Unlike most traditional formats, the Romeo y Julieta Shakespeares was a slender, elegant vitola that paid homage to the literary heritage of its brand namesake. As part of the iconic Romeo y Julieta portfolio, this cigar embodied the classic elegance that defined pre-revolution Cuban cigar making.
Historical Background
The Shakespeares entered the market prior to 1960, making it one of the older expressions in the Romeo y Julieta catalog. The cigar remained in production through the early decades following the Cuban Revolution before being discontinued during the 1980s. Its name fittingly honored William Shakespeare, the legendary English playwright whose tragic romance of Romeo and Juliet inspired the brand's identity.
Vitola Specifications
| Factory Name | Panetelas Largas |
| Ring Gauge | 28 |
| Length | 175 mm (6⅞″) |
| Official Weight | 5.01 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
Presentation and Packaging
The Shakespeares featured the standard Romeo y Julieta "A" band, the classic emblem that has adorned countless cigars from this storied Havana marque. Cigars were packaged in traditional dress boxes containing 25 units, reflecting the refined presentation standards of the era.
The Panetelas Largas Format
Classified under the Panetelas Largas factory name, the Shakespeares represented the slender, elongated style of cigar that was once far more prevalent in Cuban portfolios. With its 28 ring gauge and substantial 6⅞ inch length, this vitola offered a distinctive smoking experience—one characterized by a cool draw and gradual flavor development across an extended smoking time.
Discontinuation and Legacy
By the 1980s, the Shakespeares had been retired from regular production, joining numerous other classic vitolas that gradually disappeared from Cuban catalogs as consumer preferences shifted toward thicker ring gauges. Today, the Romeo y Julieta Shakespeares remains a point of interest for cigar historians and collectors who appreciate the slender elegance of traditional Cuban cigar formats.