Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills — The Robusto-Sized Modern RyJ
The Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills is a robusto-format Cuban cigar that brings the brand's signature medium-bodied blend into a modern, manageable format. Measuring 110mm in length with a 50 ring gauge, this vitola was introduced to meet the growing demand for shorter, thicker cigars that deliver a complete smoking experience in less time than the traditional 178mm Churchill. The Short Churchill name acknowledges the brand's most famous association while defining a distinct, compact vitola. For the smoker who appreciates the Romeo y Julieta character but prefers the smoking time and feel of a robusto, the Short Churchills is an ideal choice that has become one of the brand's most popular modern additions.
Verified Specifications
Tasting Notes
The Short Churchills opens with the creamy cedar and gentle spice that defines the Romeo y Julieta blend. The 50-ring gauge provides a generous filler volume, allowing the blend to express more depth and complexity than the thinner RyJ formats. Notes of toasted almond, hay, and a light honey sweetness emerge in the first third, carried on a smooth, well-textured smoke. The draw is open and comfortable, and the burn is typically even across the broad ring gauge. A mild white pepper sits at the back of the palate, building gradually as the cigar progresses.
Through the second half, the cigar develops a subtle cocoa note, a light leather quality, and a warming spice that adds dimension without shifting the medium body. The 110mm length provides 35 to 45 minutes of smoking time, and the Short Churchill format concentrates the RyJ blend into a satisfying, complete experience. The finish is clean and slightly sweet, with a lingering cedar and honey character that invites another cigar. This is a well-mannered, dependable robusto that faithfully represents the Romeo y Julieta brand in a modern format.
Construction
The 110mm x 50 robusto format is one of the most widely produced Cuban vitolas, and the Jose Marti factory's experience with this size results in reliable, consistent construction. The 50-ring gauge provides a comfortable draw and a generous volume of smoke. The wrapper is typically a smooth, slightly oily Colorado leaf with minimal veining, and the bunch is firmly and evenly packed. The cap is triple-sealed in the Cuban tradition. The Short Churchills format is well suited to the RyJ blend, providing enough filler volume for complexity while keeping the smoking time practical for modern schedules.
Pairing
The Short Churchills' medium body pairs well with a wide range of spirits and beverages. An aged Cuban rum such as Havana Club Añejo is the classic companion, with its sweetness complementing the cigar's honeyed notes. A smooth Irish whiskey such as Redbreast provides pot-still richness that matches the cigar's complexity. For a non-alcoholic option, a medium-roast coffee with a touch of sugar is a simple, perfect pairing for a morning or early-afternoon smoke.
Value
The Short Churchills format offers excellent value as a practical, everyday cigar for the medium-bodied palate. The robusto format delivers a complete smoking experience in 35 to 45 minutes, making it ideal for modern schedules. The Romeo y Julieta brand's consistent production quality and the format's popularity ensure reliable availability and a dependable smoking experience. For the smoker building a rotation of Cuban cigars, the Short Churchills is the natural RyJ choice for the robusto slot.
About the Brand
Romeo y Julieta, founded in 1875, is one of the most internationally recognised and commercially successful Cuban cigar brands. The Short Churchills vitola was added to the brand's portfolio to meet the modern demand for robusto-format cigars, extending the Churchill line into a more compact format. The brand is produced in Havana and distributed worldwide by Habanos S.A., with all tobacco sourced from the Vuelta Abajo region. Learn more on Wikipedia.
Storage
Store at 65–68% relative humidity and 18–20°C. The 50-ring robusto format is relatively forgiving of minor humidity fluctuations compared to thinner vitolas, but consistent conditions remain important for optimal performance. A well-seasoned Spanish cedar-lined humidor with a reliable humidification system will keep the Short Churchills in prime smoking condition. Allow newly acquired cigars to rest for at least two weeks before smoking to let them acclimatise after transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Short Churchills and the regular Romeo y Julieta Churchills?
The regular RyJ Churchills measures 178mm x 47 (Julieta No.2), while the Short Churchills measures 110mm x 50 (robusto format). The Short Churchills is shorter and slightly thicker, providing a more concentrated smoking experience of 35 to 45 minutes compared to the 60 to 75 minutes of the full Churchill. Both use the same core RyJ blend, but the different formats produce a subtly different smoking experience.
Is the Short Churchills a good choice for a beginner to Cuban cigars?
Yes. The medium body, approachable flavour profile, manageable smoking time, and comfortable 50-ring gauge make the Short Churchills an excellent choice for smokers new to Cuban cigars. The robusto format is one of the most popular and accessible vitola sizes, and the RyJ blend is among the most forgiving and broadly appealing in the Cuban portfolio.
Related Cigars
For the full-size Churchill experience, see the Romeo y Julieta Churchills. Explore our complete Romeo y Julieta collection for more vitolas and presentations. Before ordering, please read our guide on the difference between authentic Cuban cigars and imitations, review our age verification policy, and check shipping information.
