We all know just how reputable Montecristo cigars are. They are just as popular as the best Cuban rums and Buena Vista Social Club musicians. Terry Pomerantz gives us his opinion of these cigars, with a name that sparks mental images of joy, warm seas and the art of doing nothing.
Montecristo Cigars: A Brief History
In Cuba, in 1937, a business man named Alonso Menéndez bought the H. Upmann cigar factory. Menéndez decided to dedicate the Upmann factory to the manufacturing of high-quality cigars: Montecristo cigars. Distributed by Dunhill, Montecristo cigars quickly conquered the United Kingdom and the United States.
The name “Montecristo” comes from public readings that took place in Cuban cigar factories, to entertain those who were rolling the cigars. This cigar was named after the popular “The Count of Monte Cristo” novel by Alexandre Dumas.
When Señor Menéndez created the Montecristo brand, it only offered 5 different cigars: the Montecristo No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4 and No.5.
The evolution of the brand and popular demand encouraged the manufacturer to offer more options. In 1969, the Especiales No.1 and No.2 cigars were also added.
In 1971 the A and B cigars were also created and, in early 2000, the Edmundo and Petit Edmundo were also added to the list.
Today, Montecristo cigars include 13 modules, along with Limited Editions.
Montecristo cigars: Terry’s opinion and review
What does Terry Pomerantz think of Montecristo cigars? “They are excellent!”
Terry Pomerantz also mentions that “with its earthy notes, woody undertones and a touch of spices, the Montecristo No.4 cigar has always been considered the ultimate Cuban cigar.”
Rolled by hand, the Montecristo No.4 is a 129 mm small Corona with a 42 gauge ring. “It is a balanced and aromatic cigar. The size of the ring allows for a good amount of smoke in the mouth. The wrapper leaf is smooth and the No.4 is made from tobaccos that come from the Vuelta Abajo where the best tobaccos in the world are grown.”
Terry adds:
“The fact that there is a good amount of smoke in the mouth will allow you to truly taste all of the different flavors, notes and undertones your cigar has to offer. For example, with a 55 gauge ring and Extra Robusto size, the Special Edition Montecristo Supremos 2019 liberates an amazing amount of smoke. This is a full bodied cigar with strong flavors, that pairs perfectly with a scotch.
On the other hand, the Montecristo No.2, with a 52 gauge ring, offers a medium body cigar with woody flavors and creamy smoke. The Montecristo No.2 is the perfect morning cigar.”
Montecristo Cigars: Prices in Canada
Montecristo cigars aren’t cheap; but they are definitely worth their weight in gold! In Canada, Montecristo cigars sell for anywhere between just under $ 25 each to close to $ 150 per cigar, like for a Montecristo Linea 1935 Leyenda, for example (around $ 2,800 for a box of 25).
A short list of prices for a few of the Montecristo cigars (in Canadian dollars)
- Montecristo No.4: under $ 25 for one, and $ 120 for a box of 5.
- Montecristo No.2: under $ 50 for one, and $ 250 for a box of 5.
- Montecristo Especial No.1: under $ 40 for one and $ 200 for a box of 5
- Montecristo Mini Cigarillos: under $ 15 for one and $ 195 for a box of 20.
And about Montecristo cigars, Terry Pomerantz concludes, with a wide smile: “Smoking a Montecristo is like smoking a piece of heaven!”
A cigar enthusiast, Terry Pomerantz shares his expert advice on the different brands, types of cigars, and essential accessories to have. Immerse yourself in his recommendations to magnify your experience with each cigar, which you can enjoy in good company, an invitation to take the time to live each moment to the full.