Alexandre Dumas probably never imagined that his tale of revenge and redemption would inspire one of the world's finest cigar brands. But here we are, nearly 90 years later, and the name Montecristo still carries that same sense of drama—of a man rising from nothing to claim what's rightfully his. The rollers at H. Upmann factory in the 1930s would listen to readers recite the novel while they worked, and they loved it so much they named their new brand after the Count himself.
That literary heritage isn't just marketing. There's something genuinely romantic about lighting a Montecristo No. 2—the world's most famous torpedo—and letting the smoke carry you somewhere else. I've smoked these cigars in boardrooms and on beaches, at weddings and at funerals. They fit every moment because they don't try too hard. A Montecristo knows what it is: a perfectly balanced Cuban cigar for people who appreciate the finer things without needing to shout about it.
Complete Guide to Montecristo Product Lines
Línea Clásica (Numbered Series)
The heart of the Montecristo range, numbered simply 1 through 5, plus the iconic No. 2 torpedo. These are the cigars that built the legend—medium-bodied, impossibly smooth, and satisfying from first light to final inch.
- Montecristo No. 1 - 6.5" x 42. The flagship lonsdale, elegant and refined.
- Montecristo No. 2 - 6.1" x 52. The world's most famous torpedo. If you smoke only one Cuban in your life, make it this one.
- Montecristo No. 2 Tubos (25) - The iconic torpedo in protective aluminum tubes.
- Montecristo No. 3 - 5.5" x 42. Corona format, perfect for 45 minutes of pure pleasure.
- Montecristo No. 4 - 5" x 42. The bestselling Cuban cigar in the world. Period.
- Montecristo No. 5 - 4" x 40. Small but perfectly formed, ideal for a quick smoke.
- Montecristo Especial - 7.5" x 38. Elegant lancero format for the patient smoker.
- Montecristo Especial No. 2 - 6" x 38. Panetela with refined character.
- Montecristo Gran Corona "A" - 9.25" x 47. The massive gran corona for special occasions.
Línea Edmundo
Launched in 2004 and named after Edmond Dantès (the Count of Monte Cristo himself), this line features larger ring gauges for modern palates while maintaining the classic Montecristo balance.
- Montecristo Edmundo - 5.25" x 52. Robusto extra with rich, layered flavors.
- Montecristo Petit Edmundo - 4.4" x 52. Shorter version for a 40-minute experience.
- Petit Edmundo Tubos (25) - In aluminum tubes for optimal freshness.
- Montecristo Doble Edmundo - 6.1" x 50. Double the length, double the pleasure.
- Edmundo Ceramic Jar - Premium presentation in collectible ceramic.
Línea Open
Created in 2009 for modern lifestyles, the Open line features milder profiles designed to be enjoyed with food, wine, or during active social occasions. The name reflects openness to new experiences.
- Montecristo Open Eagle - 5.9" x 54. Robust yet approachable.
- Open Eagle Tubos (15) - Box of 15 in aluminum tubes.
- Open Eagle Tubos (3) - Three-pack for sampling.
Línea 1935
A modern tribute to Montecristo's founding year, the 1935 line offers contemporary vitolas with traditional Cuban craftsmanship. Slightly fuller than the numbered series.
- Montecristo Línea 1935 Leyenda - 6.5" x 55. The "legend" in name and smoke.
- Montecristo Línea 1935 Maltés - 5.1" x 55. Robusto extra with depth.
Petit No. 2
The newest addition to the regular portfolio, combining the torpedo shape of the legendary No. 2 with a more approachable size.
- Montecristo Petit No. 2 - 4.75" x 52. All the character of the No. 2 in a shorter format.
Special Presentations
- Cedar Petaca No. 2 (5) - Five torpedoes in elegant cedar travel case.
- Coronas Gordas Tubos - Classic format in tubes.
- Montecristo Selección 50's - Curated selection celebrating the 50s decade.
Montecristo Size and Strength Comparison
| Vitola | Line | Size | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 5 | Clásica | 4" x 40 | Medium |
| No. 4 | Clásica | 5" x 42 | Medium |
| No. 3 | Clásica | 5.5" x 42 | Medium |
| No. 2 | Clásica | 6.1" x 52 | Medium |
| No. 1 | Clásica | 6.5" x 42 | Medium |
| Petit Edmundo | Edmundo | 4.4" x 52 | Medium |
| Edmundo | Edmundo | 5.25" x 52 | Medium |
| Doble Edmundo | Edmundo | 6.1" x 50 | Medium |
| Open Eagle | Open | 5.9" x 54 | Mild-Medium |
| 1935 Leyenda | 1935 | 6.5" x 55 | Medium-Full |
| Gran Reserva | Special | 6.1" x 52 | Medium-Full |
Montecristo Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Montecristo delivers what many consider the quintessential Cuban flavor: balanced, nuanced, and endlessly rewarding. Unlike bolder brands that hit you over the head, Montecristo seduces slowly. The flavors build, interweave, and resolve like movements in a symphony.
Primary Flavor Notes
- Toasted nuts - Almonds and hazelnuts dance through every third, the signature Montecristo marker.
- Cedar and wood - Clean, aromatic, never overpowering.
- Leather - Subtle, aged leather that adds sophistication.
- Coffee - Light roast notes, more café au lait than espresso.
- Cream - A silky mouthfeel that defines the medium body.
Evolution Through the Smoke
- First third: Clean, crisp opening with cedar and light spice
- Second third: Nuts and coffee emerge, complexity builds
- Final third: Leather deepens, sweetness increases, satisfying finish
How to Identify Authentic Montecristo Cigars
Montecristo is one of the most counterfeited Cuban cigar brands. Here's what to look for:
The Montecristo Band
- Fleur-de-lis pattern - Golden fleur-de-lis surrounding the "Montecristo" text should be sharp and well-defined
- Crossed swords - The trademark crossed rapiers with the letter M must be crisp and centered
- Color consistency - Rich brown and gold with no bleeding or smudging
- Embossing - Text should be slightly raised when you run your finger across
The Box and Packaging
- Official Habanos hologram seal on all boxes
- Factory code on bottom (typically showing production from H. Upmann factory)
- Date stamp in Cuban format
- Serial number matching the hologram—verify with the Habanos app
Best Drink Pairings for Montecristo Cigars
Montecristo's balanced profile makes it incredibly food and drink friendly:
- Cognac VS or VSOP - The grape-based spirit's fruit notes complement Montecristo's nuttiness perfectly.
- Aged Rum (5-7 years) - Havana Club Añejo 7 años is a natural match—Cuban on Cuban.
- Champagne or Cava - The effervescence cleanses the palate between puffs. Surprisingly good.
- Café con Leche - Milky coffee enhances the creamy characteristics.
- Single Malt (unpeated) - Highland malts like Glenmorangie share similar smooth profiles.
- Dessert wines - A light Sauternes or Pedro Ximénez with the No. 2 is pure indulgence.
Montecristo Storage and Aging Recommendations
Montecristo cigars are excellent candidates for aging, though they're also wonderful fresh off the shelf:
- Humidity - 65-70% RH. Montecristo smokes particularly well at the lower end.
- Temperature - 65-70°F (18-21°C). Consistency matters more than exact numbers.
- Aging potential - The No. 2 and No. 4 benefit enormously from 3-5 years. Gran Reservas can age 15+ years.
- Resting period - Give shipped cigars at least 2-3 weeks to recover from transit stress.
Montecristo Limited Editions and Collectibles
Montecristo releases some of the most sought-after limited editions in the Cuban portfolio:
- No. 2 Gran Reserva 2005 - Ultra-aged tobacco, the holy grail for collectors.
- Montecristo 80 Aniversario - Celebrating 80 years of excellence.
- No. 2 Limited Edition 70th Aniversario - Special anniversary release.
- 520 Aniversario Limited Edition 2012 - Commemorating 520 years since Columbus.
- Montecristo Supremos - Exceptionally limited production.
- Montecristo Dantes EL 2016 - Named after the Count himself.
- Sublimes Limited Edition 2008 - One of the most celebrated LEs.
- Robustos Limited Edition 2006 - Classic robusto in limited release.
- Montecristo "D" EL 2005 - Sought-after vintage release.
- Double Corona Limited Edition 2001 - Early LE, now vintage.
- Montecristo "C" Edición Limitada 2003 - Vintage collectible.
- Montecristo Churchill Añejados - Factory-aged at the source.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montecristo
What is the best Montecristo cigar for beginners?
The Montecristo No. 4 is the perfect entry point—it's the world's bestselling Cuban cigar for good reason. At 5" x 42, it delivers the full Montecristo experience in about 45 minutes. Once you're hooked, graduate to the No. 2.
Why is the Montecristo No. 2 so famous?
The No. 2 is considered by many to be the perfect cigar. The torpedo (pirámide) shape concentrates flavors at the tip, the 52 ring gauge provides ideal smoke volume, and the balanced profile appeals to beginners and experts alike. It's also beautifully constructed—visually stunning as well as delicious.
What's the difference between Montecristo and Cohiba?
Montecristo is the accessible luxury—beautifully balanced, medium-bodied, and approachable. Cohiba tends fuller, more complex, and carries higher prestige pricing. Think of Montecristo as a perfectly tailored suit; Cohiba is the bespoke tuxedo. Both excellent, different occasions.
How long should I age Montecristo cigars?
Montecristo cigars smoke wonderfully fresh but transform with age. The No. 2 hits its stride around 3-5 years. The Gran Reserva can age 15-20 years. For everyday enjoyment, 6 months to 2 years adds noticeable smoothness.
Is Montecristo made at the same factory as H. Upmann?
Yes. Montecristo was created at the H. Upmann factory in 1935 and continues to be produced there today. This shared heritage explains some flavor similarities, though Montecristo has developed its own distinct character over nearly 90 years.
What does "Línea 1935" mean?
The Línea 1935 series pays tribute to Montecristo's founding year. These modern vitolas with larger ring gauges offer a slightly fuller experience than the numbered series while honoring the brand's heritage.