Romeo y Julieta

Shakespeare’s most famous theatrical work, Romeo & Juliet, has captured imaginations and served as global inspiration for over 500 years. Inocensio Alvarez and Manin Garcia used this inspiration to establish Romeo y Julieta in 1875 in Cuba. The future of Romeo y Julieta would now be in new hands after Jose “Pepin” Rodriguez Fernandez and his firm, Rodriguez, Argüelles y Cia acquired the brand in 1903. As a consummate cosmopolitan and salesman, Pepin constantly promoted the brand across Europe and America – his active marketing efforts included entering his horse (aptly named Julieta) into racing events across the world. Romeo y Julieta cigars quickly became exchangeable around the world as the best of the best, coveted by famous and wealthy customers. Shortly after Pepin’s death in 1954, the Cuban Revolution in hand with the nationalization of the cigar industry, brought new challenges for the brand. Romeo y Julieta was eventually re-established outside of Cuba in 1976 and produced at the Tabacalera De Garcia in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Tabacalera de Garcia continues to produce the brand for U.S. consumers today. Romeo y Julieta cigars have enjoyed over 140 years of recognition and continue to be coveted by cigar aficionados.