The Story of Churchill Cigars: History, Meaning & What Makes Them Different

Why Are They Called Churchill Cigars?

The term “Churchill” comes from Sir Winston Churchill’s lifelong love of Havana cigars. He famously smoked Romeo y Julieta cigars so often that the brand honoured him by naming a size after him. In 1947, Romeo y Julieta introduced the “Churchill” vitola, a large format cigar that became instantly iconic.

Over time, “Churchill” has become a recognised size reference in the cigar world, much like “Robusto” or “Corona”. It represents more than a shape — it symbolises a tradition of luxury, prestige, and leisurely enjoyment.

What Does a Churchill Cigar Mean?

A Churchill cigar generally refers to a long, substantial smoke, designed for an extended and indulgent experience.

• Typical size: Around 7 inches (178mm) in length with a 47 ring gauge.

• Smoking time: Often 90–120 minutes, depending on pace.

• Flavour experience: The length allows the flavours to evolve slowly, often starting lighter and developing in complexity as the cigar burns.

For many enthusiasts, lighting a Churchill is about more than flavour — it’s about enjoying the ritual, the time it takes, and the sense of occasion it creates.

How Are Churchill Cigars Different from Other Sizes in the Same Brand?

Within a brand like Romeo y Julieta, there are many different vitolas — Short Churchills, Wide Churchills, Petit Churchills — each with the same blend but a very different experience.

• Romeo y Julieta Churchill (classic): The original, long-format smoke, balanced and elegant.

• Short Churchill: Same blend, but in a robusto size (124mm x 50), giving a shorter, more intense version.

• Wide Churchill: A larger ring gauge (55), producing more smoke and a rounder flavour.

• Petit Churchill: A compact format (102mm x 50), ideal for when time is limited but the smoker still wants the Churchill flavour profile.

This shows that the size and shape of a cigar dramatically influence how the blend is experienced — same tobacco recipe, different journey.

Final Thoughts

Churchill cigars aren’t just a format — they’re a piece of cultural history. Born from Sir Winston Churchill’s enduring love of Havana cigars, the size became a symbol of luxury, celebration, and reflection. Whether enjoyed in their original long form or in modern variations like the Short or Wide Churchill, these cigars remain among the most recognisable and prestigious vitolas in the world.