Romeo y Julieta
The history of the most romantic Habanos brand.
Named after the tragedy of William Shakespeare's lovers (1597), the Romeo y Julieta brand was launched in 1850s by Inocencio Álvarez Rodríguez and José Manin García. However, the brand was officially registered only in 1873. Then, in 1903 Romeo y Julieta was bought by "Don Pepín", a nickname given to José Rodríguez Fernández, a brilliant businessman who was already at the head of a tobacco factory. His commercial skills allowed him to develop a strong image of the brand which was aimed at export.
Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Romeo y Julieta was specialized in the manufacture of Figurado. This format of a vitola, very sought-after at the time, experienced a decline in popularity after the Second World War. The Figurado would only be brought back in the mid-1990s along with the Cuaba brand, whose production is now integrated into the Romeo y Julieta factory.
What’s more, Romeo y Julieta was well-known for their personalized cigar bands. It allowed aficionados have cigars bearing their name. As a result, there have been created around 20,000 different bands. In addition, the brand has also produced completely new, very rare, cabinets, production of which was kept confidential. The cigars are placed upright, thus allowing the air circulate between each cigar and refining their conservation. The exterior of the cabinet is relatively basic, but of very elegant kinematics especially when observing its two mirrored doors being opened. Inside, there are 28 slots for 28 Cedros de Luxe No.1, a Cervantes (42 x 165mm) dressed in a cedar leaf.
Romeo y Julieta quickly gained an international success. Moreover, Winston Churchill came to visit the factory in 1946, and became a strong supporter of Romeo y Julieta’s excellence. This led to a surge in popularity as all the aficionados sought the cigar that the British statesman appreciated so much. Thus, the brand has renamed the Julieta No.2 (47 x 178 mm) "Churchill" in his honor. The size “Churchill” is used by hundreds of cigar manufacturers around the world and is still one of the most popular sizes so far.
Today Romeo y Julieta is the brand of Habanos S.A. offering the most varied range. All the cigars are rolled "Totalmente a Mano with Tripa Larga" made of tobacco leaves from the region of Vuelta Abajo.
To learn more about Romeo y Julieta cigars and the history of the brand, we are delighted to invite you to the Art and Culture area, where you will find exclusive pieces - old original vistas and this old presentation cabinet.
(Pieces from our private collection)
For more information, contact us on +41 22 552 2799