Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe La Casa del Habano: A Cedar-Wrapped Classic

Konstantin Denishev
Apr 6
5 min read

The Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe La Casa del Habano is a standout cigar from Habanos S.A.’s exclusive La Casa del Habano programme, reserved for their specialised shops worldwide. This limited-edition gem captures the timeless elegance and medium-bodied charm of the Romeo y Julieta brand, offering aficionados a refined smoking experience wrapped in aromatic cedar. With its unique vitola, balanced flavour profile, and luxurious presentation, the Cedros de Luxe is a treasure worth savouring - and a testament to Cuban cigar craftsmanship at its finest.

The Inspiration Behind the Name

The name “Cedros de Luxe” instantly evokes a sense of sophistication for me. “Cedros” nods to the cedar sleeve encasing each cigar, a traditional touch that not only protects the tobacco but infuses it with a subtle woody aroma - a hallmark of refinement in cigar culture. “De Luxe” elevates it further, hinting at the premium quality and exclusivity tied to its La Casa del Habano status. Romeo y Julieta, inspired by Shakespeare’s tragic lovers, has always carried a romantic allure, and this cigar feels like a poetic tribute to that legacy - crafted with care and passion, exclusively for those who seek the extraordinary in their smoking journey.

A Journey Through History

To me, Romeo y Julieta is a brand steeped in romance and prestige, founded in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin Garcia. It quickly rose to fame, earning gold medals at international expos between 1885 and 1900, but it truly soared under Jose “Pepin” Rodriguez Fernandez after 1903. Pepin’s genius was in branding - he introduced over 20,000 unique cigar bands, a pioneering move that made the marque a global icon. Winston Churchill’s love for the brand cemented its status, inspiring the famous Churchill vitola.

The Cedros de Luxe La Casa del Habano emerged in 2014 as an exclusive release for the network’s 150+ shops, a programme launched by Habanos S.A. to offer unique vitolas and exceptional service. Crafted in the Gordito format - 141 mm long with a 50 ring gauge - it’s a rare size shared only with the San Cristobal La Fuerza, making it a standout in the Romeo y Julieta lineup. Limited to boxes of 10, its scarcity and cedar-wrapped presentation have made it a favourite among collectors and enthusiasts alike, reflecting the brand’s knack for blending tradition with exclusivity.

Vitola Details

Factory Name: Gordito.
Dimensions: 141 mm (5.55 inches) x 50 ring gauge.
Construction: Hand-rolled in Cuba, long filler, totally handmade.
Wrapper: Cuban, from Vuelta Abajo, wrapped in cedar.
Binder & Filler: Cuban, sourced from Vuelta Abajo.
Strength: Medium-bodied.
Packaging: Semi-natural wooden boxes of 10, cedar-wrapped with dual bands.

The Gordito vitola offers a 60-75 minute smoke, perfect for a relaxed session. That cedar sleeve? It’s not just for show - it adds a layer of flavour and protects the cigar, making it a unique offering in the Cuban portfolio.

The Art of Production

The journey of the Cedros de Luxe begins in the sun-soaked fields of Vuelta Abajo, Cuba’s premier tobacco region. I picture the torcedores selecting the finest leaves - smooth, aromatic wrappers from the top plants, paired with carefully aged binder and filler tobaccos. After fermentation and aging, often spanning two years, these leaves are rolled by hand into the Gordito shape, a process requiring precision to balance its generous proportions. The cedar sleeve is then meticulously applied, sealed with a band, adding both protection and that signature woody note. Packed in semi-natural boxes of 10, it’s a labour of love that reflects Cuba’s cigar-making heritage.

Flavour Profile

The Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe is a medium-bodied delight that unfolds beautifully over three stages:

First Third

Flavours: Cedar, caramel, light pepper, fruits
Experience: Lighting it up, I’m greeted by that cedar aroma from the sleeve, mingling with sweet caramel notes. A touch of pepper and fruits - like peach or apricot - adds a lively start, making it smooth yet intriguing.

Second Third

Flavours: Leather, roasted nuts, smoky cedar, hint of strawberry
Experience: As it progresses, leather and roasted nuts come through, balanced by the cedar’s smokiness. A surprising hint of strawberry sweetness emerges, giving it a sugary lift that keeps me hooked.

Final Third

Flavours: Creamy cedar, almond, subtle spice, lingering sweetness
Experience: The finish is creamy and satisfying, with almond and cedar dominating, a subtle spice rounding it off, and that sweetness lingering. It’s a refined end to a delightful smoke.

Construction and Performance

The construction is spot-on, with a smooth wrapper peeking out from its cedar sleeve. The draw is easy, producing plenty of smoke, and the burn is sharp, with lose as. I’ve noticed it feels aged beyond its years, likely thanks to that cedar, which seems to speed up the mellowing process. It’s a cigar that performs as beautifully as it looks.

Ideal Pairings

Pairing this cigar is a treat for me, enhancing its medium-bodied charm:

Aged Rum: The sweetness and oakiness lift the caramel and cedar, making it feel indulgent.
Espresso: It boosts the coffee and nutty notes, a perfect match for its richness.
Dark Chocolate: A 70% cacao bar enhances the creamy finish, pure luxury.
Single Malt Scotch: A light Speyside whisky complements the sweetness and spice.
Cognac: Adds elegance, harmonising with the leather and cedar.
Port Wine: Its fruity depth pairs with the strawberry hints, feeling decadent.
Green Tea: A subtle, earthy option that echoes the cedar without overpowering.

Ageing Potential and Collectability

This cigar has serious ageing potential. Its medium strength and cedar wrapping suggest it could evolve beautifully over 5-10 years, smoothing out any youthful edges and deepening its flavours. With only a limited run each year, those boxes of 10 are collector’s gold. At around £40-£50 per cigar in the UK, depending on the market, its value could rise as stocks dwindle, making it a smart investment for any humidor.

The Cedros de Luxe Experience

For me, the Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe La Casa del Habano is a celebration of Cuban elegance and tradition. That cedar sleeve adds a unique twist, while its balanced flavours make it versatile—perfect after a meal or with a quiet evening drink. It’s a cigar that feels special, a little luxury that connects me to Romeo y Julieta’s storied past and the exclusivity of La Casa del Habano. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just dipping into premium cigars, this one’s a gem worth seeking out.

Rating for Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe La Casa del Habano

Here’s how I’d rate it, based on my experience:

Appearance: 10/10 – Cedar sleeve and smooth wrapper, a flawless look.
Aroma: 9/10 – Cedar and caramel, inviting and warm.
Flavour: 18/20 – Balanced and evolving, medium-bodied perfection.
Draw: 9/10 – Smooth and consistent, a joy to smoke.
Burn: 9/10 – Even, with firm ash, top-notch quality.
Construction: 10/10 – Expertly crafted, cedar adds flair.
Strength: 8/10 – Medium-bodied, approachable yet satisfying.
Finish: 9/10 – Creamy and lingering, a lovely close.
Overall Experience: 9/10 – Elegant and memorable, a true treat.

Total Score: 91/100

Watch My Full Video Review!

For a detailed look at the Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe La Casa del Habano, don’t miss my full video review! I explore its bold opening, complex transition, and smooth finish, highlighting the exceptional retrohale and discussing ideal pairings.