lower humidity than standard smoking conditions actually enhances flavor development over years. Boxes with visible production codes (box codes) are preferred by collectors tracking vintage years.
Limited editions: The Romeo y Julieta Churchill Añejados features tobacco aged 10+ years before rolling. The Gran Reserva (limited to 5,000 boxes) uses 5-year aged tobacco, delivering distinctive peanut butter, pepper, and nuttiness—highly sought by collectors.
How It Compares: Churchill Vitola Matchup
| Cigar | Profile | Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romeo y Julieta Churchill | Creamy, nutty, balanced cedar | Medium | 2-hour luxurious sessions, post-dinner |
| Cohiba Esplendidos | Creamy, earthy, layered complexity | Medium-Full | Special occasions, ultimate luxury |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Coffee, leather, balanced | Medium-Full | Versatile special events |
| Partagas Serie D No. 4 | Earthy, robust, powerful | Full | Bold evening smokes |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Mild, smooth, approachable | Mild-Medium | Daytime, beginners |
The Romeo y Julieta Churchill offers exceptional value for complexity—more accessible than Cohiba’s premium pricing while delivering comparable refinement after proper aging. It serves as the perfect gateway to Cuban Churchills.
Cutting and Lighting Guide
The 7-inch length and 47 ring gauge of the Romeo y Julieta Churchill require proper technique:
The Cut
A straight cut (guillotine) works best for the 47 ring gauge, preserving even draw across the long vitola. Cut just above the shoulder—approximately 2-3mm from the cap line. V-cuts and punch cuts also work but may restrict airflow on this larger format.
The Light
Use a butane torch or cedar spill for pure flavor. Toast the foot in a circular motion, rotating the cigar slowly for 60-90 seconds until edges glow evenly red. Avoid rushing—a properly toasted Churchill prevents canoeing and ensures even burn throughout your two-hour experience.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting too deep into the shoulder (causes unraveling)
- Rushing the toast (causes uneven burn)
- Using sulfur matches or fluid lighters (imparts off-flavors)
- Smoking too fast (overheats, creates bitterness)
The Winston Churchill Connection
In 1946, Winston Churchill visited the Romeo y Julieta factory in Havana and fell in love with their cigars. The factory created over 20,000 personalized cigars with his custom band during his lifetime. His preferred size—7 inches with a 47 ring gauge—became known worldwide as the Churchill vitola.
Churchill reportedly smoked 8-10 cigars daily, famously declaring that cigars were essential to his ability to lead Britain through World War II. The Cabinet War Rooms in London still display his signature cigar. Today, every Romeo y Julieta Churchill carries this legacy. When you light one, you are smoking history.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cognac (VSOP+) | Amplifies vanilla and coffee; dried fruit echoes cigar complexity |
| Single Malt Scotch (Speyside) | Honey and orchard fruit complement the creamy smoke |
| Anejo Rum (12+ years) | Caramel and molasses enhance leather and chocolate undertones |
| Double Espresso | Intensifies coffee notes; classic Cuban pairing |
| Vintage Port | Sweet fruit balances peppery finish |
| Aged Bourbon | Vanilla and oak mirror the cigar’s cedar notes |
Authenticity Verification
Every Romeo y Julieta Churchill from CubanCigarsForSale.com is guaranteed authentic Habanos S.A. product:
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Check for color-shifting security band on box
- Box Code Verification – Enter code at Habanos.com/verificacion
- Factory Stamp – Look for Hecho en Cuba and factory code on box bottom
- Triple Cap – Authentic Cuban cigars feature a distinctive three-seam cap
- Warranty Seal – Green and white Habanos warranty seal with barcode
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cigar did Winston Churchill smoke?
Churchill favored the 7 x 47 ring gauge format. The Romeo y Julieta factory created this size specifically for him, and it became known worldwide as the Churchill vitola. This exact format remains the Romeo y Julieta Churchill you see today.
Is Romeo y Julieta Churchill medium or full-bodied?
The Romeo y Julieta Churchill is a medium-bodied, medium-strength cigar. It offers sophisticated complexity—cedar, coffee, vanilla, leather—without overwhelming the palate. Ideal for experienced smokers and those graduating from milder cigars.
How long does a Churchill cigar take to smoke?
At 7 inches, the Romeo y Julieta Churchill provides 90 to 120 minutes of smoking time when smoked at a relaxed pace. This extended duration allows the flavor profile to evolve through three distinct stages.
How should I store Romeo y Julieta Churchills?
Store at 65-70% humidity and 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit in a quality humidor. For long-term aging (3+ years), slightly lower humidity of 63-65% is preferred. Boxes of 25 are ideal for aging; Tubos should be transferred to a humidor for storage beyond a few weeks.
How long should I age Romeo y Julieta Churchills?
Minimum 2-3 years for noticeable improvement. The optimal window is 3-5 years when complexity peaks. Experienced collectors may age 5-10 years for ultimate refinement, though lighter blends like Romeo y Julieta may begin to flatten after a decade.
What is the difference between Romeo y Julieta Churchill and Wide Churchill?
The classic Churchill measures 7 x 47 ring gauge for a 90-120 minute smoke. The Wide Churchill is shorter and thicker at 5 1/8 x 55 ring gauge, offering a bolder, faster 60-90 minute experience with more intense flavors due to the higher wrapper-to-filler ratio.
