Montecristo’s Monte – My “Go To” Cigar

Altadis is behind a number of well-known brands such as H Upman, Romeo y Julieta, Saint Luis Rey and Montecristo. However, Altadis is also the exclusive seller of luxury Cuban cigars worldwide handling Cohiba, Davidoff, Partagas and Hoyo de Monterrey. I have smoked all of them. This is a company that knows quality cigars and in 2013 I had the pleasure of reviewing the introduction of the reformulated Monte by Montecristo. Almost 2 years later, I am updating that review of the Monte.

The Monte is made in the Dominican Republic and comes in 3 sizes (the Conde 5.5 X 48, the Monte 6 X 60 and the Jacoba #2 6 1/8 X 54) . These cigars have an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a filler of aged Dominican tobaccos and a double binder of Dominican Olor and Nicaraguan Corojo. The extra binder provides more flavor and structural firmness. My favorite size is the 6 X 60.

The Monte begins with a moderately easy draw and a good volume of creamy, flavorful smoke. The initial flavor is spice and that will remain throughout. Shortly, leather and coffee flavors blend in and occasionally a hint of nuts but the basic flavor profile doesn’t vary. The burn line remained even and no relights were required. The ash was well formed and there isn’t any flaking of the wrapper.

I spent an hour and 40 minutes enjoying the medium to full bodied Monte, which retails for about $8.75 each if you purchase them by the box of 16. In my opinion the quality and overall experience justifies this price and I rate the Monte a 4.8 out of 5. Further, I am impressed with its consistency, as I have at least one of these a week. I like the Monte enough to make it a “go to” cigar in my humidor, for me and for guests whom I know appreciate good cigars.