If you’re a fan of Cuban cigars, then you’ve probably heard of Romeo y Julieta Habano. In 1875, Inocencio Álvarez and Manín García founded this legendary Habano. Named after the famous lovers from Shakespeare’s play, these cigars are considered some of the best in the world. They have a long history of being enjoyed by smokers globally. Whether you’re new to cigars or a seasoned smoker, Romeo y Julieta is definitely worth trying!
The origins of the name.
In Inocencio and Manin’s workshop, the rollers asked the reader of the tobacco factory to read the Spanish translation of Romeo and Juliet. The workers loved it so much that they decided to name their new brand inspired by the story.
Not even William Shakespeare himself would have ever imagined that in the distant Spanish colony of the Greater Antilles, the tragedy of the lovers of Verona would inspire the creation of one of the most commercially successful Habanos brands of all time.
First steps in the market
From the start, the owners only hired expert rollers in Havana and demanded high-quality Habanos.
Manín García hired a group of experienced observers, who he sent as “spies” to the best tobacco fields in Cuba. These spies needed to focus on every detail of plant growth, from start to finish. They could determine the optimal time to harvest leaves for each season for the best quality product. The brand’s reputation grew rapidly among the most demanding smokers in the world between 1885 and 1900, as evidenced by the gold medals it won at exhibitions in Antwerp (1885), Paris (1889), Brussels (1897), and Paris again (1900). These achievements are reflected in its logo.
The company achieved its success thanks to a simple but extremely effective decision. “To get a good Habano you needed a good tobacco”.
From that moment on, he had a successful career with many accomplishments that continues today. Between 1885 and 1900, the small Romeo y Julieta factory produced tobacco in limited quantities; however, the quality was excellent.
Its fans appreciate its well-balanced and aromatic flavor, with leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region making it a classic Habano of medium flavor. Romeo y Julieta offers the widest range of Habanos brand vitolas, all made entirely by hand with long casing.
Rise to fame
Who raised to their maximum levels of exposure and sale the Romeo y Julieta Habanos was a young Asturian, José Pepín Rodríguez Fernández. He arrived in Cuba at the age of nine, in 1885. He studied on the island and in universities in the United States, paid for by a tobacco uncle.
After he learned all there was to know about the tobacco industry, he came back and used his advertising skills to dominate the market on a scale never seen before.
In 1903, after gaining enough experience, he acquired Romeo and Juliet. He even refused to work for foreign industries that offered him a lot of money.
Pepín had a reputation for being a simple and friendly man, with a natural talent for creativity and business. He had a great capacity for innovation, which made him successful in commerce.
José was constantly traveling through Europe and America, promoting his brand. He told a U.S. businessman who tried to buy his factory that he cared for it and developed it “as if she were his own daughter”. In 1905 it was one of the largest in Havana, with an area of 1,960 m2 and more than 1,000 workers.
The brand achieved international renown in the early years of the twentieth century. Wealthy customers all over the world demanded custom cigar bands, leading to Romeo y Julieta producing up to 2000 per year. Between 1903 and 1916, it production increased from 2 million Habanos a year to 18 million.
Winston Churchill
The visit to Cuba in 1946 of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill confirmed his sagacity. After learning about the politician’s fondness for Cuban tobacco since his 1895 trip to the island, and his preference for Romeo y Julieta cigars, the company produced a Habano in honor of him: the 177 mm long Romeo y Julieta Churchills with a 47 ring gaum.
Churchill’s love for the Romeo and Juliet brand continued until his final moments. Not only was its name used on Habanos rings, but it also became the namesake of one of the brand’s most famous cigar sizes.
Romeo y Julieta Habanos to this day
After Rodriguez’s death in 1954 (he was 88 years old), the revolution and subsequent nationalization of the tobacco industry occurred. The Cuban government still produces the brand and distributes it worldwide as one of the best sellers.
Today, Romeo y Julieta is one of the most beloved Habanos brands. His cigars are still widely appreciated by smokers around the world.With an extensive portfolio of Habano cigar vitolas and generations of experience behind them, Romeo y Julieta stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and excellence that Cuban tobacco has brought to cigar smoking. It is a brand that has remained true to its original mission: producing Habanos of the highest quality, distinctive character, and ultimate pleasure for cigar connoisseurs around the world.
With Romeo and Juliet in your humidor, you’ll always have an exceptional smoking experience. Also, you can find the perfect cigar for your taste. Whether you’re looking for something soft or strong.
VC Tours´s Cigar tour
VC Tours offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of cigars with an expert guide. During this tour, you’ll visit some of the most famous cigar-producing factories in Cuba and learn about the history and process of making these iconic smokes. You’ll also have the chance to taste different blends, sizes and find the perfect cigar for your palate.
If you’re a fan of cigars, this tour is a must-do. Book now and enjoy a unique experience that will take your love of cigars to the next level!