The famous Montecristo brand

Montecristo cigars, the most famous of the many famous Havana brands started only in 1935 as a new brand from Menendez, Garcia y Cia., then the owners of the H. Upmann brand. The name is reported to have been inspired by Alexandre Dumas' 1844 novel Le Comte de Monte Cristo. With a strong marketing effort from Alfred Dunhill of London, Montecristo Cigars became the most popular of all Havana exports. There are no machine-made shapes in this range and the strength is medium; in fact, it has become the standard by which all other Havanas are now judged.

History

Distributed widely throughout the world and sold originally by Dunhill New York, the Montecristo brand cigar currently accounts for almost 50% of all Cuban cigars exported each year, making the Montecristo the most popular Havana cigar in the world. The Montecristo was originally branded in 1935 under the name “the H. Upmann Montecristo Selection”.When appointed the British distribution agent, the John Hunter firm shortened the brand’s name to Montecristo. The John Hunter firm also redesigned the brand’s logo to its distinctive red and yellow box with the triangular crossed swords.These delicious, full-flavored cigars are highly recognizable to the pallate due to their unique tobacco blend, and their highly distinctive flavor. The Montecristo brand is also highly popular as the result of it’s exeptionally consistent quality.


The most important cigar model of montecristo:
The Montecristo No.4 Reserva 2007 pays tribute to the Montecristo No. 4; the worlds most popular Havana cigar. Since its launch in 1935 the Cubans have produced the unfathomable amount of over one billion Montecristo No.4 cigars - more than 7500 tons of first class tobacco. Manufactured with tobacco leaves specially selected and carefully aged for three years gives the Montecristo No.4 Reserva 2007 a unique quality which sets them apart from other Montecristo releases. These cigars come packaged in luxury black lacquered cases and are a special release of only 5000 numbered boxes. The 20 double banded cigars look regal in both the Montecristo and Reserva specific ring bands.

This new release from Montecristo is the little brother of the reknown Montecristo Edmundo. The Montecristo Petit Edmundo measures 110mm in length with a ring gauge of 52. The Petit Edmundo is classified as a petit robusto and measures exactly an inch shorter than the Montecristo Edmundo. Hoyo de Monterrey released the Petit Robusto in 2004 which was the first release of this size. This vitola is consistent with the current trend of thicker gauged and shorter Cuban cigars. The concept being a full, complex smoking experience in a shorter amount of time. It guess that’s the way of the world! Partnering the Petit Edmundo for the review was the equally creamy Kilkenny Irish Ale.

In 2003 Habanos S.A. released the Combinacciones Selección Robustos 5s case. This case contains five robustos of the most well known Habanos brands including Montecristo, Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, Hoyo de Monterrey and Partagas.Montecristo RobustosThe Romeo y Julieta and Montecristo robustos are only available in the Selección Robusto case and are not included as a standard offering. The Selección Robusto case is totally handmade with specially selected leaves from the region of Vuelta Abajo. The robusto vitola (124mm x 50 ring gauge) has been one of the most popular sizes released from Habanos and for the review we’ll look a little closer at the Montecristo Robustos.
Montecristo is by far the most popular Havana brand. With their characteristic Colorado Claro, slightly oily wrappers and delicate aroma this wide range of cigars offers a medium to full flavour spiked with a unique, tangy taste. Whilst the No 2 Torpedo size has many devotees the No 4 Petit Corona is still the largest selling havana cigar by size worldwide.In 2004 the launch of Robusto size "Edmundo" marks the first new cigar in the Montecristo range for 33 years. Rolled in the new H.Upmann factory in Havana the cigar is milder than expected with an excellent draw and very attractive price. Certain to establish itself as a favourite among those who enjoy this brand. See our News section for details of the launch of this new Cigar.
In 2005 we have received the Montecristo "D" - a Limited Edition Lonsdale or 8-9-8 size in unique 3-4-3 packaging containing just 10 cigars. A perfect gift for the Montecristo fan.
In 2006 after five successful releases of Limited Editions (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005), Habanos SA has decided decided this year to repeat one of the most popular vitola in the past Montecristo Robusto. The specially aged, dark wrappers for this year's release are from 2003 crop and each size is offered in a distinctly different presentation from its predecessor.
In 2007 a New Baby has been born Petit Edmundo, a small, fat cigar to appeal to those who require a short but involving smoke.