Romeo y Julieta Cigars are one of the premier brands on the planet. For countless smokers its a name synonymous with premium level quality. Romeo y Julieta is a popular household name among cigar enthusiasts.

It’s an immensely popular brand for a simple reason. Some of the finest blends of the past century have come from the Romeo y Julieta label.

As with other pre revolution Cuban originated brands, the end of the revolution splintered the brand into two. One produces within Cuba and the other produces non-Cuban cigars with Cuban traditions under the same name.

The brand launched in the 1850’s and was officially established in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin Garcia. The name is inspired by the classic Shakespeare play. Legend has it, the story was a favorite among the early torcedors. It’s said they had the story read to them while they rolled cigars as a form of entertainment.

The passion from Shakespeare’s story clearly resonated with the cigar rollers. As soon as the cigars under their label became known far and wide as some of the best Cuban cigars.

Romeo y Julieta was awarded several gold medals throughout the late 1800’s at tasting exhibitions. Their logo showcases several gold coins to represent these achievements.

In 1903, Pepin Rodriguez Fernandez took ownership of Romeo y Julieta and transformed the cigar industry. Pepin customized cigars for famous customers. There was one point he had 2,000 custom cigars, including one for Sir Winston Churchill. Thus, the famous Churchill shape, 7” by 47 ring gauge cigar was crafted.

After Rodriguez’s passing away and the Cuban Revolution the production of Romeo y Julieta was moved to the Dominican Republic. Production of Romeo y Julieta for American markets continues in this region. The brand is now under the ownership of Altadis SA a branch of Imperial Tobacco.

Romeo y Julieta’s production in Cuba is sourced from the highly acclaimed Vuelta Abajo region. Special releases started in 1999 all within the medium strength range. The Romeo y Julieta factory was once in full production mode.

Now known as the H Upmann factory, but has been switched to accommodate tours for tourists and lessons for new torcedors. Romeo y Julieta is the number one sold cigar brand in Cuba by units.

Outside of Cuba Romeo y Julieta is equally in high regard as it is within its land of origin. Romeo y Julieta is a member of the exclusive ProCigar Association. Which set high standards of quality for Dominican produced premium cigars. Romeo y Julieta has also been used to bribe the infamous New York Supreme Court Justice, Gerald Garson.

It comes absolutely no surprise that the Romey Julieta brand receives critical acclaim. It’s a common occurrence for a new size of an existing blend to make Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25. In 2013 the Romeo by Romeo by Romeo Y Julieta Piramide received a startling 94 point rating.

That rating skyrocketed the Piramde to the number three spot for the entire year. Critics were blown away by its medium to full bodied profile. As well as its hearty core of black and red pepper. Which elevates the cigar’s series of salty, sweet, and spicy notes all in perfect harmony.

Recently, the always in demand Reserva Real Nicaragua blend made the top 25 for 2020. Receiving an impressive 93 point rating for its Toro size. As per usual taste is what truly elevated.

The critic noted the wide array of flavors on display. Each stick includes the delicious taste of slate, honey glazed nuts, raisins, and a powerful woody spice.

These are just some of the many cigars that have been rated 90+ by multiple critics from Romeo y Julieta. With many more sure to come!

Much like the everlasting play it was named after, Romeo y Julieta cigars have withstood the test of time. It has created countless love affairs between smokers, blenders, rollers, and their cigars. Taste just one of their cigars and see why they’ve remained a top name in tobacco for well over a century.