Montecristo — Heritage & History

Montecristo began in 1935 at the H. Upmann factory in Havana, Cuba, when Alonso Menéndez, seeking a more refined smoke, created a brand named after the novel by Alexandre Dumas. The original line, including the iconic No. 2 torpedo, was rolled with Vuelta Abajo tobacco from Pinar del Río, setting a standard for balance and elegance. After the Cuban Revolution, the brand split: the Cuban operation moved to the El Laguito factory, while the non-Cuban arm was established in the Dominican Republic at General Cigar's Tabacalera de García in Santiago. This dual heritage is unique—few brands can claim such a storied origin and a parallel modern production. The Cuban No. 4 remains a benchmark for petit coronas, while the Dominican-made Montecristo White Series offers a milder, Connecticut-shade interpretation. Today, Montecristo spans both worlds, with the Línea 1935 Dumas honoring the founding year with a medium-full blend that echoes the original's complexity.

Blending Philosophy

Montecristo's blending approach is defined by its use of region-specific tobaccos and a commitment to a balanced, medium-bodied profile. The Cuban line relies exclusively on Vuelta Abajo leaves, often using a Seco/Ligero blend for the filler, which provides a layered complexity without overwhelming strength. In the Dominican Republic, the brand employs a Dominican Olor or Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, depending on the market, to achieve a creamy, approachable character. The Línea 1935 series, introduced to mark the brand's 80th anniversary, uses a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper and a more robust blend, showcasing a bolder side while maintaining the brand's signature smoothness. Aging is key: the White Series uses aged Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, which softens the smoke, while the Espada Oscuro employs an Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro wrapper for a darker, richer profile. This dual-market strategy—Cuban and non-Cuban—allows Montecristo to cater to traditionalists and modern palates alike.

Flavor Profile

Across the Montecristo range, smokers consistently encounter a core of cedar and leather, often accented by white pepper on the retrohale. The Cuban No. 2 and No. 4 deliver a medium-bodied smoke with notes of dried fruit, earth, and a subtle hint of cocoa, evolving into a creamy finish. The Dominican-produced White Series, such as the Rothschild, is milder, offering a smooth, Connecticut-shade profile with touches of cream, nuts, and a gentle sweetness. In contrast, the Línea 1935 Dumas and Maltes, with their Nicaraguan Habano wrappers, introduce darker cocoa, espresso, and a more pronounced pepper spice, while still retaining the brand's characteristic balance. The Espada Oscuro, with its Sumatra Oscuro wrapper, adds a layer of dark chocolate and molasses. Strength varies from mild-medium in the White Series to medium-full in the 1935 line, but the underlying thread is a refined, approachable complexity.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Montecristo White Rothschild is an ideal entry point. At $9–$13, it's the most accessible price point in the lineup. Its mild-medium strength and Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper deliver a smooth, creamy smoke with notes of cedar, nuts, and a touch of sweetness—unlikely to overwhelm. The Rothschild size (4.5 x 50) offers a shorter smoke, around 45 minutes, perfect for those still developing their palate. It's a gentle introduction to the Montecristo name without the intensity of the Línea 1935 or the Cuban classics.

Montecristo Cigar Lineup

Explore 27 Montecristo cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Edmundo — Edmundo (Short Robusto / Toro variant), Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Especial No. 1 — Laguito No. 1 (Lancero), Medium · $45–$65 per cigar depending on market and duty region
  • Especial No. 2 — Laguito No. 2 (Pyramid/Torpedo), Medium · $30–$45 per cigar (depending on market, duty, and region)
  • Línea 1935 Dumas — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $18–$24 per cigar
  • Línea 1935 Maltes — Torpedo, Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $18–$22 per cigar
  • Montecristo Espada Oscuro Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Montecristo No. 2 — Torpedo (Pirámide), Medium · $14–$20 per cigar
  • Montecristo Platinum Series Torpedo — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Montecristo White Rothschild — Rothschild, Mild-Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Montecristo White Series Churchill — Churchill, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Montecristo White Series Especial No. 2 — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • No. 1 — Laguito No. 1 (Lancero-style), Mild-Medium · $14–$20 per cigar (Dominican/Altadis version); Cuban Habanos S.A. version $25–$40+ depending on market
  • No. 1 (Especial No. 1 / Lancero) — Lancero, Medium · $35–$50 per cigar (depending on market and duty)
  • No. 2 — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium · $30–$45 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers; market price fluctuates with vintage year)
  • No. 3 — Petit Corona, Medium · $25–$35 per cigar (LCDH pricing); $18–$25 at authorized international retailers
  • No. 4 — Petit Corona, Medium · $20–$30 per cigar (official LCDH and authorized retailer pricing; varies significantly by country and duty)
  • No. 4 Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium · $16–$22 per cigar (depending on market and duty)
  • No. 5 — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $18–$28 per cigar depending on Cuban vs. non-Cuban version and market
  • No. 5 Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • Open Eagle — Eagle (Torpedo/Figurado), Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Open Eagle Torpedo — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Open Junior — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Open Regata — Petit Robusto, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Petit Edmundo — Petit Edmundo (short robusto / figurado hybrid), Medium · $20–$28 per cigar (varies by market and duty)
  • Petit No. 2 — Torpedo (Petit), Medium · $22–$32 per cigar (depending on market and duty-free sourcing)
  • Puritos — Puritos (Small Panatela / Cigarillo), Mild · $3–$7 per cigar (typically sold in tins of 10–25)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Montecristo cigars made?

Montecristo cigars are made in two primary locations. The Cuban versions are produced in Havana, Cuba, at the H. Upmann factory (La Corona), with some lines historically rolled at El Laguito. The non-Cuban versions are made in the Dominican Republic at General Cigar's Tabacalera de García in Santiago, and some lines are also produced in Estelí, Nicaragua. The specific factory depends on the line and market.

What is Montecristo known for?

Montecristo is known for its iconic No. 2 torpedo, which is often considered a benchmark for the shape, and for being one of the most recognized cigar brands globally. The Cuban line, with its Vuelta Abajo tobacco, is celebrated for its balance and complexity, while the Dominican line, including the White Series, is praised for its smooth, approachable character. The brand also introduced the Línea 1935 series to honor its heritage with a modern, fuller-bodied blend.

Are Montecristo cigars strong?

Montecristo cigars range from mild-medium to medium-full in strength. The White Series, such as the Rothschild, is mild-medium, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter smoke. The Cuban classics like the No. 2 and No. 4 are medium. The Línea 1935 Dumas and the Espada Oscuro Torpedo are medium-full, offering a more robust experience. There is no full-strength Montecristo in the current lineup.

What is the best Montecristo cigar for beginners?

The Montecristo White Rothschild is the best choice for beginners. Its mild-medium strength and creamy, nutty flavor profile from the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper are gentle on the palate. At $9–$13, it's also the most affordable, and its shorter smoke time (about 45 minutes) is perfect for those new to cigars. It provides a true Montecristo experience without the intensity of the 1935 line or the Cuban offerings.

How much do Montecristo cigars cost?

Montecristo cigars range from $9 to $65 per cigar, depending on the line and market. The White Series Rothschild is the most affordable at $9–$13, while the Especial No. 1 Lancero can reach $45–$65 in certain duty regions. Cuban versions, like the No. 2, are typically $30–$45 at LCDH and authorized retailers, with prices varying by vintage and country.

What wrapper does Montecristo use?

Montecristo uses a variety of wrappers depending on the line and market. The Cuban versions use Cuban Vuelta Abajo wrappers, often from San Juan y Martínez or Pinar del Río. Non-Cuban lines use Dominican Olor or Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, with some European market versions using Nicaraguan Habano. The Línea 1935 series uses a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, while the Espada Oscuro uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro. The White Series uses aged Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade.

Are Montecristo cigars Cuban?

Montecristo cigars are made in both Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The original Cuban brand, now produced by Habanos S.A., is made in Havana at the H. Upmann factory. After the revolution, a separate non-Cuban version was created, produced in the Dominican Republic at General Cigar's Tabacalera de García, and some lines are made in Nicaragua. Both versions share the name but have different blends and production origins.

Where can I buy Montecristo cigars?

Cuban Montecristo cigars are available at La Casa del Habano (LCDH) stores and authorized Habanos S.A. retailers worldwide, though availability varies by country due to trade restrictions. Non-Cuban Montecristo cigars are widely available at cigar shops, online retailers, and duty-free stores in the United States and other markets. For the best selection and authenticity, purchase from authorized dealers or reputable online vendors.