Description
A great example of what to expect from Montecristo as a brand. Medium in body, and with the signature black pepper note ever present, this cool, safe bet of a cigar can always be relied upon to deliver and satisfy. A little more cedar than earth at its core, and with a relatively light draw, this has always been a great go-to smoke.
Specs & Origins
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Brand & History: Montecristo is one of the iconic Cuban cigar brands, established in 1935. Montecristo No. 3 is part of its “numbered series” (original vitolas).
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Vitola / Format:
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Length: ~ 5 5/8 inches (142 mm)
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Ring Gauge: 42
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Shape: Corona (“Corona” vitola in Cuban terms)
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Origin / Tobacco: The Cuban version is entirely Cuban tobacco: filler, binder, wrapper all from Cuba. Particularly, much of the filler comes from the Vuelta Abajo region (considered top quality).
Flavor Profile & Smoking Experience
What many tasters report when smoking a Montecristo No. 3:
| Segment | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| First Third | Gentle start: sweet tobacco, honeyed or herbal notes; some cedar, light wood and a bit of subtle pepper or spice. Not very strong off the start. |
| Middle | More complexity arises: cocoa, espresso‑type bitterness, wood, nutty tones; some floral hints; the spice picks up slightly. |
| Last Third | Strength may inch up; more wood, leather, pepper, sometimes a dry earthiness; the sweetness retreats somewhat; finish is often roasted or toasty with lingering cocoa / coffee tones. |
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Strength: Medium to medium‑full. It doesn’t hit extremely high strength, but it has presence. Cuban Montecristo’s tend to be balanced rather than aggressive.
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Burn & Draw: Generally well‑constructed; many reviewers note an even burn and good draw. Minor variability is possible (some cigars may burn slightly uneven depending on storage / humidity).
Strengths
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Balance & Complexity: It offers a lot of flavour shifts without being overwhelming; sweet + wood + spice + herbal + leather. Good progression.
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Heritage & Reputation: Because of its Cuban origin and classic status among Montecristo’s numbered series, it carries prestige and is often used as a benchmark by cigar aficionados.
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Great for Pairing: Works nicely with stronger drinks (whisky, aged rum, etc.) since its medium to medium‑full strength holds up without overpowering.
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Satisfying Smoke Time: For its size it gives a decent session (often 45‑60 minutes or more, depending on your tempo).
Weaknesses / What Some Don’t Prefer
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Price & Availability: Genuine Cuban Montecristo No. 3 can be hard to find (especially outside Cuba) and expensive. If you find cheap, verify authenticity. Counterfeits / misbranded cigars are a known issue.
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Sun Sensitivity / Storage Needs: Like many premium Cuban cigars, they benefit from good humidor conditions. If poorly stored, they can lose flavour or burn poorly.
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Finish Gusts: Toward the end some find increased harshness / dryness (oak, pepper, or bitter coffee) especially if the cigar is pushed too far or smoked too fast.
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Strength not maximal: If you prefer very, very strong cigars or very heavy pepper or deep, dark smoky leather, this might feel a bit subtle in comparison to those extremes.
Is It a Good Choice for You?
If you enjoy cigars and have tried some others, Montecristo No. 3 is likely a very good “standard” smoke. It’s not ultra‑bold, but gives nuanced flavour and an enjoyable, evolving experience. Based on your interest in many high‑flavor whiskies and bold flavours, this cigar could pair nicely with such drinks (e.g. Scottish malts, bourbons etc.), letting both the whiskey and cigar show, without one overwhelming the other.
Reviews
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