Description
The Romeo y Julieta Churchills stands as the definitive benchmark for the Churchill vitola, a cigar so legendary that it redefined the very nomenclature of the industry. Measuring a commanding 178 mm (7 inches) with a precise 47 ring gauge, this all-Cuban puro is the quintessential choice for the discerning aficionado who values balance, elegance, and a medium-bodied profile. Hand-rolled with the finest long-filler tobacco from the world-renowned Vuelta Abajo region, the Churchill offers a sophisticated journey through a landscape of aromatic cedar, rich leather, bright citrus zest, and subtle baking spices. Its silky, oily wrapper and impeccable construction ensure a slow, cool burn, making it an enduring symbol of luxury and a cornerstone of any serious humidor collection.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Habanos | 10 Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Dress Box (Labelled Box) | Dress Box (Labelled Box) |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and serious collectors | Short-term enjoyment and gifting |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar-lined interior for moisture retention | Cedar-lined interior for moisture retention |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Churchill (Julieta No. 2) |
| Length | 178 mm (7 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 90 Minutes |
| Factory | Habanos S.A. State Factories |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Romeo y Julieta is a narrative of romance, prestige, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Founded in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin García, the brand drew its inspiration from William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. This literary connection wasn’t merely a name; it reflected the brand’s commitment to creating a “dramatic” and “emotional” smoking experience. Within a few decades, under the visionary leadership of “Pepin” Fernández, the brand rose to global prominence, winning numerous gold medals at international exhibitions—triumphs that are still proudly displayed on the cigar’s ornate gold bands today.
However, the brand’s most iconic chapter began in 1946. Following a historic visit to Havana by Sir Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister—a man known to consume up to 20 cigars a day—became the brand’s most famous devotee. In his honor, Romeo y Julieta renamed their flagship 7-inch by 47 ring gauge vitola the “Churchill.” To this day, the cigar carries a secondary band bearing the statesman’s name, immortalizing the bond between the leader and his favorite smoke. This heritage of excellence continues as Romeo y Julieta remains the premier choice for those seeking the balanced, aromatic complexity of the Vuelta Abajo terroir.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with a sophisticated “cold draw” that reveals notes of aged cedar, nutmeg, and a hint of damp earth. Upon lighting, the initial puffs deliver a gentle greeting of black pepper that quickly recedes, allowing the primary flavors of creamy cedar and pine to take center stage. The smoke production is thick, velvety, and gray, signaling the high-quality oils present in the wrapper. Subtle undertones of leather and dry dirt provide a grounded foundation, ensuring the opening is elegant rather than aggressive.
Second Third – The Heart
As the Romeo y Julieta Churchill transitions into the middle third, the complexity deepens. The cedar remains the dominant characteristic, but it is now joined by a vibrant orange and lemon zest acidity that brightens the palate. The leather notes become more pronounced, offering a savory contrast to the emerging nutmeg spice. The retrohale is particularly rewarding during this phase, introducing a refined white pepper and floral aroma that never overwhelms the medium-bodied strength. The burn remains consistent, showcasing the masterful bunching of the long-filler leaves.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the cigar maintains its poise without a hint of harshness. The cedar and pine notes intensify, while the citrus fades into a more mellow, sweet tobacco finish. The nutmeg and spice linger in the background, providing a warm, comforting conclusion. Even as the cigar smokes down to the nub, the medium-strength nicotine kick remains manageable, allowing the aficionado to appreciate the lingering leather and earthy aftertaste. It is a 90-minute journey that exemplifies the “balanced” philosophy of the brand.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally clean. Unlike bolder, full-bodied cigars that leave a heavy residue, the Romeo y Julieta Churchill leaves a refreshing trail of cedar and subtle spice on the palate. The lack of bitterness in the final inches is a testament to the quality of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco and the expert fermentation process employed by Habanos S.A.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Spanish Pine, Natural Tobacco |
| Secondary Notes | Leather, Citrus Zest, Nutmeg |
| Tertiary Notes | Black Pepper, Damp Earth, Moss |
| Finish | Clean, Cedar-led, Mild Spice |
| Aroma | Floral, Toasted Wood, Sweet Spice |
Aging and Collector Value
The Romeo y Julieta Churchill is widely regarded by collectors as a prime candidate for long-term aging. While excellent when enjoyed fresh, the all-Cuban construction develops significant depth over time. We recommend an optimal aging period of 2 to 5 years. During this window, the initial pepper notes mellow significantly, allowing the cedar and leather sweetness to integrate more fully with the citrus acidity.
For proper preservation, these cigars should be stored in a cedar-lined humidor maintained at 70% relative humidity (RH) and a temperature of 21°C (70°F). The cedar of the humidor works in harmony with the cigar’s own cedar notes, enhancing the aromatic profile while preventing the delicate oils on the wrapper from drying out. As a “Standard National” brand within the Habanos portfolio, the Churchill maintains high resale and collector value, particularly for boxes with verified factory codes and 3+ years of age.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness of an 8-12 year rum complements the leather and cedar perfectly. |
| Single Malt Scotch | A Speyside whisky with honeyed notes mirrors the cigar’s nutmeg and citrus complexity. |
| Saison Beer | The effervescence and fruity esters of a Saison enhance the lemon zest and pine notes. |
| Cognac (VSOP) | The grape-based spirit provides a velvety mouthfeel that matches the creamy smoke of the Churchill. |
| Double Espresso | The bitterness of the coffee provides a robust counterpoint to the cigar’s medium-bodied sweetness. |
Authenticity Verification
We understand that purchasing premium Habanos requires absolute trust. Every box of Romeo y Julieta Churchills we provide undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets the highest standards of Cuban excellence.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that reacts to light, ensuring the product originated in Cuba.
- Box Code Verification – We provide the factory code and packaging date stamped on the bottom of the box, which can be verified against the Habanos S.A. official registry.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) heat-stamps on the underside of the dress box.
- Triple Cap – Each cigar is finished with a traditional Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of expert rollers that ensures a perfect seal and a clean cut.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet your expectations for quality, we provide a full refund or replacement. Trusted by luxury collectors since 2015, we are committed to the provenance of every stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Romeo y Julieta Churchill taste like?
The flavor profile is led by dominant cedar and refined leather. It is characterized by its balance, offering secondary notes of citrus zest, pine, and baking spices like nutmeg. Unlike some heavier Cuban brands, it emphasizes elegance and aroma over raw strength.
How long does it take to smoke a Romeo y Julieta Churchill?
Due to its 7-inch (178 mm) length and 47 ring gauge, this cigar is designed for a slow, contemplative experience. On average, it takes approximately 90 minutes to smoke. It is the perfect choice for a golf outing, a long post-dinner conversation, or a quiet evening of reflection.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners?
While its size may seem intimidating, its medium strength makes it accessible to those who have some experience with cigars. However, because of the 90-minute time commitment, we recommend it for smokers who have moved past the “novice” stage and are looking to explore the complexity of a classic Julieta No. 2 vitola.
Why is it called the “Churchill”?
The vitola was named in honor of Sir Winston Churchill, who became a devoted fan of the brand after his visit to Cuba in 1946. His preference for this specific size (7×47) was so well-known that the factory officially adopted his name for the format, and his name is now featured on a secondary gold and white band on every cigar.
