A Romeo y Julieta Made Just For The Kentucky Derby
The “Run For The Roses” Romeo is returning for another lap. In an official partnership with the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs, Altadis U.S.A. is once again releasing a Romeo y Julieta cigar made in honor of the race that’s known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
For the second year, a Romeo y Julieta will commemorate the Kentucky Derby with a unique blend and some snazzy packaging. It’s called the 2025 Limited Edition “Run For The Roses,” and while the blend is all Nicaraguan, the cigars were made in the Dominican Republic at Tabacalera de Garcia. (Note that this is a different cigar from last year’s Derby-themed release.)
Run For The Roses comes in one size, a Toro measuring 6 inches by 50 ring gauge, and according to Altadis, the cigars were rolled five years ago and have been aging ever since. Two packaging options will be available: a 20-count box or a commemorative case that holds a single cigar. The new Romeos are set to debut at this weekend’s PCA trade show and ship to retailers on April 12. When it lands in stores, each cigar will have a suggested retail price of $20, before taxes.
If you’re going to the races, the new Romeos will also be sold during Derby week on the Churchill Downs premises in Louisville, as well as on the day of the actual Kentucky Derby. Smoking is permitted in most outdoor areas of the venue.
The “151” prominently printed on each box represents the 151st running of the Derby. Only 1,350 boxes are being produced.
