Montecristo cigars are some of the most iconic and highly-regarded cigars in the world. Known for their rich, complex flavors and impeccable construction, Montecristo cigars have been enjoyed by cigar enthusiasts for decades. In this article, we will explore the history of Montecristo cigars and their current production and offerings.
Launch of the Montecristo Brand Name
The Montecristo brand name was launched in 1935 by the H. Upmann cigar company. The famous novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas inspired the name. The brand quickly gained popularity and became one of the world’s most respected and sought-after cigar brands.
Created by Acquisition
In 1969, the Cuban government acquired the Montecristo brand and brought it under the control of the state-owned cigar company, Cubatabaco. This move was part of a more significant effort by the Cuban government to nationalize the country’s cigar industry.
Nationalisation of Montecristo
Under the control of Cubatabaco, the Montecristo brand continued to thrive. The company invested heavily in production facilities and quality control measures, which helped to ensure that every Montecristo cigar was of the highest quality.
Who Makes Montecristo and Where Are They Produced?
Montecristo cigars are produced by two companies, each with a different version of the cigar.
Cuban Brand
The original Montecristo brand is produced in Cuba by Habanos S.A., a state-owned cigar company. These cigars are made with tobacco grown in the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba, known for producing some of the finest tobacco in the world. Montecristo is the only Cuban brand with an “A” size cigar, which measures 9 1/4 inches long and has a ring gauge of 47.
Value of Old Cuban Montecristo Cigars
Collectors and cigar enthusiasts highly value old Cuban Montecristo cigars. Some of the most sought-after Montecristo cigars include the Montecristo No. 2, known for its rich, complex flavor, and the Montecristo 80th Anniversary cigar, released in 2015 to celebrate the brand’s 80th anniversary. A partially filled box of Montecristo cigars at a Christie’s auction sold for $284 per cigar.
Non-Cuban Brand
The non-Cuban version of the Montecristo brand is produced by the Altadis USA company based in the Dominican Republic. These cigars are made with a blend of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Peru and are known for their rich, complex flavors and impeccable construction.
Montecristo Classic
The Montecristo Classic is one of the most popular non-Cuban versions of the Montecristo brand. These cigars are made with a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco and are known for their smooth, creamy smoke and rich, complex flavors.
Montecristo Epic
The Montecristo Epic is a premium cigar made with a blend of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Peru. These cigars are known for their bold, complex flavor and impeccable construction.
Montecristo Nicaragua
The Montecristo Nicaragua is a Nicaraguan puro made with tobacco grown in the country’s Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa regions. These cigars are known for their rich, complex flavors and bold, spicy smoke.
Montecristo Platinum
The Montecristo Platinum is a premium cigar made with a blend of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Peru. These cigars are known for their bold, complex flavor and impeccable construction.
Montecristo Relentless
The Montecristo Relentless is a limited edition cigar made with a blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos. These cigars are known for their bold, complex flavors and rich, spicy smoke.
Montecristo White
The Montecristo White is a mild to medium-bodied cigar made with a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos. These cigars are known for their smooth, creamy smoke and rich, complex flavors.
Conclusion
Montecristo cigars are some of the most respected and sought-after cigars in the world. From its early beginnings in the 1930s to their current status as a global brand, Montecristo has remained committed to producing the highest-quality cigars possible. With a wide range of Cuban and non-Cuban versions of the brand, Montecristo has something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or just starting out, Montecristo has a cigar that is sure to satisfy.
