| "Romeo Y Julieta" brand was developed in by Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin Garcia. It won gold medals in four universal expositions between 1885 and 1900. This brand named for the lovers in William Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name (written circa 1596)immediately showed its quality.
But it really took off after its acquisition in 1903 by Jose Rodriguez Fernandez, known as "Pepin." The brand also is traditionally credited with the introduction of the "Churchill" shape in honor of the British statesman Winston Churchill (note the name of the factory shape for this size: the "Julieta 2."). Jose Rodriguez Fernandez promoted his brand with endless energy and at one time, his factory Rodriguez, Arguelles y Cia. produced upward of 2,000 different cigar bands, personalized for their very best customers. Pepin died at age 88 in 1954, but his efforts survive him as his full-flavored Romeo y Julieta brand is one of the most widely known and appreciated in the world today. |
