Description
The Churchill That Changed Everything
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’97, and I’m just going to say it: the Romeo y Julieta Churchill isn’t just another cigar. It’s THE Churchill – the one that defined what a Churchill should be. Winston Churchill himself made this vitola famous, and this particular marca? It was his go-to. No joke, when you light up one of these, you’re smoking the same blend that was good enough for one of history’s most legendary cigar aficionados.
Here’s the thing – in a world where everyone’s chasing the next limited edition or hunting for aged stock, the Romeo y Julieta Churchill just keeps doing its thing. Year after year. Box after box. And maybe that’s what makes it so damn special. It doesn’t need gimmicks. The consistency alone is something I genuinely respect, especially when you’ve had as many disappointing smokes as I have.
What you’re about to read isn’t some polished marketing speak. This is what I’ve learned from probably three dozen of these cigars over the years – the good boxes, the okay boxes, and yeah, even one dud that taught me about proper aging. Between you and me, this might be the most reliable Cuban cigar you can buy today.
Why This Cigar Matters
Romeo y Julieta as a marca dates back to 1875, which means they’ve had plenty of time to figure things out. And they have. The brand built its reputation on consistency and approachability – this isn’t the cigar that’s trying to punch you in the face with strength. It’s the cigar that wants to spend an hour with you, maybe an hour and fifteen if you’re not rushing.
The Churchill vitola specifically became the flagship of this line for good reason. At 7 inches with a 47 ring gauge, it’s got the length to develop complexity but isn’t so fat that you’re committed to a two-hour smoke session. I think of it as the Goldilocks size – not too big, not too small, just right for most occasions. Thing is, Romeo y Julieta doesn’t try to be what it’s not. This is a mild to medium-bodied smoke that focuses on elegance over power, finesse over strength.
Who’s this cigar for? Honestly, almost everyone. New to Cubans? Start here. Been smoking for decades? You probably already have a box in your humidor. It’s that rare cigar that works for the beginner without boring the veteran. The flavor profile is approachable enough that you won’t get overwhelmed, but there’s enough going on to keep things interesting. I’ve handed these to first-time Cuban smokers and to guys who’ve been in the hobby longer than I have – everyone comes away satisfied.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Churchill |
| Length | 7 inches / 178 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
What You’re Actually Getting (The Smoke)
Okay, so let me walk you through what happens when you actually light one of these up. I’m not talking about tasting notes copied from someone else’s review – this is what I consistently get from these cigars.
The cold draw usually gives you a preview of what’s coming. There’s this subtle sweetness – not sugar sweet, but more like honey mixed with hay. Sometimes I pick up a touch of that classic Cuban barnyard character, though it’s never overwhelming. The wrapper itself has that characteristic Cuban aroma – earthy, slightly floral, with that unmistakable Vuelta Abajo terroir.
First third? Real talk: it starts gentle. That’s not a criticism – it’s exactly what it should do. You get creamy smoke right from the jump, with cedar being the dominant note. And I know this sounds clichéd, but it really does remind me of a Spanish cedar humidor. There’s also this subtle coffee note in the background – not espresso, more like a light café con leche. The pepper is there if you retrohale, but it’s polite about it. Never harsh, never aggressive.
Here’s where it gets interesting though – the second third is where this cigar earns its reputation. The flavors start layering. That cedar backbone stays consistent, but now you’re getting touches of leather, maybe some light cocoa, and the coffee note becomes more pronounced. I’ve had boxes where I swear there’s a hint of vanilla or cream in here. The strength picks up slightly – you’re definitely in medium territory now – but it never gets confrontational. The burn should be razor-sharp if you’ve stored these properly, and the ash? It holds for a solid inch, sometimes more. That light gray ash with those characteristic layered rings – that’s quality construction right there.
Final third – and this is where some Churchills fall apart, but not this one. The flavors intensify but stay balanced. The pepper kicks up a notch through the retrohale, and you might get some earthiness coming through. I sometimes pick up hints of dried fruit or nuts toward the very end. The strength tops out at medium – maybe medium-plus if you’ve been smoking fast, but it never crosses into full-bodied territory. And honestly? That restraint is what makes this cigar special. It knows what it is.
Construction-wise, I’ve rarely had issues with these. The draw is usually perfect – not too loose, not too tight. The wrapper is smooth, maybe with a few small veins but nothing that affects the smoke. Burn line stays even without much attention. Ash is solid and that beautiful light gray color that tells you the tobacco was fermented properly. The only time I’ve had problems was with a box that was too young – they needed another year to really shine. But that’s on me for being impatient.
How It Stacks Up
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romeo y Julieta Churchill | Mild to Medium | 60-90 minutes | All-day smoke, beginners to veterans, reliable consistency |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Mild to Medium | 45-60 minutes | Shorter smoke time, slightly more cedar-forward, morning smoke |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium to Full | 75-90 minutes | More strength, experienced smokers, special occasions |
| H. Upmann Sir Winston | Medium | 90-120 minutes | Long smoke sessions, similar profile but more time commitment |
What to Drink With It
I’ll be honest with you: I’ve probably paired this cigar with everything at some point. Coffee in the morning? Works. Rum after dinner? Absolutely. Here’s what I’ve found actually enhances the experience though.
For spirits, you want something that won’t overpower the mild-to-medium profile. A good añejo rum is probably my top choice – something like Flor de Caña 12 year or Santiago de Cuba 11. The sweetness and vanilla notes from the rum complement that creamy character in the cigar without fighting it. Single malt scotch can work too, but stick with something on the lighter side – a Glenlivet 12 or maybe a Dalwhinnie. Save the Laphroaig for your Partagás.
Coffee is actually brilliant with this cigar, especially in the morning or early afternoon. A good Cuban coffee if you can find it, or honestly, any medium roast that’s not too acidic. The coffee amplifies those café notes in the second third beautifully.
Occasion-wise? This is your versatile player. Golf course? Perfect. After dinner? Great. Weekend afternoon on the patio? Can’t go wrong. I’ve smoked these at weddings, at poker games, on fishing trips, and just sitting in my backyard watching the sunset. The smoking time is long enough to feel substantial but not so long that you’ve lost an entire afternoon. If I could only keep one Cuban cigar in my humidor – and I hope that never happens – this would be in the running.
Storage and Aging Thoughts
Okay, quick sidebar on aging because this matters with Romeo y Julieta Churchills. Fresh off the truck from Cuba? They’re smokeable, but they’re not at their best. I genuinely think these need at least six months to a year of rest in your humidor to really settle in. The flavors integrate better, the construction improves, and that harshness that sometimes shows up in young Cuban tobacco completely disappears.
That said – and hear me out on this – I don’t think these need crazy long aging like some other marcas. I’ve smoked five-year-old boxes and ten-year-old boxes, and honestly? The sweet spot for me is around 2-3 years. After that, they start losing some of that vibrant cedar character that defines them. They don’t go bad or anything, but they become… softer? More muted? Some people love that, but I prefer these with a bit more life in them.
Keep them at 65-68% humidity, around 65-70 degrees if you can manage it. Standard Cuban storage stuff. And if you’re buying a cab – which I recommend if you like these – rotate them. Smoke from different layers of the box to see how position affects the cigars. It’s one of those little experiments that makes this hobby fun.
How strong is the Romeo y Julieta Churchill compared to other Cuban cigars?
Real talk: it’s on the milder end of the Cuban spectrum. I’d classify it as mild to medium, topping out at medium in the final third. If you’re coming from Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars that advertise themselves as “medium,” you’ll probably find this even milder. It’s definitely less intense than a Partagás Serie D No. 4 or a Bolivar, and even a step down from most Montecristos. That’s not a weakness though – the restraint is intentional and lets the flavor complexity shine through. Perfect for daytime smoking or if you’re having more than one cigar in a session.
Should I age Romeo y Julieta Churchills, and if so, for how long?
Yes, but you don’t need to get crazy with it. Fresh boxes benefit tremendously from 6-12 months of rest minimum. The sweet spot, in my experience, is 2-3 years of aging. At that point, the flavors are integrated, any harsh edges are gone, and the cedar and cream notes are at their peak. I’ve had boxes with 5-10 years on them, and honestly, they start losing that vibrant character that makes these special. They’re still good, just more muted. Store them at 65-68% RH and be patient for at least that first year. Trust me on this – the improvement is dramatic.
Is the Romeo y Julieta Churchill a good cigar for beginners?
Absolutely, and I recommend it to new Cuban cigar smokers all the time. The mild-to-medium strength means you won’t get overwhelmed or nicotine sick, which can happen with stronger Cubans. The flavor profile is approachable – cedar, cream, coffee – nothing too challenging or unusual. The construction is consistently excellent, so you’re not dealing with draw or burn issues that might turn you off cigars entirely. And here’s the thing: it’s not just a “beginner cigar” that you’ll outgrow. I’ve been smoking Cubans for over 25 years and still keep these in my rotation. It’s sophisticated enough that you won’t feel like you’re smoking a training-wheels cigar.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Romeo y Julieta Churchill?
This is one of those rare cigars that works almost any time. I’ve smoked these with morning coffee on a Saturday and loved it. I’ve had them as an after-lunch smoke. Evening? Perfect. The mild-to-medium strength and 60-90 minute smoking time make it incredibly versatile. If I had to pick an ideal time, I’d say mid-afternoon or early evening – you’ve got the time to dedicate to it, but it’s not so strong that it’ll wreck your dinner appetite. The length means you want at least an hour to ninety minutes where you can relax and not rush it. But honestly, I’ve never had one at the “wrong” time.
How does the Romeo y Julieta Churchill compare to the Montecristo No. 2?
Different animals entirely, though I love both. The Montecristo No. 2 is stronger – solidly medium to medium-full – and has a more pronounced earthy, leathery character. It’s also a torpedo, which changes the experience with that tapered head. The RyJ Churchill is milder, creamier, more cedar-forward, and easier to smoke. I think of the Monte No. 2 as a special occasion cigar or an evening smoke when you want something with more presence. The RyJ Churchill is your reliable friend you can turn to any time. If you’re newer to Cubans, start with the Churchill. If you want something with more oomph and complexity, reach for the Monte. Both deserve a place in your humidor, but they serve different purposes.
Do Romeo y Julieta Churchills need special storage or humidity levels?
Nothing unusual – standard Cuban cigar storage applies. I keep mine at 65-67% relative humidity and around 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people go higher on humidity, but I find these smoke better on the drier side. The wrapper doesn’t crack easily, so you’ve got some forgiveness there. What I would say is: don’t store these next to super strong cigars like Partagás or Bolivar in the same section of your humidor. That mild flavor profile can pick up character from more aggressive cigars. Give them their own space if you can. And seriously, let new boxes rest. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but six months minimum will repay your patience tenfold.
What are the main flavor notes in a Romeo y Julieta Churchill?
Cedar is the backbone – that classic Spanish cedar note you get from a well-maintained humidor. It’s there from start to finish. On top of that, you’re getting cream or sometimes a light coffee note, especially in the first and second thirds. There’s subtle leather and cocoa that develops in the middle section. Light pepper on the retrohale, but it’s never aggressive. In the final third, some earthiness and maybe a touch of nuts or dried fruit. What you’re NOT getting: bold espresso, heavy chocolate, strong pepper, or that ammonia-like strength some Cuban cigars have when young. This is about subtlety and balance. The flavor profile rewards attention but doesn’t demand it – you can think while you smoke or just zone out and enjoy it.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Been There
Look, I’m not going to tell you this is the best Cuban cigar ever made. That would be ridiculous – everyone’s palate is different, and honestly, the “best” cigar depends on what you’re in the mood for that day. But what I will tell you is this: the Romeo y Julieta Churchill is one of the most consistently excellent Cuban cigars you can buy. Period.
It doesn’t have the cult following of some limited editions. It’s not going to win awards for the most complex flavor profile. You won’t see people hunting vintage boxes from the 1980s and treating them like liquid gold. And you know what? That’s exactly why it’s brilliant. This is the cigar that’s always there when you need it. The one you can rely on. The one that never disappoints.
I’ve been smoking these for over two decades now – probably longer than some of you reading this have been into cigars – and I still get excited when I open a fresh box. That cedar aroma, that perfect construction, that knowledge that I’m about to spend the next hour or so with an old friend. Between you and me, if I could only smoke one Cuban cigar for the rest of my life, this would absolutely be in my top three considerations. Maybe top two.
If you’ve never tried one, fix that. If you tried one years ago and moved on to “bigger” things, come back to it. Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. And if you’re already a fan? You don’t need me to tell you what you already know.
Now if you’ll excuse me, all this talk has me reaching for my humidor. I think I’ve got a box from 2021 that should be just about perfect right now.
