Romeo y Julieta Churchill

Description

Imagine settling into a worn leather armchair with the evening stretching out before you, no appointments left on the calendar. You cut the cap on this seven-inch stick, knowing you have a full two hours to just sit and let the world turn without you.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: Lighting this up doesn’t hit you with a wall of pepper right away. Instead, it starts with a gentle, distinct aroma of sweet cedar wood that fills the room. You get these soft touches of light chocolate on the palate, almost like a dusting of cocoa powder rather than a candy bar. The draw usually offers just the right amount of resistance, letting the smoke roll in cool and smooth.

Mid-Section: As the burn line moves past the first inch, the intensity wakes up. That initial woody sweetness shifts into something heavier, bringing in a distinct caramel note that coats the tongue. You might start picking up dark stone fruits here, specifically black cherries or plums, mixing with a roasted espresso bean character. It demands your attention now without becoming aggressive.

Final Third: By the time you reach the band, the strength has fully arrived. The smoke texture thickens up considerably, carrying savory notes of leather and a kick of 5-spice. Even with the heat rising, traces of vanilla hang around in the background to keep things balanced until you finally put the nub down.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Romeo y Julieta

This brand has been around since 1875, but this specific size became a legend because of one man. After Sir Winston Churchill visited Havana in 1946, he loved these cigars so much the factory renamed their Julieta No. 2 vitola in his honor. It is arguably the most famous shape in the cigar world today.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Appleton Estate 21 – The deep oak and nutmeg in this aged Jamaican rum latch onto the caramel sweetness of the cigar perfectly.
• Whiskey: Highland Park 18 – The slight peat smoke and heather honey in the scotch amplify the stone fruit notes in the tobacco.
• Coffee: Colombian dark roast – A heavy, oily coffee stands up to the leather notes and mirrors the espresso flavors found in the second half.

Ideal For

This is not a stick for a quick smoke break or a complete novice. It requires patience and a developed palate to appreciate the shift from cedar to dark fruit. If you have a humidor, let these rest for at least three years to smooth out the edges.