AshMap
Overview
The Montecristo Open Eagle is a study in deliberate softness—a cigar that understands its mission is not to astonish but to welcome. In a portfolio where the brand's classic No. 2 and Edmundo carry the weight of legacy, the Open series was always the olive branch extended to the uninitiated, and the Eagle is that gesture at its most generous. The 58-ring figurado is a bold format choice for a cigar that whispers rather than shouts, but it's precisely that paradox that defines the experience: a massive canvas painted in pastels. From the first cold draw, there's a promise of sweetness—hay and toasted almond, like the inside of a granary at harvest—that sets a tone of rustic comfort rather than refined complexity. This is not a cigar that demands your attention; it earns it through sheer consistency of voice.
Once lit, the narrative unfolds in gentle waves rather than sharp turns. The opening act is all about texture: a creamy mouthfeel that coats the palate like warm milk, layered over a soft cedar plank and a faint floral whisper from the Ecuadorian wrapper—think honeysuckle, not rosewater. The strength is so measured at this stage that it feels almost like a meditation on mildness, but there's a quiet confidence in the tobacco's composure. By the second third, the blend begins to show its Dominican soul. The cream recedes slightly, making room for dry-roasted cashew and hazelnut—the kind of nuttiness that comes from a pan, not a jar—while a white pepper tingle on the retrohale adds just enough friction to keep the experience from becoming soporific. A gentle earthiness, like freshly turned soil after a light rain, grounds the profile, while a thread of honey sweetness weaves through the cedar, preventing the earth from turning bitter.
The final third is where the Eagle shows its only real ambition: a modest crescendo. Toasted bread crust—the dark, caramelized edge of a sourdough loaf—takes center stage, supported by a light espresso note that never tips into tar or charcoal. The pepper persists but softens, like a memory of spice rather than the spice itself. The finish is medium-length, closing on a clean, slightly sweet cedar aftertaste that lingers just long enough to make you want another puff. Throughout, the large ring gauge performs its magic: the smoke stays cool, the transitions are blurred into a single, seamless stream, and even at its most intense, the cigar never threatens to overwhelm. It's a masterclass in controlled restraint—a cigar that knows exactly what it is and refuses to apologize for not being more. For the seasoned smoker, it may feel like a lullaby when you wanted a symphony, but for the right moment, it's precisely the right song.
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?
Meet Daniel, a 34-year-old marketing director who smoked his first cigar at a friend's wedding three years ago and has since explored a dozen different brands, always gravitating toward the milder end of the spectrum. He's not chasing nicotine highs or rare vintage releases; he's looking for a reliable companion for his Sunday afternoon ritual—a book on the patio, a glass of bourbon within reach, and no urgent emails. He's tried a Montecristo Classic before and found it a bit sharp; he wants something that feels familiar but smoother, more approachable. The Open Eagle is his gateway into the Montecristo family without the intimidation factor. It gives him a long, unhurried 70 minutes of creamy, nutty comfort that doesn't require him to analyze every puff. He'll smoke it while reading a biography, occasionally glancing at the ash to admire its firm, grey column, and he'll finish feeling satisfied—not challenged, not bored, just quietly content. This is his cigar for the days when he wants the ritual without the homework.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo Open Eagle is a beautifully executed exercise in accessibility—a large-format cigar that delivers creamy, nutty consistency without a single harsh note. It won't rewrite your palate's history, but it will reliably deliver a pleasant, unhurried hour whenever you need it. For what it sets out to be, it's nearly flawless.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Montecristo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecristo Open Eagle a strong cigar?
No, it's rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. Physically, you'll feel a mild, comfortable nicotine presence that builds very gradually—more like a gentle warmth in the chest than a head rush. It's noticeable enough to satisfy a regular smoker but won't overwhelm someone with a low tolerance.
What does Montecristo Open Eagle taste like?
The flavor progression moves from sweet hay, toasted almond, and light cream in the first third, to dry-roasted cashew and hazelnut with white pepper on the retrohale and a touch of honey sweetness in the second third. The final third introduces toasted bread crust, light espresso, and lingering cedar, finishing with a clean, slightly sweet wood note.
How long does Montecristo Open Eagle take to smoke?
Plan for 60 to 70 minutes of smoking time. The 6.0 x 58 figurado format—a torpedo shape with a wide ring gauge—burns slowly and evenly, and the large diameter keeps the smoke cool, which naturally slows your puffing pace.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo Open Eagle?
Aged Dominican rum like Barceló Imperial is the ideal match. The rum's soft vanilla and caramel notes mirror the cigar's creamy, honeyed sweetness, while its gentle warmth complements the nutty cashew and hazelnut flavors without overpowering the cigar's subtle cedar and floral undertones.
Is Montecristo Open Eagle good for beginners?
Yes, with a caveat. The Medium (3/5) strength and smooth, creamy profile make it very approachable for new smokers, and the large ring gauge cools the smoke, reducing harshness. However, at $12–$16 per cigar, it's a premium entry point—better suited for someone who's already decided they enjoy cigars and wants a quality, forgiving experience rather than a cheap experiment.
Where can I buy Montecristo Open Eagle?
You'll find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those with a dedicated premium cigar humidor. Online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Neptune Cigars typically carry it, and it's also available directly through General Cigar's website. Check for box deals (20-count) for the best per-stick price.
What is the price of Montecristo Open Eagle?
The retail price ranges from $12 to $16 per single cigar. A full box of 20 will typically run between $240 and $320, though online discounts and promotional sales can bring the per-stick cost down to around $10–$12.
Is Montecristo Open Eagle worth aging?
No, not really. The tobaccos are blended for accessible, consistent expression rather than extended cellaring, and the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper is already at its peak flavor profile. Aging it for more than a year or two will likely mute the delicate floral and cream notes without adding any desirable complexity. Smoke it fresh or within 12 months of purchase.
What wrapper does Montecristo Open Eagle use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which is grown in Ecuador from Connecticut seed stock. This wrapper is prized for its silky texture, golden-tan color, and mild, creamy character—it contributes the subtle floral notes and gentle sweetness that define the cigar's opening profile, while keeping the overall strength in check.
Where is Montecristo Open Eagle made?
It's made in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at General Cigar's La Romana facilities. The production process is machine-bunched and hand-finished, which means the filler and binder are mechanically assembled for consistency, but the wrapper is applied by hand—a method that keeps costs down while maintaining quality control across large production runs.