About the Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012
Few names carry the weight that Montecristo does in the Cuban canon, and this release stands among the brand’s most meaningful statements. The Montecristo 520 was issued as an Edicion Limitada in 2012 to commemorate the 520th anniversary of Cuban tobacco reaching Europe, marking the years since Columbus first encountered the leaf in Cuba during his 1492 voyage. Rolled in the Maravillas No.3 format, a robusto extra measuring 6.1 inches by a 55 ring gauge, it arrived in special labeled boxes of ten with the wrapper, binder, and filler all aged for at least two years before rolling. The result is a generously sized vitola that channels the classic Montecristo profile through a wider, cooler-smoking frame.
Flavor profile by thirds
The first third opens with sweet cedar and roasted nuts laid over a gentle cocoa sweetness, the wide ring gauge keeping everything cool and creamy from the light. Through the middle the smoke deepens toward earth, leather, and a measured black pepper, while coffee notes begin to build along the edges. By the final third the cigar settles into its medium to full character, with espresso, dark chocolate, and a touch of spice carrying it to the band. Construction stays tidy throughout, and the burn rewards a slow, unhurried pace.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel and oak sweetness echoes the cigar’s cedar and cocoa.
- A robust espresso or dark-roast coffee to mirror the deeper espresso notes of the second half.
- A lightly peated single malt whisky for those who want a smokier counterpoint to the leather and pepper.
Aging and storage
Because the tobacco was already matured before rolling, the 520 smokes well now, yet it also has the structure to reward patience. Kept at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, the medium to full blend tends to soften and integrate over the years, with the pepper mellowing and the sweeter cedar and cocoa tones coming forward. As a discontinued limited edition, well-stored examples are increasingly difficult to find, so steady humidor conditions are essential to preserve both the smoke and the value.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the collector and the seasoned smoker who appreciates Cuban heritage as much as flavor. The medium to full body suits palates that have moved beyond milder fare, and the commemorative pedigree makes it a fitting choice for an occasion rather than an everyday smoke. Newcomers to Habanos can certainly enjoy it, though its complexity and limited availability tend to draw enthusiasts who know exactly what a vintage Montecristo represents.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 520 in the name refer to?
It marks the 520th anniversary of Cuban tobacco arriving in Europe, counted from Columbus first encountering the leaf in Cuba in 1492.
How strong is the Montecristo 520?
It is rated medium to full, carrying the classic Montecristo blend through a wider 55 ring gauge that keeps the smoke cool and creamy.
Is the Montecristo 520 still in production?
No, it was a one-time Edicion Limitada released in 2012 in boxes of ten, which is why well-kept examples have become collector pieces.
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.
Gregory Murphy –
Excellent cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 has a refined flavor profile – lots of earth and nuts. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 87 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Ann Crawford –
Very pleased with this Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012. Montecristo quality shines through with wood and leather flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Jean Stone –
Really enjoyed this Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012. 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!
Gerald Grant –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of almonds and honey throughout the 45 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Russell Fox –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 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!
Kevin Mitchell –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of cocoa and cream throughout the smoke. Lasted about 55 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Andrew Thompson –
Absolutely love this Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012! Montecristo continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with spice and toast, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Carol King –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of wood and leather throughout the smoke. Lasted about 61 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Donald Long –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from Montecristo. The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 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.
Anna Sanders –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 65 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – spice and toast. Will definitely order more!
Roger Webb –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of wood and leather throughout the smoke. Lasted about 75 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Michelle Adams –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted earth and nuts with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Doris Spencer –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of cocoa and cream throughout the smoke. Lasted about 62 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Karen Lee –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of spice and toast. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Jonathan Baker –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of spice and toast throughout the smoke. Lasted about 83 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Ryan Hall –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 80 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – cocoa and cream. Will definitely order more!
Brandon Wright –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from Montecristo. The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 has good flavor – earth and nuts – 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.
Rebecca Cook –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of cedar and coffee throughout the smoke. Lasted about 82 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Teresa Myers –
Absolutely love this Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012! Montecristo continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with cocoa and cream, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Angela Griffin –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of earth and nuts. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Harold Wells –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted cocoa and cream with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Cynthia Bailey –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of spice and toast, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Christopher Wilson –
Solid cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo 520 Anniversario Limited Edition 2012 has nice flavors of cedar and coffee and good construction. Enjoyed about 81 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Montecristo.