Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012

The Montecristo 520 Anniversario: Worth the Hype?

There’s something special about those few minutes before you light up a cigar that’s been sitting in your humidor for months, maybe even years. You know the feeling – you’ve been saving it for the right moment, and finally that moment arrives. That’s exactly how I felt pulling out my first Montecristo 520 Anniversario last spring. I’d been eyeing this beauty since I picked up a box in 2019, and honestly? The anticipation was killing me.

The 520 Anniversario isn’t your everyday Monte. Hell, it’s not even your special occasion Monte if we’re being real here. This is the cigar Montecristo released to celebrate their 520th anniversary (yeah, that’s a lot of birthdays), and they didn’t mess around with the blend. But here’s the thing that struck me right off the bat – this isn’t just a rehashed montecristo supremo with fancy packaging. It’s something entirely different.

First Light: When Expectations Meet Reality

I’ll be straight with you – I was nervous. After smoking Montecristos for over two decades, you develop certain expectations. The classic Monte profile, that creamy sweetness, the reliable construction. But the 520 threw me for a loop from the first puff.

The pre-light draw gave me hints of what was coming. Rich tobacco, sure, but there was this underlying spiciness that I wasn’t expecting. Not the black pepper bite you get from some Nicaraguans, but more like… warm baking spices? My buddy Carlos (who’s got a palate way better than mine) described it as “Christmas morning in Havana” when we smoked these together last December. Sounds pretentious as hell, but damn if he wasn’t onto something.

Construction-wise? Flawless. And I mean that. The wrapper had this gorgeous Colorado claro color with just enough oil to catch the light. The cap cut clean with my Xikar (still using the same one from 2008 – if it ain’t broke, right?). Draw was perfect – not too tight, not too loose. Sometimes these anniversary releases are all show and no go, but Montecristo nailed the fundamentals here.

The Flavor Journey: Not Your Father’s Monte

Okay, so here’s where I might ruffle some feathers. This cigar doesn’t smoke like a traditional Montecristo. At all.

The first third hit me with this wave of complexity that honestly caught me off guard. We’re talking cedar, cream, and then this burst of white pepper that just comes out of nowhere. I’m sitting there thinking, “Did they accidentally put some Bolivar tobacco in here?” But no – this is intentional, and it works. The retrohale (if you’re brave enough) gives you even more of that spice, plus some subtle coffee notes that remind me of good Cuban espresso.

Now, if you’re expecting that smooth, mellow Monte experience you get from a No. 2 or even the montecristo supremo, you’re gonna be disappointed. This is a different beast entirely. More aggressive, more in-your-face. Some traditionalists hate it (looking at you, Jim from the local B&M who won’t shut up about “what Monte used to be”). But change isn’t always bad.

The middle section is where this cigar really shines. The spice calms down just enough to let some other flavors through. I’m getting leather – not that harsh, bitter leather some cigars throw at you, but more like a well-worn baseball glove. There’s also this nutty sweetness that comes and goes. Almonds, maybe? Hazelnuts? Hell, I don’t know, but it’s good.

The final third… man, this is where the 520 either wins you over completely or loses you forever. The strength ramps up – we’re talking full-bodied territory here – and the flavors get more concentrated. Almost chewy, if that makes sense. I’ve had some that got a bit hot in the final inches, but that might’ve been me smoking too fast (I have a bad habit of rushing good cigars).

What I’m Drinking With It

Pairing this cigar took some trial and error. My usual go-to, Macallan 18, was way too mellow for the 520’s personality. It needs something with some backbone.

Best pairing I’ve found? Plantation XO 20th Anniversary rum. Sounds weird, I know, but hear me out. The rum’s got enough sweetness to balance that spice bomb in the first third, and the complexity matches what the cigar’s throwing at you. Plus, there’s something just right about Cuban tobacco and Caribbean rum.

If you’re more of a whiskey person (and most of us are), try it with a peated Scotch. Ardbeg 10 worked surprisingly well – the smoke-on-smoke thing shouldn’t work, but it does. Just don’t blame me if it’s too much for your palate.

Coffee? Skip it. This cigar’s got enough caffeinated kick on its own. But a really good espresso after? That works.

Who Should Buy This (And Who Should Skip It)

Here’s the thing – the 520 Anniversario isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. If you’re new to cigars, this isn’t your entry point into Montecristos. Start with a No. 4 or work your way up to the montecristo supremo first. This is graduate-level stuff.

Perfect for: Experienced smokers who want to see what Monte can do when they push boundaries. If you love full-bodied cigars and aren’t married to “traditional” Cuban profiles, you’ll probably dig this. Also great for special occasions when you want something that’ll make an impression.

Skip it if: You prefer mild to medium cigars. If you think Cohibas are too strong, this will knock you on your ass. Also, if you’re a traditionalist who wants every Monte to taste like it did in 1985, save your money and stick with the classics.

Storage and Handling Tips

These cigars are thirsty. I keep mine at 65% humidity instead of my usual 62%. They seem to handle the extra moisture better, and the burn improves. Also, let them rest. I mean really rest. I’ve smoked these fresh from shipping and after six months in the humidor, and the difference is night and day.

Temperature matters too. Don’t smoke these when it’s hot out. I made that mistake last summer in Phoenix (don’t ask why I was smoking cigars in 110-degree heat), and the whole experience was ruined. These shine in cooler weather when you can really taste what’s happening.

The Controversial Take

Alright, here’s my hot take that’ll probably get me some angry emails: I think this is better than most of the current Cohiba releases. Yeah, I said it.

Cohiba’s been coasting on reputation for years (fight me), while Montecristo’s been quietly innovating. The 520 shows they’re not afraid to take risks, even if it means alienating some longtime fans. That takes guts in an industry that’s usually scared of change.

Is it perfect? No. The price point is aggressive – we’re talking serious money for these. And the inconsistency between sticks can be frustrating. I’ve had some that were absolute flavor bombs and others that felt muted. Quality control on limited releases has always been hit or miss.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I age these?

At least six months, but a year is better. I’ve got some from 2019 that are just hitting their stride now. The spice mellows and integrates better with time.

Are these stronger than regular Montecristos?

Absolutely. If a No. 2 is your usual speed, ease into these. Maybe smoke one after a good meal instead of on an empty stomach.

Worth the premium over the montecristo supremo?

Depends what you’re looking for. The Supremo is the safer choice – classic Monte DNA with excellent construction. The 520 is the wild card. If money’s no object and you want to try something different, go for it. If you want reliable satisfaction, stick with what you know.

How’s the availability?

Spotty. These weren’t made in huge quantities, and they’re getting harder to find. Don’t expect to walk into your local shop and grab a box off the shelf.

Final Thoughts

The Montecristo 520 Anniversario is a cigar that demands attention. It’s not background smoking – this is the kind of stick that makes you put down your phone and actually focus on what you’re tasting. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want. Sometimes it’s not.

After smoking through most of my box over the past couple years, I’ve got mixed feelings. When these hit, they really hit. Complex, surprising, memorable. But they’re expensive enough that every disappointing stick hurts the wallet. And there have been a few disappointments.

Would I buy another box? Probably. But I’d smoke through some singles first to make sure the quality has stabilized. This is premium cigar territory, and at these prices, consistency matters.

If you’re curious and have the budget, grab a few and see what you think. Just don’t expect your grandfather’s Montecristo. This is something entirely new, for better or worse.