About the Montecristo Especial
The Montecristo Especial belongs to a small family of slender, hand-rolled lanceros that have built the brand’s reputation for finesse. Introduced in 1971, the Especial wears the Laguito No. 1 factory shape, the very same elongated format used for the legendary Cohiba Lanceros, and it carries Montecristo’s signature character into a thinner, longer profile. Rolled in Cuba with long filler drawn from the Vuelta Abajo region, it is finished with a triple cap and a delicate pigtail, a quiet badge of the patience required to construct a cigar of this length.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans on cedar and a soft, creamy sweetness, with a gentle coffee bean note settling in behind it. As the burn moves into the middle section, toasted almond and cocoa step forward, the smoke thickening slightly while staying poised and balanced. The final third deepens into earthier, aged tobacco territory, where a touch of oak and that distinctive Cuban tang round out a measured, medium-bodied finish that never turns harsh.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, which echoes the cigar’s cocoa and cedar sweetness.
- A cup of dark espresso, picking up the coffee and toasted almond tones.
- A lightly peated single malt, whose smoke frames the earthier final third.
Aging and storage
Thanks to its thin 38 ring gauge, the Especial responds beautifully to time in the humidor, often smoothing and concentrating its sweeter notes over several years. Keep your boxes seasoned at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a steady temperature near 18 degrees Celsius to protect the wrapper and preserve the burn. Lanceros can dry out faster than thicker vitolas, so a well-calibrated humidor and the occasional rotation of your stock will reward you with a more refined smoke down the line.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the smoker who values elegance over sheer power and who has the time to enjoy a long, deliberate session. The narrow ring gauge concentrates the wrapper’s contribution, making it a favorite among aficionados who appreciate nuance and a clean, balanced draw. Newcomers can certainly enjoy it, but those already familiar with classic Habanos profiles will get the most from its quiet complexity.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Montecristo Especial?
It is a Laguito No. 1, measuring 7.5 inches (192 mm) by a 38 ring gauge, the same slim lancero format as the Cohiba Lanceros.
How strong is the Montecristo Especial?
It sits in the medium range, offering depth and complexity without the heavy intensity of fuller Cuban cigars, which makes it approachable yet rewarding.
How long does it take to smoke?
Because of its length and thin ring gauge, plan for a relaxed session, typically around an hour or more of slow, even burning.
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.
Sarah Johnson –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo Especial delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of earth and nuts throughout the 84 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Timothy Kelly –
Excellent cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo Especial has a refined flavor profile – lots of earth and nuts. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 81 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Alexander Green –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo Especial delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of cocoa and cream throughout the 51 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Robert Martinez –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo Especial lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted almonds and honey with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Margaret Butler –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo Especial from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of cocoa and cream throughout the smoke. Lasted about 88 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Ann Crawford –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo Especial is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of wood and leather. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Dennis Wallace –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo Especial is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of spice and toast. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Nancy Martin –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo Especial is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of spice and toast. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Gloria Ferguson –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo Especial from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of wood and leather throughout the smoke. Lasted about 51 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Emily Nelson –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo Especial is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 70 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – cedar and coffee. Will definitely order more!
Albert Ross –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo Especial from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of spice and toast throughout the smoke. Lasted about 47 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Rebecca Cook –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo Especial is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 90 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – wood and leather. Will definitely order more!
James Robinson –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Montecristo Montecristo Especial delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of wood and leather. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Howard Lynch –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo Especial exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of cocoa and cream. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Steven Ross –
Great cigar! Montecristo Montecristo Especial 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 –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo Especial exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of cocoa and cream. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Cynthia Bailey –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo Especial from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of almonds and honey throughout the smoke. Lasted about 52 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Christopher Wilson –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo Especial is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of wood and leather, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Evelyn Russell –
The Montecristo Montecristo Especial is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the almonds and honey notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Douglas Wells –
Really enjoyed this Montecristo Especial. 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!
Donald Long –
Absolutely love this Montecristo Especial! Montecristo continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with almonds and honey, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Lisa Walker –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo Especial 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!
Irene Cole –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from Montecristo. The Montecristo Especial has good flavor – cocoa and cream – but didn’t wow me like other Cubans I’ve had. Construction was fine, burn was mostly even. It’s good, just not exceptional. Worth trying though.
Brian Parker –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo Especial 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!
Maria Patterson –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Montecristo Montecristo Especial delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of almonds and honey. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Arthur Knight –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Montecristo Montecristo Especial delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of cedar and coffee. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Brenda Gibson –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo Especial delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of cocoa and cream throughout the 63 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Mark Russell –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo Especial delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of earth and nuts throughout the 82 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Tyler Hill –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo Especial is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 52 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – cocoa and cream. Will definitely order more!
Ruth Powell –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo Especial is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 49 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – almonds and honey. Will definitely order more!
Russell Fox –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Montecristo really knocked it out of the park with the Montecristo Especial. Rich flavor profile featuring cedar and coffee, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Scott Henderson –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo Especial 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!