Romeo and Juliet: Lovers

The Romeo y Julieta Amantes is Habanos’s tribute to the 150th anniversary of one of the world’s most famous cigar brands. Since 1875, Romeo y Julieta has been synonymous with romance and passion, and that is precisely what the name alludes to: ‘Amantes’ means ‘lovers’ in Spanish. This anniversary cigar, in the impressive 153 mm x 53 format, combines the brand’s classic character with an elegance that makes it a true collector’s item.

A world premiere in Havana

The Amantes was unveiled on 24 February 2025 at the opening night of the XXV Festival del Habano. Around 1,200 guests celebrated the brand’s 150th anniversary at the Salón de Protocolo Cubanacán in Havana, in a setting inspired by Venice. Habanos developed the cigar specifically for this anniversary and released it in limited quantities. With the Vitola de Galera Sobresalientes, Romeo y Julieta introduced a format that had not previously featured in the brand’s portfolio.

Format and construction

The Amantes is crafted ‘totalmente a mano’ – that is, entirely by hand – and is a long-filler cigar. The wrapper, binder and filler all originate from the Vuelta Abajo region in the province of Pinar del Río, Cuba’s most renowned tobacco-growing region. The band features a golden ‘150’ in the centre. A second ring at the foot protects the delicate wrapper and rounds off the festive presentation. The Amantes is available in a gift pack containing five cigars and in an elegant wooden box holding 20. The box is finished in the signature Romeo y Julieta red and adorned with metallic inlays and the anniversary logo.

Flavour and character

The profile is medium-bodied and typical of Romeo y Julieta. The first few puffs surprise with a hint of white pepper. Soon, floral notes, cedarwood and a rich, sweet creaminess take over, complemented by delicate herbs and a grassy freshness. In the middle section, the classic Romeo y Julieta character unfolds with leather, a pleasant spiciness and the unmistakable Cuban florality. This is accompanied by notes of roasted nuts, cocoa and coffee. After about an hour, the Amantes gains in strength. In the final third, leather, earth and spice come to the fore more strongly, and towards the end a subtle sweetness returns. The cigar remains well-rounded and harmonious right up to the very last puff.

Who is the Amantes suitable for?

The Amantes is aimed at lovers of Cuban cigars, collectors and anyone looking for a special gift. With a smoking time of up to two hours, it is a cigar for special occasions. It pairs well with an aged rum, a single malt or a cognac.

Tasting Report

Cigar exterior: Flawless, tightly rolled, two bands
Cigar interior: Richly filled, slightly increased draw resistance
Smoke: Creamy, floral, medium smoke volume
Flavour: White pepper, flowers, cedar wood, cream, herbs, grass, leather, roasted nuts, cocoa, coffee, earth, a subtle sweetness on the finish
Burn: Very even to begin with, requiring occasional adjustments later on