What is the history and origin of Romeo y Julieta Belvederes cigars?

The Romeo y Julieta Belvederes originated as a pre-1960 release from the storied Cuban brand, established in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Manin García. Initially produced as a machine-made cigar, it transitioned to hand-rolled production before being discontinued in the early 2000s. The vitala returned to the market in 2016 as a regional edition for the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), manufactured at the La Corona factory. This resurrection marked a significant moment for collectors, as the 39 ring gauge by 155mm format had been absent from regular production for over a decade.

What are the flavor profile and smoking characteristics of Romeo y Julieta Belvederes?

The Belvederes delivers the quintessential Romeo y Julieta profile: medium-bodied with pronounced floral notes, cedar, and subtle citrus undertones. The 39 × 155mm dimensions provide a 45-60 minute smoking experience, with the slender ring gauge emphasizing wrapper influence. Early thirds present toasted bread and light coffee, transitioning to almond and white pepper in the final section. The draw tends toward open, requiring controlled puffing to maintain temperature. Unlike the broader Churchill or robusto formats, the Belvederes offers a more concentrated, elegant expression of the brand's Criollo wrapper character.

How does Romeo y Julieta Belvederes compare to other Cuban coronas and is it worth collecting?

The Belvederes occupies a niche between the Petit Corona and standard Corona formats, comparable to the Montecristo No. 3 or H. Upmann Coronas Junior. Its 39 ring gauge is increasingly rare in modern Cuban production, where thicker formats dominate. For collectors, the 2016 Benelux regional edition commands premium secondary market prices due to limited distribution—approximately 5,000 boxes produced. The pre-2000 machine-made versions hold historical interest rather than smoking value. Current smokers seeking this vitola should prioritize the 2016+ hand-rolled releases, which demonstrate superior construction and aging potential of 5-8 years.

What is the history and origin of Romeo y Julieta Belvederes cigars?

The Romeo y Julieta Belvederes originated as a pre-1960 release from the storied Cuban brand, established in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Manin García. Initially produced as a machine-made cigar, it transitioned to hand-rolled production before being discontinued in the early 2000s. The vitala returned to the market in 2016 as a regional edition for the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), manufactured at the La Corona factory. This resurrection marked a significant moment for collectors, as the 39 ring gauge by 155mm format had been absent from regular production for over a decade.

What are the flavor profile and smoking characteristics of Romeo y Julieta Belvederes?

The Belvederes delivers the quintessential Romeo y Julieta profile: medium-bodied with pronounced floral notes, cedar, and subtle citrus undertones. The 39 × 155mm dimensions provide a 45-60 minute smoking experience, with the slender ring gauge emphasizing wrapper influence. Early thirds present toasted bread and light coffee, transitioning to almond and white pepper in the final section. The draw tends toward open, requiring controlled puffing to maintain temperature. Unlike the broader Churchill or robusto formats, the Belvederes offers a more concentrated, elegant expression of the brand's Criollo wrapper character.

How does Romeo y Julieta Belvederes compare to other Cuban coronas and is it worth collecting?

The Belvederes occupies a niche between the Petit Corona and standard Corona formats, comparable to the Montecristo No. 3 or H. Upmann Coronas Junior. Its 39 ring gauge is increasingly rare in modern Cuban production, where thicker formats dominate. For collectors, the 2016 Benelux regional edition commands premium secondary market prices due to limited distribution—approximately 5,000 boxes produced. The pre-2000 machine-made versions hold historical interest rather than smoking value. Current smokers seeking this vitola should prioritize the 2016+ hand-rolled releases, which demonstrate superior construction and aging potential of 5-8 years.

Cigar Information

Romeo y Julieta Belvederes

The Romeo y Julieta Belvederes stands as one of the historic offerings from the celebrated Cuban brand, tracing its origins back to a pre-1960 release. This cigar has undergone a notable transformation throughout its production history, transitioning from a machine-made format to a fully handmade construction around 2002. Today, it remains part of the brand's regular production lineup, continuing to deliver the classic Romeo y Julieta experience to aficionados worldwide.

Specifications

Cigar Name	Belvederes
Factory Name	Belvederes
Ring Gauge	39
Length	125 mm (4⅞″)
Official Weight	6.43 g
Construction	Handmade
Status	Current Regular Production
Release Date	Pre-1960

Bands and Packaging

The Belvederes features the Standard band A along with band D in its presentation. The cigar is currently available in dress boxes containing 25 cigars. Over the years, several packaging variations have been discontinued, including dress boxes of 10 cigars in cellophane (discontinued around 2002), dress boxes of 25 cigars in cellophane (also discontinued circa 2002), and dress boxes of 10 cigars without cellophane (discontinued in the mid-2000s).

Production History

One of the most significant milestones in the Belvederes' history occurred around 2002, when production shifted from machine-made to handmade construction. This transition marked a new chapter for the cigar, elevating its craftsmanship while maintaining the characteristics that have defined it for decades. The pre-1960 release date places it among the more established offerings in the Romeo y Julieta portfolio.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Based on 31 reviews, the Belvederes earns an overall rating of 4.58 out of 5, reflecting solid appreciation among smokers. The cigar scores consistently across most categories, with ratings of 3 out of 5 for elegance, balance, strength, and aftertaste. Complexity rates slightly lower at 2 out of 5.

The flavor profile reveals several distinctive notes that smokers have identified:

Cherry (most frequently noted)
Charcoal
Pepper
Spice
Wood

The combination of cherry sweetness with charcoal depth, supported by pepper and spice accents, creates a smoking experience that balances fruitiness with earthier, more robust elements. The woody undertones provide a classic Cuban tobacco foundation throughout the smoke.

Questions & Answers

Back to Encyclopedia