Description
The terrace at Hotel Nacional in Havana overlooked the Malecón seawall, and the late afternoon Caribbean breeze carried just enough salt air to complement what I was about to light. My Cuban host smiled as he handed me a golden brown cigar that’s been the standard bearer for this legendary brand since Winston Churchill himself fell in love with it back in 1946.
What struck me first wasn’t the name or the reputation. It was how solid the construction felt between my fingers, like holding a piece of Cuban history wrapped in tobacco leaf.
Construction and Appearance
The Romeo y Julieta Churchill showcases everything you’d expect from tripa larga, totalmente a mano craftsmanship. The Rosado wrapper has this beautiful golden-brown hue that catches light perfectly, with minimal veining and a silky texture that speaks to top quality filler tobaccos from the Vuelta Abajo region.
Running my fingers along its length, the construction feels firm and consistent. No soft spots. No ratty foot issues that sometimes plague lesser cigars. The triple cap is applied with precision you’d expect from the Julieta No. 2 factory shape, and honestly, this is what separates Cuban cigars from their competitors – that attention to detail in every aspect of the rolling process.
The wrapper is covered with a natural oil sheen that promises good things ahead. When I brought it to my nose, soft notes of sweet cedar and light chocolate emerged immediately. This isn’t a brick of tobacco – it’s a carefully orchestrated blend that’s been aging in warehouses while most of us were going about our daily lives.
Flavor Profile Through Each Third
First Third: Stone Fruit Symphony
After a perfect cold draw that offered just the right resistance, the initial light revealed why this churchill has earned its reputation among cigars of this caliber. The opening flavors hit you with stone fruit notes – specifically cherry and plum – mixed beautifully with caramel sweetness and espresso undertones.
The smoke production was generous from the start, creating thick, creamy clouds that dissipated slowly in that Havana evening air. What impressed me most was how clean the flavor delivery felt. No harshness, no bitter edges – just complex and rich flavours that built gradually with each draw.
Second Third: Building Complexity
This is where the Romeo y Julieta Churchill really shows its character. The body and strength transition from medium mild to medium full, introducing leather notes and a distinctive 5-spice element that adds serious depth to the profile.
The draw remained consistent throughout – never too tight, never too loose. Each puff delivered layered flavors that seemed to evolve with every minute. By this point, any aficionado would recognize they’re smoking something special. The construction held firm with an even burn line and ash that stayed put longer than expected.
Final Third: Full Expression
The final portion brings everything together in a crescendo of flavor intensity. The medium full body reaches its peak while maintaining the balance that defines this churchill size. The leather and spice notes from the middle third integrate completely with the initial fruit and chocolate characteristics.
There’s no bitterness or heat that sometimes creeps in during the final inches. Instead, you get the full expression of what makes Romeo such a revered brand among serious cigar enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications
| Dimension | 178mm (7 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Factory Name | Julieta No. 2 |
| Strength | Medium to Medium Full |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 2 hours |
| Wrapper | Cuban Rosado |
Pairing Recommendations
Based on my experience with this fabulous cigar, port wine creates the most harmonious pairing. The sweet, rich characteristics of a good vintage port enhance those juicy fruit flavors that dominate the first third while complementing the spice notes that develop later.
For rum enthusiasts, I’d recommend a well-aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 Year. The vanilla and oak notes in the spirit work beautifully with the chocolate and cedar elements in the wrapper.
Coffee lovers shouldn’t overlook pairing this churchill with a strong Cuban cortado. The espresso notes in both create an almost symphonic flavor experience.
If whiskey’s your preference, reach for something with enough character to stand up to the cigar’s complexity – perhaps a sherried Scotch or a high-rye bourbon that won’t get overwhelmed by the tobacco’s natural richness.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
With a churchill of this quality, your cutting technique matters. I prefer a straight cut about 2mm from the cap, ensuring you don’t cut too deep and unravel that beautiful triple cap construction.
For lighting, take your time. Use a butane torch or cedar spill, never a regular lighter that might impart unwanted flavors. Toast the foot evenly while rotating slowly, then take gentle draws to ignite the tobacco uniformly.
The key with any Romeo y Julieta is patience during the lighting process. This isn’t a cigar you rush. Let the flame kiss the tobacco, don’t force it. The reward is that clean, complex flavor from the very first puff.
Once lit, you’ll want to smoke slowly – perhaps one draw per minute. This churchill rewards contemplation and gives you nearly two hours to savor every nuance the master blenders intended.
Who This Cigar Is For
Honestly, this isn’t a beginner’s smoke. The Churchill format requires commitment – both in time and palate development. New cigar enthusiasts might find the 2-hour smoking time daunting, and the complex flavor transitions could overwhelm someone still learning to appreciate premium tobacco.
This churchill is perfect for experienced smokers who appreciate craftsmanship and have the time to properly enjoy it. It’s ideal for special occasions – celebrating a promotion, marking an anniversary, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something exceptional.
Business professionals who enjoy after-dinner cigars will find this pairs beautifully with client entertaining or quiet contemplation after a successful deal. The Romeo brand carries enough prestige to impress guests while delivering substance that goes beyond mere reputation.
For collectors, churchills from this marca represent both current smoking pleasure and aging potential. They’re substantial enough to improve with proper storage over several years.
Authentication and Quality Indicators
When purchasing Romeo y Julieta Churchills, examine the band carefully. Authentic bands feature sharp, clear printing with no blurred edges or color inconsistencies. The gold should appear metallic, not flat yellow.
Check the construction quality – genuine Cuban cigars won’t have loose wrappers, spongy spots, or visible gaps in the tobacco. The cap should be applied seamlessly with three layers clearly visible.
The box itself provides authentication clues. Look for the Habanos warranty seal, factory codes, and proper Spanish text without spelling errors. Counterfeit boxes often feature poor print quality or incorrect font styles.
Most importantly, purchase from reputable dealers who can provide proper provenance. The price point for authentic churchills reflects their quality – if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably involves counterfeit product.
For detailed guidance on understanding Cuban cigar authenticity and production, experienced collectors recommend learning about the entire process from tobacco cultivation through final packaging.
Storage and Aging Potential
Romeo y Julieta Churchills require careful storage to maintain their quality and reach their full potential. Maintain humidity levels between 65-70% and temperature around 65-70°F in your humidor.
These cigars benefit significantly from aging. While they smoke well immediately, I’ve found they really hit their stride after 3 years of proper storage. The flavors integrate more completely, harsh edges smooth out, and that complexity becomes even more pronounced.
For optimal aging, store the box unopened for the first few years. The original packaging provides ideal conditions for the slow maturation process. After opening, individual cigars should be rotated occasionally to ensure even aging.
Some enthusiasts age their churchills up to 5 years or more, though diminishing returns set in after that point. The tobacco reaches peak integration around year 4, after which changes become more subtle.
For comprehensive storage techniques, proper humidor management becomes crucial for maintaining these premium cigars over extended periods. Temperature fluctuations and humidity swings can damage even the finest tobacco.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Romeo y Julieta Churchill take to smoke?
A properly smoked churchill takes approximately 2 hours. This isn’t a cigar you rush – the 7-inch length and 47 ring gauge require patience to fully appreciate the flavor development through each third.
What’s the difference between Churchill sizes from different brands?
While the churchill vitola generally measures 7 inches by 47 ring gauge across brands, each manufacturer’s blend and construction create distinct smoking experiences. Romeo y Julieta’s version emphasizes fruit and spice notes with medium body, while other marca might offer different flavor profiles or strength levels.
Can beginners smoke Romeo y Julieta Churchills?
I’d recommend beginners start with shorter, milder cigars first. The churchill format demands significant time commitment and palate development to fully appreciate. New smokers might find the complexity overwhelming and the 2-hour smoking time challenging.
What’s the best way to cut a Churchill?
Use a sharp straight cutter, removing about 2mm from the cap. Don’t cut too deep into the shoulder or you risk unraveling the wrapper. The goal is creating a clean opening that allows proper draw without damaging the careful cap construction.
How should I store an opened box of Churchills?
Transfer them to a properly maintained humidor at 65-70% humidity and 65-70°F temperature. If keeping them in the original box, ensure your humidor can accommodate the full box size. For detailed storage guidance, proper humidor setup ensures your investment stays in perfect condition.
Individual cigars should be stored with adequate spacing for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven humidity distribution and potential wrapper damage.
