Created for Habanos S.A.'s celebrated Línea Retro collection, the Romeo y Julieta Club Kings made a triumphant return after disappearing for decades from Cuban cigar history. This Marevas-format cigar bridges the gap between the brand's storied past and its contemporary offerings, delivering the classic Romeo y Julieta experience in a convenient, tin-packaged format.
Historical Background
The Club Kings name carries considerable heritage within the Romeo y Julieta portfolio. Historical records confirm that this vitola existed in both handmade and machine-made iterations dating back to at least 1945. However, both versions were eventually discontinued during the 1980s, leaving the Club Kings absent from the brand's lineup for nearly three decades.
In 2015, Habanos S.A. announced the revival of the handmade Club Kings as part of their Línea Retro initiative. However, cigar enthusiasts would have to wait until early 2020 before the cigars actually reached retail shelves. Industry sources attribute this lengthy delay to challenges in sourcing the distinctive packaging components required for this special release.
The Línea Retro Collection
The modern Club Kings belongs to the prestigious Línea Retro series, a collection that pays homage to classic Cuban cigar presentations. This lineup includes several notable revivals: the Partagás Capitols, H. Upmann Regalias, Hoyo de Monterrey Souvenir de Luxe, and Punch Triunfos. Each cigar in this series features nostalgic packaging elements while maintaining the rigorous quality standards expected of premium Cuban cigars.
Specifications
| Cigar Name | Club Kings |
| Factory Name | Marevas |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Length | 129 mm (5⅛″) |
| Official Weight | 8.46 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
| Band | Standard band D |
| Packaging | Dress box of 50 cigars (10 aluminum tins of 5 cigars each) |
| Status | Current Regular Production |
| Release Year | 2015 (announced), 2020 (available) |
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Based on aggregated reviews from cigar enthusiasts, the Club Kings delivers a medium-bodied smoking experience with an overall rating of 3.33 out of 5 stars. The cigar scores consistently across key attributes, receiving marks of 3 out of 5 for elegance, balance, strength, complexity, and aftertaste.
The flavor spectrum showcases the classic Romeo y Julieta character with the following prominent notes:
- Tobacco – The foundational flavor most frequently noted by reviewers
- Cherry – A distinctive fruit note that adds brightness
- Rosewater – A floral sweetness that complements the blend
- Cocoa – Contributing subtle chocolate undertones
- Fruit – General fruit characteristics throughout the smoke
- Grass – Fresh, vegetal qualities
- Toast – Warm, roasted notes
- Vegetal – Earthy, garden-fresh elements
Additional nuances detected by reviewers include charcoal, floral notes, hay, honey, sugar, and sweetgrass, demonstrating the cigar's respectable complexity despite its approachable strength level.
Packaging and Presentation
The Club Kings arrives in elegant dress boxes containing 50 cigars, divided into 10 aluminum tins holding 5 cigars each. This practical packaging format preserves freshness while offering portability—ideal for cigar enthusiasts who appreciate having premium Cuban cigars readily available for any occasion. The aluminum tins also evoke the nostalgic appeal of mid-20th century cigar presentation, aligning perfectly with the Línea Retro concept.