The Montecristo No.4 is the best-selling petit corona in the world and one of the most iconic Cuban cigars. Part of the Línea Clásica range since 1935, it delivers the classic Montecristo experience in a compact, approachable format. Learn more →
Strong, spicy flavor with earthy complexity and hints of coffee. Medium-bodied with notes of cedar, leather, and cocoa. Best savored after dinner. Rated 90 by Cigar Aficionado.
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 No.4 is guaranteed 100% authentic, sourced directly from Habanos S.A. with the official seal and full traceability from Vuelta Abajo to your door.
Let me start by crushing a myth that’s been floating around for years. People keep saying the Montecristo No.4 is some kind of “beginner’s Cuban” – like it’s training wheels for serious smokers. That’s complete nonsense, and frankly, it pisses me off every time I hear it.
I’ve been smoking Cubans since ’98, back when you had to know a guy who knew a guy just to get your hands on a decent box. The No.4 was one of the first Cubans I ever tried (got it from this sketchy shop in Montreal), and after two decades of exploring everything from Behikes to regional releases, I keep coming back to this little robusto. There’s a reason it’s been around since the 1930s.
Here’s my honest montecristo no 4 review – warts and all.
The Monte No.4 isn’t much to look at, I’ll give you that. It’s not going to win any beauty contests sitting next to a Cohiba Esplendido or one of those gorgeous Davidoff limited editions. The wrapper’s usually a bit mottled (especially on the newer boxes), and the construction can look… well, rustic is being kind.
But here’s the thing – and this took me years to really appreciate – there’s something honest about its appearance. No fancy bands, no marketing gimmicks. Just tobacco rolled into a 5.1″ x 42 format that’s been perfecting itself for decades.
The pre-light draw usually gives you hints of what’s coming: hay, maybe some cocoa, and this distinct earthiness that screams Cuban terroir. Sometimes I get a whiff of cedar from the box aging, which is always a good sign.
Now, most reviewers love to break cigars down into neat little thirds, like they’re analyzing a symphony or something. That’s not how I smoke, and it’s definitely not how the No.4 reveals itself.
The first few puffs are usually where you’ll know if you got a good one or not. A well-aged Monte No.4 (and I’m talking at least 2-3 years of proper storage) starts with this creamy, almost buttery introduction. It’s mild, sure, but there’s complexity hiding underneath that some people miss because they’re expecting fireworks.
About an inch in – and this is where it gets interesting – you start picking up these subtle shifts. Maybe it’s leather. Could be coffee beans. I’ve had sticks where I swear I’m tasting dark chocolate with sea salt (had one like that just last month while sitting on my deck during a thunderstorm). The beauty is in the subtlety.
The middle section is where the Monte really starts flexing. The strength bumps up just enough to remind you you’re smoking a Cuban, but it never gets aggressive. I’ve smoked these with buddies who are used to full-strength Nicaraguans, and they’re always surprised by how much flavor Monte packs into what feels like a medium-bodied smoke.
Here’s where I might lose some people: I actually think the final third is where the No.4 shines brightest. Yeah, I know conventional wisdom says most cigars fall apart at the end, but a good Monte keeps building. The earth tones get richer, sometimes you’ll catch hints of nuts or even honey. I’ve smoked these down to nubs that burned my fingers because I couldn’t put them down.
Forget what the magazines tell you about pairing Cuban cigars with aged rum. I mean, if you’ve got a bottle of 23-year Zacapa lying around, go for it, but that’s not reality for most of us.
My go-to pairing? A decent Cuban coffee, black, maybe with just a touch of brown sugar. I discovered this combo during a trip to Havana in ’05, sitting in this little cafe near the Capitolio. The coffee’s bitterness plays perfectly against the Monte’s creaminess.
For spirits, I’ve had great luck with Highland single malts – specifically Glenlivet 12 or Macallan 12. Nothing too peated or aggressive. The honey notes in those whiskies complement the cigar without competing.
Beer? This might be controversial, but hear me out – a good porter or stout works beautifully. I’m talking Founders Porter or even Guinness if that’s what you’ve got. The roasted flavors create this amazing contrast that brings out both the beer and the cigar.
What to avoid: anything too sweet or fruity. I made the mistake once of pairing a No.4 with some dessert wine a friend brought over. Completely overwhelmed the cigar’s subtle flavors. Also, stay away from really peated Scotches – they’ll bulldoze right over everything the Monte’s trying to tell you.
Here’s the thing about recommendations – they’re personal as hell, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.
The Monte No.4 is perfect for people who appreciate subtlety over power. If you’re someone who needs a cigar to smack you in the face to know it’s there, this probably isn’t your stick. Go find yourself a Partagas Serie D or a Bolivar instead.
It’s also ideal for people who smoke during the day or early evening. I’ve had these with morning coffee (yeah, I know, controversial), afternoon on the golf course, or right after dinner when you want something satisfying but not overwhelming.
New Cuban smokers? Absolutely. But not because it’s “mild” – because it teaches you to pay attention. It rewards patience and contemplation in ways that stronger cigars can’t.
Who should skip it? Honestly, if you’re someone who only smokes occasionally and wants every cigar to be a big, memorable experience, the No.4 might disappoint. It’s more like a great daily driver than a special occasion smoke (though it can absolutely be both).
I’ve screwed up enough boxes of these over the years to give you some hard-earned advice.
First, if you can resist smoking them immediately (and I know it’s tough), give them at least a year in your humidor. The Monte No.4 transforms with age in ways that still surprise me. Fresh boxes can be harsh, almost green tasting. But with time, they develop this incredible smoothness.
Keep them at 65% humidity, maybe 67% if you live somewhere really dry. I learned this lesson the hard way with a box from ’07 that I kept too moist. They developed this musty taste that never went away.
Temperature matters more than people think. I keep mine in the basement where it stays cool year-round. Heat will age them too quickly and not in a good way.
One quirk I’ve noticed: Monte No.4s seem to go through phases as they age. They’ll taste one way at six months, different at two years, then evolve again around five years. I’ve got a few singles from a 2015 box that taste completely different from how I remember them fresh.
Alright, here’s where I’m gonna ruffle some feathers. I think the Montecristo No.4 is one of the most underrated cigars in the Cuban portfolio, and the cigar snob community is partly to blame.
We’ve created this culture where bigger and stronger automatically means better. The No.4 doesn’t play that game. It’s not trying to impress anyone, and it delivers a consistent, enjoyable experience.
I’ve smoked far flashier Cubans that couldn’t touch a well-aged Monte No.4 for pure smoking pleasure. But because it doesn’t have the mystique of a Cohiba or the strength of a Partagas, people dismiss it.
That’s their loss, honestly.
How do Monte No.4s compare to Edmundos? The Edmundo (5.5″ x 52) gives you more of everything – more time, more strength, more complexity. But the No.4 has this precision that the larger ring gauge sometimes lacks. It’s like comparing a sports car to a luxury sedan – different tools for different jobs.
Are there fake Monte No.4s to worry about? Oh hell yes. I’ve seen some convincing fakes over the years, especially online. Stick to reputable dealers, check the bands carefully, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Real Cubans are the real deal for a reason.
How long should I expect one to last? About 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how fast you smoke. I tend to smoke slowly, so I usually get about an hour of enjoyment out of each one.
Do they make good gifts? Absolutely, but only for someone who actually smokes cigars. Don’t buy these for your boss who “mentioned liking cigars once.” Get them for someone who’ll appreciate what they’re receiving.
Look, the Montecristo No.4 isn’t going to change your life or become the star of your Instagram feed. What it will do is provide consistent, thoughtful smoking experiences that remind you why people have been passionate about Cuban cigars for over a century.
After twenty-plus years of smoking, I’ve learned that the cigars you remember aren’t always the strongest or the flashiest – they’re the ones that were there for the right moments. The Monte No.4 has been there for a lot of my right moments.
It’s earned a permanent spot in my humidor, and if you give it a fair chance, it might earn one in yours too.
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
The Montecristo Montecristo No.4 is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the earth and nuts notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Absolutely love this Montecristo No.4! 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!
This is hands down one of the best cigars I've smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo No.4 exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of spice and toast. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo No.4 delivers on every level - flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of cedar and coffee throughout the 89 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Montecristo Montecristo No.4 delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of cocoa and cream. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Really enjoyed this Montecristo No.4. Montecristo consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of almonds and honey. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
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