february's featured cigar: romeo y julieta

At Casablanca Cigar Bar in Hendersonville, NC, February brings a spotlight on one of the most storied names in the cigar world: Romeo y Julieta. Founded in 1875 in Havana, Cuba, by Inocencio Alvarez and Manin García, this brand draws its name from Shakespeare's tragic romance, symbolizing passion and timeless appeal. From its early days, it gained acclaim for exceptional craftsmanship, earning gold medals at international exhibitions between 1885 and 1900—a legacy still proudly displayed on its classic logo.

A Legacy of Innovation and Prestige

The brand's journey includes key milestones, such as acquisition by José "Pepín" Rodríguez Fernández in 1903, who introduced personalized bands for celebrities, boosting its global prestige. Following the 1959 Cuban Revolution, the non-Cuban version was reborn in the Dominican Republic in the 1970s to serve the U.S. market. Over the decades, Romeo y Julieta has evolved through innovation, collaborating with master blenders and sourcing premium tobaccos from regions like Indonesia, Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic.

Explore the Romeo y Julieta Portfolio

Today, the portfolio features a range of lines catering to diverse palates:

• 1875 Line (debuted 1995): Known for its approachable flavor with a Java shade Indonesian wrapper. Expansions like the 1875 Nicaragua and 1875 Connecticut Nicaragua (2018-2019) offer balanced, refined Nicaraguan profiles.

• Vintage Line (debuted 1999): Delivers a mellow, creamy smoke, often packaged in glass tubes—a nod to the cigar boom era.

• Reserve Line (debuted 2003): A fuller-bodied option produced in Honduras, ideal for those seeking bolder flavors.

• Reserva Real Line (debuted 2006): Smooth and balanced, it's a top-selling premium cigar in the U.S. The Reserva Real Nicaragua (2020, in collaboration with AJ Fernandez) adds complexity, earning a 93 rating and #9 Cigar of the Year from Cigar Aficionado in 2022.

• Romeo by Romeo Line (debuted 2011): Medium-to-full-bodied with intricate notes, rated 94 and #3 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2012.

These cigars emphasize artisanal quality, from farm-fresh tobaccos to skilled rolling, making Romeo y Julieta an icon for both novices and aficionados. Special deals run throughout the month: 25% off boxes, plus buy-some-get-some offers on sticks (details in-store).

February Events Spotlighting Romeo y Julieta

Romeo y Julieta serves as the featured brand for an exciting series of events this February. All are free and designed for tastings, pairings, and community vibes—join in!

• February 6th - Sip & Smoke with Romeo y Julieta: Starting at 6 pm, this first Friday event introduces the month's vendors with spirit, wine, and beer pairings from Two Trees Distilling, Educated Guess, and Griffon & Sphynx. Enjoy deals on featured cigars.

• February 11th - Cigars & Spirits Ft. Two Trees Distilling: At 6 pm, focus on Two Trees spirits paired with Romeo y Julieta cigars. Setup includes outdoor tastings; bites TBD.

• February 18th - Cigars & Wine Ft. Educated Guess: From 6 pm, savor Educated Guess wines alongside the featured cigars, complemented by a cheese board.

• February 25th - Cigars & Brews Ft. Griffon & Sphynx: Wrap up at 6 pm with Griffon & Sphynx beers matched to Romeo y Julieta. Bites pending, but the pairings promise to impress.

Stop by Casablanca Cigar Bar and discover why Romeo y Julieta has endured for 150 years—see you soon!

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About Casablanca Cigar Bar

Casablanca Cigar Bar is Western North Carolina's premier cigar and bourbon bar, featuring the largest walk-in humidors in the region. Located in Hendersonville, NC, Casablanca offers an exceptional selection of handmade premium cigars, fine spirits, bourbon, whiskey, local craft beer, and craft cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable lounges and an outdoor patio.

For more information, visit www.casablancacigarbar.com