About the Montecristo No.3
Few cigars carry the weight of reputation quite like the Montecristo No.3. The Montecristo brand was born in 1935 when Alonso Menendez acquired the Particulares factory in Havana and named his new marca after Alexandre Dumas’ beloved novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, a tale that rollers reportedly loved to hear read aloud at the bench. From that house came the celebrated numbered series, sizes one through five, and those original formats remain in production to this day. The No.3 is the classic Corona of the line, a 5.6 inch by 42 ring gauge vitola that distills the signature Montecristo blend into one of the most approachable and consistent shapes Habanos S.A. produces.
Flavor profile by thirds
The first third opens smooth and creamy, with toasted cedar leading the way alongside a gentle wash of coffee and a faint crack of black pepper on the retrohale. Through the middle, the cigar settles into its character, layering warm cocoa over nutty almond sweetness while a soft, earthy backbone keeps everything grounded. The final third deepens toward espresso and roasted notes, with a touch of honeyed richness that carries through to a clean, satisfying finish. Body sits squarely in the medium range, occasionally edging toward medium-full, never overwhelming the palate.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel and oak echo the cigar’s cocoa and cedar notes.
- A cup of strong espresso or dark roast coffee to mirror the smoke’s roasted core.
- A lightly peated single malt Scotch for those who enjoy a touch of contrast against the sweetness.
Aging and storage
Montecristo No.3 smokes beautifully young, yet it also rewards patience. Kept at a steady 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 18 degrees Celsius, the blend rounds out over a year or two, with the pepper mellowing and the cocoa and honey notes growing more pronounced. Store the cigars in a well seasoned humidor away from light and temperature swings, and rotate boxes occasionally so the bundle ages evenly. Many collectors hold a box specifically to track how this classic profile matures.
Who it is for
This is a cigar that bridges experience levels with rare ease. Newcomers stepping up from milder smokes will find the medium body and balanced sweetness forgiving and instructive, an honest introduction to the Cuban idiom. Seasoned aficionados return to the No.3 for its dependability and its place in cigar history, treating it as a reliable daily Corona rather than a special occasion indulgence. If you want a genuine Havana that delivers complexity without demanding a free afternoon, this is the one.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Montecristo No.3?
It is a Corona vitola measuring 5.6 inches (142 mm) in length with a 42 ring gauge, traditionally boxed in 25s.
How strong is the Montecristo No.3?
It is generally regarded as medium bodied, sometimes leaning toward medium-full, which makes it accessible to confident newcomers while still satisfying experienced smokers.
What does the Montecristo No.3 taste like?
Expect a creamy, balanced profile of cedar, coffee and espresso, warm cocoa, nutty almond, and a gentle thread of honey, with a light peppery edge on the retrohale.
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.