Montecristo
Cigars

The Historic Backstory of the Legendary Montecristo Cigar

Montecristo was created in Havana, Cuba, in 1935 during the country’s golden era for cigar culture. Montecristo Cigars was founded by the famous Alonzo Menendez and his business partner Jose “Pepin” Manuel Garcia after they purchased the legendary Particulares cigar factory in Havana, Cuba. Looking to create a new brand made at their newly purchased facility, Menendez and Garcia took inspiration from an unexpected source.

The workers at Particulares were especially fond of the 1845 novel The Count of Monte Cristo written by Alexandre Dumas. A story of hope, justice, and an ascent from rags to riches, Montecristo would serve as the perfect name for Menendez’s new brand. The famed cigar line would quickly become the symbol of outstanding quality, superior construction, and excellent craftsmanship. Every tobacco is carefully selected, aged, and blended with fanatical attention to detail.

When Altadis USA took over production of the Dominican lines, they didn’t change the formula. They kept the same commitment to using only the finest tobacco, the same traditional cigar-making techniques, and the same uncompromising standards that made Montecristo legendary in the first place.

Montecristo’s Growth in the Cigar Industry

Montecristo Cigars would go on to become an exceptionally popular brand throughout Cuba and the world with its flagship No. 2 size, allowing Menendez and Garcia to procure the H. Upmann factory just a few years after Montecristo’s founding. However, turmoil would strike it and the rest of the Cuban cigar industry in 1959 with the completion of Castro’s communist revolution.

Menendez fled Cuba in 1960 with his family, including his son Benjamin “Benji” Menendez. Benji, yearning to return to making cigars, began making the famous Montecruz brand during the 1960s. Montecruz caught on quick throughout the 1960s, spreading widely throughout the United States, but Menendez would not be satisfied until he could once again produce his beloved Montecristo brand. In 1972, Menendez won a landmark case that allowed him to use his family’s Montecristo trademark in the United States. This momentous decision not only allowed Menendez to use the Montecristo mark, but it also allowed any Cuban expat to use the cigar brands that were stolen from them by the Cuban government.

Popular Montecristo Cigars

When it comes to choosing a Montecristo cigar, it almost feels impossible to pick just one! From its mellower options to its bold experiences, you’re bound to find the “one.” Their lineup of legendary cigars is time-tested, top-rated, and tastebud approved by cigar aficionados around the world.

Montecristo Classic

First introduced in 1970, the Montecristo Classic was the first Dominican Montecristo to appear in the U.S market. The Classic retains the same old-world craftsmanship and character from its original Cuban counterpart, but this one comes with less of a bite. It’s the perfect introduction to Montecristo thanks to its tamer mellow-bodied strength. A classic in both name and spirit, their timeless refined style shines in this incredible series.

It’s made with the highest-grade Connecticut Shade wrapper covering only the finest Dominican binder and filler tobacco. It’s 91 rating from Cigar Aficionado is a testament as to why the Classic remains a legendary introduction to the world of Montecristo.

Montecristo White Series

Perhaps the most popular brand with aficionados of any palate preference is the Montecristo White Series. Since its release in 2007, this blend has had a constant presence in humidors across the country. Its blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan long fillers, Nicaraguan binder, and Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper deliver a rich medium-bodied medley of coffee, leather, baking spices, cocoa, and cream. It’s a refined profile with a touch more elegance. Also earning the prestigious 90-plus rating, the White Series is another incredible offering from this legendary brand.

Montecristo Platinum

To enjoy the smoothness and luxury of Montecristo with a bolder, richer profile, Montecristo Platinum Series cigars will be right at home in your collection. You can expect a medium-full bodied bevy of spices, earth, chocolate, leather, cream, and a sweet finish with each draw. The snazzy silver band is draped over a beautiful San Andres wrapper, Dominican binder, and Nicaraguan, Peruvian, and Dominican filler. When you set yet another new standard for handmade premium cigars, it’s easy to see why this series has become one of the best-rated Dominican-made lines in the industry.

Montecristo Nicaragua

For a modern expression of Montecristo with a Cuban twist, you are certain to enjoy the Montecristo Crafted by AJ Fernandez. Full-bodied notes of peppery spice, nuts, earth, and creamy tobacco sweetness will coat your palate in a symphony of flavor.

Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua

This blend was created to celebrate the brand’s 85th anniversary, designed by AJ Fernandez and Rafael Nodal as a tribute to the original 1935 Havana Montecristo. When these two all-star legends get together, they always deliver. This full Nicaraguan puro delivers notes of coffee, wood, earth, cinnamon, and the signature AJ Fernandez spice. This is a masterclass in cigar making and the proof is in the pudding. It’s earned its 97-rating and a spot as the #2 Cigar of 2024. If you want a smoking experience that operates at the highest level, this Nicaraguan punch is perfect for you.

Montecristo Cigar Sizes

Across their portfolio, Montecristo cigar sizes range from compact Coronas to elegant Churchills, giving you the choice between quick sessions and long evolving burns. Whatever you prefer, you’re in for a treat when you smoke any Montecristo.

With well over a dozen top-shelf blends, we put together this Monecristo buying guide to help you pick the Montecristo cigar right for you. But whichever blend from Montecristo Cigars you pick, make sure to place your order right here with JR Cigars.

Why Buy Montecristo at JR Cigars

Montecristo has the history, awarding panache, and prestige to make your first or your next smoking experience an amazing one. Their full portfolio of singles, samplers, and boxes are all available here. We keep them available and ready to ship fast.

Pick up your box of Montecristo cigars here at JR Cigars. Enjoy exclusive savings and deals when you order your box today.

Montecristo Cigars FAQ

Is Montecristo Cuban or Dominican?

Both exist. The original Montecristo was created in Cuba in 1935 and is still made there by Habanos S.A. for non-US markets. Because of the Cuban embargo, these are not sold in the United States. Montecristo cigars made in the Dominican Republic by Altadis USA are available for the US market and internationally.

How do I spot a fake Montecristo?

Check the band and the box. Authentic bands have a clear embossing, sharp print, and even spacing with two white dots separating the words Montecristo and Habana. The fleur-de-lis is also sketched on the boxes. The boxes include these specific seals and artwork that counterfeiters can’t replicate. Also, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Buying from a trusted retailer like JR Cigars is the safest way to avoid counterfeits.

Which Montecristo should I try first?

The Classic and White Series are the perfect “gateway” to the brand. Their mellower strength makes it more accessible while also allowing you to get caught in the spellbinding magic of a refined Montecristo cigar. You’ll not just taste but experience the alluring nuances of this near-picture perfect series. It also helps that they both carry 90 plus ratings from Cigar Aficionado and are adored by their long-time fans.

Is buying a box of Montecristo cigars worth it?

Montecristo is a prestigious brand. Every cigar is filtered with carefully cultivated and aged tobacco. The amazing construction, lip-smacking flavors, and the brand’s global reputation make it all worthwhile. Not every Montecristo is a luxury purchase. You can find affordable and approachable products and enjoy more savings when you buy Montecristo cigars for sale at JR Cigars.

Do Montecristo Cigars age well?

Absolutely. Especially fan favorites like the Classic, White, or even the 1935 Anniversary series. You’ll pick up more depth and complexity with age, rewarding you with an even deeper smoking experience if you set a few to the side.