150 years in the making, the Romeo y Julieta timeline highlights the key moments that have shaped the brand celebrating a legacy of craftsmanship.
2025
THE ROMEO Y JULIETA 150th ANNIVERSARY
Since 1875, Romeo y Julieta has been shaped by the hands of farmers who cultivate the finest tobaccos, blenders who refine each recipe, rollers who bring every cigar to life, and the distributors and retailers who deliver them to premium cigar smokers who have made Romeo y Julieta their own.
In 2025, the Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary marks a milestone in that journey. Crafted by love, this release celebrates the passion and artistry, carrying the legacy forward for the next 150 years.
2020
DEVELOPING FRONTIERS
In collaboration with AJ Fernandez, the Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua debuted in 2020, earning #1 Cigar of the Year by Cigar & Spirits, later securing #9 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2022 with a 93 rating.
2018-2019
EXPANSION TO NICARAGUA
The Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua and 1875 Connecticut Nicaragua lines expanded the portfolio with refined Nicaraguan expressions, quickly earning acclaim for their balanced flavors.
2011
THE NEXT GEN ERA
The Romeo by Romeo line redefined the brand for a contemporary audience. With medium-to-full- bodied complexity, it earned a 94-rating and #3 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2012.
2006
A BELOVED BORN
The Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real line debuted with a smooth, balanced profile. The Reserva Real quickly became one of the best-selling premium cigars in the U.S. and a humidor essential.
2003
A FULLER EXPRESSION
The Romeo y Julieta Reserve line introduced a fuller-bodied premium cigar for those seeking a bolder flavor. Produced in Honduras, this line remains a key offering within the core Romeo y Julieta brand.
1999
THE CIGAR BOOM ERA
The Romeo y Julieta Vintage line launched during the cigar boom years, offering a mellow, creamy profile. This line was among the first in the Romeo y Julieta portfolio to feature a glass tube.
1995
LAUNCH OF AN ICON
The 1875 line debuted with an approachable flavor profile and high-quality craftsmanship. Featuring a Java shade Indonesian wrapper, the 1875 line became a favorite among U.S. cigar enthusiasts.
1970
REBIRTH IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The U.S. based Romeo y Julieta brand was re-established and began productionin the Dominican Republic, ensuring the brand’s continued availability in the U.S. market.
1959
CUBAN REVOLUTION AND THE SPLIT
The Cuban Revolution led to the nationalization of the tobacco industry, creating two versions of the brand: A Cuban and non-Cuban Romeo y Julieta.
1903
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP IN CUBA
José "Pepín" Rodríguez Fernández, former head of the Cabañas factory, acquired the brand through Rodríguez, Argüelles y Cía. He introduced personalized cigar bands for prominent figures, elevating Romeo y Julieta’s global reputation.
1885-1900
GAINING POPULARITY
The brand earned prestigious awards at a number of cigar tasting exhibitions,a legacy reflected in the gold medals featured on the classic Romeo y Julieta logo. Known for its quality, Romeo y Julieta became a favorite among cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
1875
THE ORIGIN
The Romeo y Julieta cigar brand was founded by Inocencio Alvarez and Manin García in Havana, Cuba. Named after Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, the brand quickly became synonymous with quality artisanal craftsmanship.
