AshMap
Overview
The Montecristo Open Eagle represents a deliberate and thoughtful recalibration of what a Montecristo can be. Launched in 2009 as part of the Open series, this cigar was conceived not to challenge the seasoned aficionado with brawn or complexity, but to extend a welcoming hand to those who might find the storied Cuban-born brand's traditional portfolio a touch formidable. Produced in General Cigar's Dominican facilities in Santiago, the Eagle is the line's flagship vitola—a commanding 6 x 58 torpedo-figurado whose broad ring gauge is its defining structural asset. The cigar is wrapped in a silky Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf, rendered in a warm Colorado Claro hue that catches the light with a subtle sheen; its minimal veining speaks to careful selection. Beneath it, a Dominican Olor binder encloses a filler blend of Dominican long-fillers, including Piloto Cubano and Olor ligero, assembled for approachability rather than cellar ambition. From the first light, the Open Eagle announces its character with a smooth, cream-forward profile. The opening third unfolds with sweet hay, toasted almond, and a gentle floral whisper from the wrapper—a composition that is mild, unaggressive, and entirely composed. By the second third, the blend gains welcome complexity: roasted cashew and hazelnut emerge, white pepper enlivens the retrohale, and a soft honey sweetness balances a faint earthy undertow. The final third brings a modest rise in body—toasted bread crust, light espresso, lingering wood—but never crosses into bitterness or heat. The finish is medium in length, clean, and marked by a faintly sweet cedar residue. Construction is reliably open and effortless, the wide figurado bore cooling the smoke and smoothing transitions throughout a 60- to 70-minute session. The ash holds firmly in light-grey columns, though occasional touch-ups are not uncommon at this accessible price tier. The Open Eagle is Montecristo's democratization play, and it executes that mission with quiet competence. It will not astonish a veteran palate, but it does not need to. Its achievement lies in consistency, balance, and the unmistakable brand equity of the Montecristo name—now rendered in a format and price that invites daily enjoyment rather than reserved celebration.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Olor |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — a blend of Dominican long-fillers including Piloto Cubano and Olor ligero |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — General Cigar / La Romana facilities |
| Vitola / Shape | Eagle (Torpedo/Figurado) |
| Size | 6.0 x 58 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Minimal declared aging; tobaccos blended for accessible, consistent expression rather than extended cellaring |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweet hay, toasted almond, and light cream. Once lit, the first third delivers smooth creaminess layered with mild cedar and a soft floral note from the Ecuadorian wrapper. Strength is decidedly mild-to-medium with no harshness.
Second Third
The blend gains complexity as dry roasted nuts — cashew and hazelnut — emerge alongside white pepper on the retrohale. A gentle earthiness enters mid-stick, balanced by continuing cedar and a touch of mild honey sweetness. The large ring gauge cools the smoke and smooths out transitions.
Final Third
The final third brings a modest uptick in body with toasted bread crust, light espresso, and lingering wood notes. The pepper persists at a manageable level. Finish is medium-length with a clean, slightly sweet cedar aftertaste — it never turns harsh or bitter.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is generally reliable — the draw is open and effortless given the wide 58-ring figurado format. Burn tends to be even with a firm, light-grey ash holding an inch or more; occasional minor touch-ups may be needed, typical for the accessible price tier.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Dominican rum such as Barceló Imperial or a light Tennessee whiskey like George Dickel No. 12 — the cigar's creaminess pairs well with soft vanilla-forward spirits
Wine
A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a Viognier — the creamy, nutty profile mirrors the cigar's texture; alternatively a mild Pinot Noir from Burgundy
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian coffee with a light cream — amplifies the almond and cedar notes without overwhelming the cigar's subtlety
Who Should Smoke This?
The Montecristo Open Eagle is ideally suited for the newer aficionado seeking a confident entry into premium cigars without intimidation. Its mild-to-medium strength, smooth creaminess, and absence of harshness make it a forgiving and rewarding smoke for those still developing their palate. Equally, the seasoned smoker will appreciate the Open Eagle as a reliable, well-constructed everyday companion—perfect for afternoon relaxation, casual social occasions, or moments when complexity is not the goal. With a 60- to 70-minute smoke time, it fits comfortably into a lunch break, a round of golf, or a leisurely conversation on the porch. Those who value brand heritage and approachable Dominican craftsmanship will find the Open Eagle a satisfying and trustworthy choice.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo Open Eagle is a well-executed, approachable cigar that trades intensity for consistency and accessibility. It is a confident gateway into the Montecristo family and a solid everyday smoke for those who value smoothness, brand heritage, and reliable construction over complexity.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Montecristo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecristo Open Eagle a strong cigar?
No. The Montecristo Open Eagle is rated at a medium strength level (3 out of 5). It delivers a smooth, mild-to-medium body that is never harsh or overpowering, making it suitable for newer smokers and those who prefer a more mellow experience.
What does Montecristo Open Eagle taste like?
The flavor profile evolves through the smoke. The first third offers sweet hay, toasted almond, light cream, and mild cedar with a soft floral note. The second third introduces dry roasted nuts (cashew, hazelnut), white pepper on retrohale, gentle earthiness, and a touch of honey sweetness. The final third brings toasted bread crust, light espresso, lingering wood, and a clean, slightly sweet cedar finish.
How long does Montecristo Open Eagle take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of approximately 60 to 70 minutes. The large 58-ring gauge and figurado shape produce a cool, slow burn that allows you to savor each third without rush.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo Open Eagle?
The creamy, nutty profile pairs beautifully with an aged Dominican rum such as Barceló Imperial or a light Tennessee whiskey like George Dickel No. 12. For wine, a lightly oaked Chardonnay or Viognier complements the texture, while a mild Pinot Noir from Burgundy works as well. Non-alcoholically, a medium-roast Colombian coffee with light cream amplifies the almond and cedar notes.
Is Montecristo Open Eagle good for beginners?
Yes. The Open Eagle is specifically designed to be an accessible entry point into the Montecristo family. Its mild-to-medium strength, smooth creaminess, and lack of harshness make it an excellent choice for newer aficionados, while still offering enough complexity to interest experienced smokers.
Where can I buy Montecristo Open Eagle?
The Montecristo Open Eagle is widely available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. It is produced by General Cigar under the Montecristo brand and can be found at major tobacconists, specialty cigar shops, and authorized online vendors.
What is the price of Montecristo Open Eagle?
The price typically ranges from $12 to $16 per cigar, positioning it in the everyday or accessible tier. It is sold in boxes of 20.
Is Montecristo Open Eagle worth aging?
The Open Eagle is blended for immediate accessibility and consistent expression rather than extended cellaring. While it may mellow further with short-term rest, it is not designed to evolve significantly over years. It is best enjoyed within the first year or two of purchase.
What wrapper does Montecristo Open Eagle use?
The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf, graded as Colorado Claro. It presents a warm golden tan color, is silky with a subtle sheen, and exhibits minimal veining.
Where is Montecristo Open Eagle made?
The Montecristo Open Eagle is made in the Dominican Republic, specifically at General Cigar's La Romana facilities in Santiago. It is machine-bunched and hand-finished.