Romeo y Julieta Churchills

Description

Winston Churchill visited Cuba twice—in 1946, he fell so deeply in love with Romeo y Julieta’s 7-inch Clemenceau size that the factory renamed it in his honor. The man who led Britain through its darkest hour, who famously never appeared without a cigar clenched between his teeth, chose this vitola as his signature smoke. When you light a Romeo y Julieta Churchill, you’re holding the same format that accompanied one of history’s most consequential figures through war, peace, and everything between.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The Churchill opens as a mellow journey, unhurried and confident. The beautiful Rosado wrapper releases soft cedar and light chocolate on the cold draw, promises kept once lit. Supple earth and wood establish the foundation while natural tobacco notes speak to Vuelta Abajo quality. The strength begins at mild-medium, approachable and elegant. Floral nuances emerge—the marca’s signature aromatics—accompanied by fragrant hints that justify the Romeo y Julieta name. This is refinement, not power; conversation, not confrontation.

Mid-Section: The heart builds beautifully to medium body. Stone fruit emerges: rich cherry and plum notes that add unexpected depth. Caramel sweetness develops alongside espresso undertones, creating a flavor interplay that rewards attention. Leather appears, sophisticated and supple. Five-spice complexity adds depth to the bouquet—cinnamon, star anise, warmth without aggression. Berry notes and cream bring sweetness into the fold. The Churchill is now fully expressing itself, balanced and earthy, every element in its proper place.

Final Third: The conclusion approaches medium-full territory while maintaining composure. The cigar strength skirts the livelier side but never loses its refined character. Earth and wood intensify; spice becomes more pronounced. The long finish emerges—that trademark Romeo y Julieta elegance extending well past the final draw. At two hours of smoking, you’ve experienced the full arc: gentle opening, developing complexity, dignified conclusion. Churchill chose well; this format tells a complete story.

Flavor Profile

The Churchill Legacy

Romeo y Julieta was established in 1875, taking its name from Shakespeare’s immortal lovers. The brand became synonymous with elegant Cuban smoking, favored by royalty and celebrities throughout the early 20th century. But no association proved more powerful than Winston Churchill’s devotion. The British Prime Minister smoked eight to ten cigars daily, and Romeo y Julieta’s 7 x 47 format became his constant companion. The vitola’s renaming after his 1946 visit cemented both the cigar’s place in history and the brand’s association with distinguished taste. Today, “Churchill” describes not just this cigar but an entire category of vitolas worldwide—testament to one man’s influence on cigar culture.

Perfect Pairings

• Scotch: Fine single malt, perhaps Speyside—the cigar’s refined character deserves equally sophisticated whisky.
• Port: Tawny or vintage—the stone fruit notes find their match in port’s berry richness.
• Cognac: VSOP or XO—what Churchill himself might have chosen.
• Coffee: Medium roast, perhaps with a splash of cream—echoing the cigar’s balanced profile.

Ideal For

The Romeo y Julieta Churchill suits smokers who appreciate the journey as much as the destination. At two hours, this is a commitment—but the even progression from mild through medium to medium-full rewards that investment. The format teaches patience; rush a Churchill and you miss the nuances that made it Churchill’s choice. This is the after-dinner cigar for significant evenings, the celebration smoke for achievements that deserve proper recognition. Beginners will find it approachable in the opening third; veterans will appreciate the complexity that develops. Keep a box for moments when history and quality should intersect—when you want to smoke what one of history’s giants chose for himself.

Historical Note: Churchill reportedly consumed 250,000 cigars during his 91 years—an average of eight to ten daily. Romeo y Julieta remained his preferred brand throughout, and this specific format bore his name before he passed in 1965. You’re smoking history.