About the Montecristo Gran Corona “A”
Few cigars carry the gravitas of the Montecristo “A”. Stretching to a full 9¼ inches with a 47 ring gauge, this Gran Corona has been part of the Habanos catalogue since 1971 and remains the longest vitola in the brand’s standard portfolio. Montecristo itself is among the most recognised names in Cuban tobacco, a marca rooted in the 1930s and built on the celebrated long-filler leaf of the Vuelta Abajo region. The “A” takes everything that defines the house style and presents it on an unusually grand scale, a cigar conceived for the smoker who wants their Montecristo to last.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third settles into the classic Montecristo register, with smooth cocoa and a soft creaminess carried over a backbone of toasted cedar. As the burn moves into the middle, coffee and gentle baking spice come forward, and the body fills out toward the fuller end of medium. The final third rewards your patience: the smoke deepens into roasted, earthy tones while the cocoa lingers, holding its balance right through to a long and composed finish. Given the length, expect a leisurely progression rather than abrupt shifts.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel sweetness echoes the cigar’s cocoa core.
- A dark, full-bodied espresso to mirror the coffee notes in the second half.
- A peated single malt Scotch for those who want a bolder counterpoint to the cedar and spice.
Aging and storage
The Gran Corona “A” responds generously to time in the humidor. Kept steady at around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and roughly 18 degrees Celsius, the blend mellows and integrates, softening its spice while drawing out greater depth in the cocoa and cedar. Because of its size this is a cigar worth laying down, and many enthusiasts find that a year or more of patient rest brings the wrapper oils and the filler into fuller harmony.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the committed aficionado who has the better part of an hour, or more, to spend with a smoke. Newcomers may find both the length and the medium to full body demanding, so the “A” suits palates already comfortable with classic Cuban strength. It is an ideal choice for a relaxed celebration, a long conversation, or any occasion where the ritual of the cigar matters as much as the flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Montecristo “A” take to smoke?
Because it measures a full 9¼ inches, expect a generous session well beyond an hour at a comfortable pace, so set it aside for an unhurried sitting rather than a quick break.
Is the Montecristo “A” too strong for a beginner?
It sits in the medium to full range typical of the marca, which combined with its length makes it better suited to smokers already familiar with Cuban cigars.
What makes the Gran Corona “A” special within the Montecristo range?
It is the longest cigar in Montecristo’s standard line and one of the longest in the regular Habanos portfolio, carrying the house’s signature cocoa and cedar profile across an exceptional format.
Explore more
Browse all Montecristo cigars, see our Montecristo price guide, or try the Montecristo No.2 and Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.
William Garcia –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo Gran Corona “A” offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of cocoa and cream, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Lisa Barnes –
Absolutely outstanding corona! The Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of cocoa and cream. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Charles Foster –
This is hands down one of the best coronas I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of cedar and coffee. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Virginia Howard –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo Gran Corona “A” is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 59 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – spice and toast. Will definitely order more!
Dennis Wallace –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo Gran Corona “A” is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 53 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – wood and leather. Will definitely order more!
Jennifer Brown –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of cedar and coffee. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Diane Ross –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo Gran Corona “A” is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 79 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – cedar and coffee. Will definitely order more!
Richard Howard –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of wood and leather. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Carl Chapman –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of almonds and honey throughout the 53 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Janice Hart –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of almonds and honey. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Anthony Harris –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo Gran Corona “A” is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of almonds and honey, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
George Collins –
This is hands down one of the best coronas I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of earth and nuts. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Emily Nelson –
Really enjoyed this Montecristo Gran Corona “A”. Montecristo consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of wood and leather. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Arthur Knight –
Absolutely love this Montecristo Gran Corona “A”! Montecristo continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with earth and nuts, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Ruth Powell –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo Gran Corona “A” is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of cocoa and cream, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Rebecca Cook –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo Gran Corona “A” offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of cocoa and cream, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Jack Peterson –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo Gran Corona “A” offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of cedar and coffee, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Howard Lynch –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted wood and leather with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Victor Harper –
The Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” is a quality corona. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the wood and leather notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Kenneth Brooks –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of cocoa and cream. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Beverly Mason –
Solid corona from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” has nice flavors of cedar and coffee and good construction. Enjoyed about 55 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Montecristo.
Eric Turner –
Solid corona from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” has nice flavors of spice and toast and good construction. Enjoyed about 56 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Montecristo.
Jonathan Baker –
This is hands down one of the best coronas I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of almonds and honey. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Brandon Wright –
This is hands down one of the best coronas I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of earth and nuts. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Margaret Butler –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo Gran Corona “A” offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of wood and leather, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Brenda Gibson –
Really enjoyed this Montecristo Gran Corona “A”. Montecristo consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of earth and nuts. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Mildred Pierce –
Great cigar! Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of earth and nuts throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Cheryl Chapman –
Solid corona from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” has nice flavors of wood and leather and good construction. Enjoyed about 64 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Montecristo.
Roy Torres –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of spice and toast. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Angela Griffin –
Solid corona from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” has nice flavors of cedar and coffee and good construction. Enjoyed about 47 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Montecristo.
Melissa Evans –
This is hands down one of the best coronas I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of spice and toast. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Helen Bennett –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of earth and nuts throughout the 77 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Alexander Green –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo Gran Corona “A” offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of earth and nuts, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Christine Hayes –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of almonds and honey. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Linda Davis –
Great cigar! Montecristo Montecristo Gran Corona “A” offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of earth and nuts throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Christopher Wilson –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo Gran Corona “A” delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of cedar and coffee throughout the 77 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Amanda Phillips –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo Gran Corona “A” is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of earth and nuts, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!