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.