Romeo Y Julieta Cigars

Romeo y Julieta is one of the most storied names in the premium cigar industry, famously named after William Shakespeare's tragic lovers. Established in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin Garcia, the brand gained international prestige after being purchased by Jose 'Pepin' Rodriguez Fernandez in 1903. Its fame was further cemented by its association with Winston Churchill, who became the brand's most iconic devotee, leading to the naming of the 'Churchill' size in his honor.

The brand currently exists in two distinct forms due to historical political shifts. The original Cuban Romeo y Julieta is produced in Havana by Habanos S.A., a joint venture between the Cuban state-owned Cubatabaco and European investors. Following the Cuban Revolution and the subsequent trade embargo, a non-Cuban version was established to serve the American market. This version is primarily manufactured in the Dominican Republic and Central America.

The global rights to the brand are split: Habanos S.A. controls the Cuban production for international markets (excluding the USA), while Altadis U.S.A. (a subsidiary of Imperial Brands) manages the non-Cuban trademark for the United States. This dual heritage ensures that the legacy of Romeo y Julieta remains a cornerstone of cigar culture worldwide.