Montecristo Especial is one of the most coveted lanceros in the entire Habanos portfolio. This medium 7.5" x 38 Laguito No. 1 delivers layered cedar, espresso, and toasted almond across an elegant, slow-burning format. Reach for it when you want a refined long smoke with room to evolve. Learn more →
Montecristo is one of Cuba's most storied marcas — every cigar hand-rolled in Havana from sun-grown Vuelta Abajo leaf, aged and crafted by master torcedores under the official Habanos S.A. seal.
It's not just a cigar. It's an experience reserved for the true connoisseur.
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Every Montecristo Especial is guaranteed 100% authentic, sourced directly from Habanos S.A. with the official seal and full traceability from Vuelta Abajo to your door.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Customer Reviews
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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“Exceptional selection and the cigars are genuine Habanos — correct bands, codes and a flawless draw. Shipping was fast and everything arrived in perfect condition.”
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“Beautiful packaging, perfect humidity and the cigars are always flawless. After three orders this is my trusted source for Habanos.”
“Ordered a full box and it cleared customs in three days with zero issues. Fresh, well-humidified and exactly as described.”
“Discreet packaging, excellent communication and authentic cigars every time. Highly recommended for any collector.”
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