Montecristo is one of the biggest names in the cigar world.
It’s a brand that traces its origins back to Cuba in 1935. Both the Cuban version and the Dominican version are renowned today for balance, consistency, and a tried-and-true approach to older-style cigar making. As Mr Cigar Shop puts it, ‘A classic brand of all times since 1935! A cigar which follows the Cuban tradition.
When you put it into this context, Montecristo Classic cigars were made to be the most traditional expression in the Dominican portfolio. This is not the strongest or boldest blend in the Montecristo Dominican lineup. Instead, it has been crafted to offer a traditional, accessible, consistent profile while still delivering the Montecristo experience you’ve come to know.
Blend and Origin
Handcrafted at the famous Tabacalera de García factory in the Dominican Republic, Montecristo Classic Series is composed of an all-Dominican filler and binder, which is then draped in a beautiful Connecticut Shade wrapper grown in the US.
The reason for this is simple: Dominican tobaccos are revered for their smooth, balanced flavors, while the Connecticut wrapper can offer us all those creamy notes and a touch of spice. The Classic Series isn’t supposed to blow you away with strength—it’s meant to provide a mellow to medium-bodied experience worth contemplating.
Appearance and Construction
To the eye, the Montecristo Classic Series is textbook Connecticut Shade. The wrapper is a light tan, showing a little oil sheen, very few veins, and the triple cap is symmetrical.
The construction is top-notch on each stick—the cigar is rolled tight with no noticeable soft areas or inconsistencies. As soon as you hold one, you can tell that some TLC was given to the construction of this cigar. The standard Montecristo gold and brown brand is simple but classy, complementing the air of luxury.
Cold Draw and First Impressions
There are hay, cream, and cedar notes on the cold draw—a fairly mellow first impression that still speaks well for the cigar being balanced. First puffs confirm that initial hope.
The smoke is smooth and creamy, along with notes of toasted nuts, light cedar, and a white pepper spice on the retrohale. It is mild, but with enough flavor depth to keep things interesting.
Try the Classic Series on a morning walk with your dog, coffee on the porch/backyard cigar, and experiences like magic.
The Middle Third: Building Complexity
As you enter the middle third, the cigar begins to land more subtle notes. Here, the cedar is more pronounced, but importantly, doesn’t overpower the overriding creaminess that defines this blend.
You’ll also begin to detect background spice, primarily nutmeg and a touch of cinnamon, along with a slight hint of citrus that imparts a little zip. The body builds slightly closer to the middle, and the retrohale has a touch more bite, but never becomes harsh.
Final Third: Richer and More Grounded
The final third of the Montecristo Classic also serves to deepen the flavor profile. There’s an overall increase in intensity, and the flavors here are richer and more grounded. The wood and earth notes, in particular, are much more defined and are joined by a freshly brewed cup of black coffee, becoming more balanced as a result. There’s still a bit of bitterness and spice, but again, they’re inextricably linked to the experience at hand and are far from a detractor.
Strength hasn’t reached bold yet, but you’ll be with it where it lands. The creaminess only works harder, and the smoke finishes on a high note.
Burn, Draw, and Ash Performance
With the exception of large transitions, the burn is largely straight and does not require touch-ups, even at a slow consuming rate.
Draw resistance is near perfect—firm enough to avoid overheating but easy enough to deliver thick, aromatic smoke. Thick, billowy, and aromatic smoke production is accompanied as well. Ash is relatively tight, and at almost an inch or more will come off with a tap.
Comparing the Classic to Other Montecristo Lines
Let’s look at how the Classic Series fits in with the rest of Montecristo’s Dominican output.
The Montecristo White uses a Connecticut Shade wrapper, too, but this cigar is even creamier and milder overall, with less spice and complexity. It would be best as a beginner cigar through and through.
The Montecristo Platinum, on the other hand, uses an Ecuadorian wrapper with Nicaraguan fillers. Expect to taste more spice and a full-bodied profile in general. Definitely more for those interested in some power in their smoke.
We’re somewhere in between with the Classic Series. It’s more bold and rich than the White but not quite as intense as the Platinum.
Where to Buy
For those ready to add the Montecristo Classic to their humidor, you can find the full range of Montecristo Classic cigars at Mr Cigar Shop.
This online retailer is a reliable source for premium brands, accessories, and competitive pricing. If you’re looking to expand your entire collection, check out their broaderselection for other well-regarded brands.
Verdict: A Veteran’s Smoke (In a Good Way)
The Montecristo Classic Series exists as advertised. An elegant, mild to medium-bodied Dominican stick that thrives on subtlety, balance, and quality construction.
Great for the lighter side of medium stick fans with experience looking for something out of a Connecticut Shade, or vets looking for the next edition of a longstanding morning or daily stick.
If you’re looking for a near classic continuation of a storied brand that isn’t going to break the bank or face you down in terms of body, the Classic series is an excellent choice and most certainly a solid attempt.