Description
The humid evening air in Havana’s Hotel Nacional lounge carried the weight of celebration and legacy. I’d been nursing a neat Havana Club 15 when the sommelier approached my table with a wooden box that gleamed under the amber lighting, its lacquered surface reflecting decades of tobacco mastery. What lay inside would prove to be one of the most significant releases in Cuban cigar history – the Montecristo 80th Anniversary, a limited edition that pays tribute to eight decades of excellence from Cuba’s most historic brand.
A Flavor Journey Through Three Distinct Acts
The flavor profile of this Maravillas No. 2 vitola unfolds like a carefully orchestrated symphony, and honestly, it’s one of the most complex progressions I’ve experienced in a Cuban cigar.
Opening Third: Elegant Complexity
From the cold draw, I immediately noticed an intriguing tartness that sets this release apart from standard Montecristo cigars. The initial puffs deliver earthy notes that ground the experience, followed by unexpected bursts of sweet candy and warm cinnamon. There’s a subtle saltiness that dances on the palate, complemented by bright lemon undertones and delicate florals. It’s medium-bodied at this stage – approachable but with clear indications of the power to come.
Middle Third: Building Intensity
This is where the Vuelta Abajo tobaccos really begin to shine. The flavor profile shifts dramatically into woody territory, with rich malt and robust coffee notes taking center stage. I’ve found that around the halfway point, vanilla bean sweetness emerges alongside building spice and deeper earthiness. The caramel and milky chocolate notes create a luxurious mouthfeel that keeps you reaching for more. The body ramps up significantly here – what started as medium is clearly moving toward full strength.
Final Third: Bold and Gratifying
The conclusion delivers everything you’d hope for in an anniversary release. Pepper becomes the dominant force, but it’s balanced by sophisticated crème brûlée sweetness that prevents the experience from becoming overwhelming. The bold spice delivers a gratifying finish while maintaining the elegant character that defines Habanos at their best. Even at full intensity, it never loses its refined Cuban character.
Construction and Appearance
The construction quality on this limited edition is simply pristine. The wrapper, made entirely from carefully selected Cuban tobacco, displays the oily sheen and minimal veins you’d expect from a premium Habanos release. The roll is perfectly uniform throughout its 6½-inch length, with a firm but not hard feel that suggests excellent aging and preparation.
What really catches the eye is the striking gold cigar band that honors the past while celebrating this milestone. The attention to detail extends to the lacquer-finished wooden box of 20, which serves as an instant collectable piece. The craftsmanship reflects the measurements and precision that Habanos is known for – this is a well-made cigar from one of Cuba’s most respected factories.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 165mm (6½ inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 55 |
| Vitola | Maravillas No. 2 (Double Edmundo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 100-120+ minutes |
| Production | 30,000 boxes worldwide (2016 release) |
| Weight | 17.38 grams |
Who This Cigar Is For
In my experience, the Montecristo 80 Aniversario isn’t for beginners. This is a cigar that demands respect and experience to fully appreciate its complexity. I’d recommend it for intermediate to advanced smokers who have developed their palate and can handle the progression from medium to full body.
It’s perfect for special occasions – anniversaries, celebrations, or those moments when you want to mark something significant. The 2+ hour smoking time means you’ll need to carve out a substantial evening, making it ideal for those long conversations or quiet contemplation sessions.
Given its limited production and collectible status, it also appeals to serious collectors and Cuban cigar enthusiasts who appreciate the historical significance of major anniversary releases. If you’re someone who values the artistry and tradition of Cuban tobacco, this release represents everything that makes Habanos special.
Perfect Pairings
The complexity and strength of this cigar call for equally sophisticated beverage pairings. Here’s what I’ve found works best:
Whiskey and Scotch
A single malt Scotch is my go-to pairing. Something like a Macallan 18 or Glenfiddich 21 provides the complexity and smoothness that complements rather than competes with the cigar’s evolving flavors. The vanilla and spice notes in aged Scotch create beautiful harmony with the middle third’s profile.
Port and Fortified Wines
For wine lovers, a vintage Port is exceptional with this cigar. The sweetness balances the pepper in the final third, while the wine’s complexity matches the cigar’s sophistication. I’ve also enjoyed it with aged rum – specifically Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 or Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo.
Coffee
If you’re smoking this during the day, a rich Cuban coffee or high-quality espresso works beautifully with the middle third’s coffee and chocolate notes. The caffeine also helps you stay alert during the lengthy smoking session.
Storage and Aging
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining this cigar’s exceptional qualities. I keep mine at exactly 70% relative humidity and 70°F (21°C) in a quality humidor. The Vuelta Abajo tobaccos in this blend benefit from consistent conditions.
Given that this was released in 2016, many boxes have had several years to marry and develop. I’ve found that cigars from this release continue to improve with age, developing even more complexity and smoothness. If you’re lucky enough to have multiple boxes, consider aging some for 5-10 years – the results should be spectacular.
The wooden presentation boxes are not just for show – they help protect the cigars during long-term aging. Make sure to set up your humidor properly to preserve these valuable cigars.
Cutting and Lighting
With a 55 ring gauge, this cigar requires a precise cut to ensure proper draw. I prefer using a high-quality guillotine cutter, taking off just enough of the cap to create a clean opening without unraveling the wrapper.
For lighting, take your time. The size and density of this cigar mean rushing the light will result in uneven burn and diminished flavors. Use a butane torch or cedar spills, rotating the cigar slowly to achieve an even char across the entire foot. Don’t rush into smoking – let the cigar rest for 30-60 seconds after lighting to ensure even combustion.
Proper smoking technique is especially important with a cigar of this caliber. Take slow, measured draws to avoid overheating, which can cause bitterness and mask the subtle flavor transitions.
Authenticity and What to Look For
Given the collectible status and limited production of only 30,000 boxes worldwide, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting authentic Montecristo 80 Aniversario cigars:
The authentic bands feature precise gold coloring and sharp printing. The lacquered wooden box should feel substantial and display perfect finishing. Look for proper Habanos holograms, serial numbers, and Cuban factory codes on the packaging.
Purchase only from authorized dealers like La Casa del Habano or reputable Cuban cigar specialists. The Vuelta Abajo region’s unique terroir contributes to authentic Cuban tobacco’s distinctive aroma – if the wrapper lacks that mesmerizing Cuban tobacco scent, be suspicious.
Authentic examples show perfect construction with even burn characteristics. Fakes often display poor rolling, uneven wrapper seams, or inferior tobacco that burns inconsistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a Montecristo 80 Aniversario?
Given the limited production and collectible status, expect to pay premium prices. Individual cigars typically range from $80-150+ depending on age and seller, with full boxes commanding significantly higher prices. Prices have increased since the 2016 release due to scarcity.
How does this compare to regular Montecristo cigars?
The 80th Anniversary is significantly more complex and full-bodied than standard Montecristo offerings like the No. 2 or No. 4. It features specially selected tobaccos and longer aging, resulting in a more sophisticated flavor profile that progresses dramatically from start to finish.
Is this cigar still available?
As a limited edition with only 30,000 boxes produced, availability is extremely limited. Most authorized dealers sold out years ago, so you’ll need to search specialty retailers, auction sites, or private collectors. Expect to pay collector prices for remaining stock.
How long can I age this cigar?
Cuban cigars can age beautifully for decades when properly stored. The 80th Anniversary should continue improving for 10-20+ years, developing even greater complexity and smoothness. The robust construction and quality tobaccos make it an excellent candidate for long-term aging.
What makes this different from other anniversary releases?
The Montecristo 80 Aniversario uses the unique Maravillas No. 2 vitola (Double Edmundo size) which wasn’t commonly used in the regular Montecristo line at the time. The tobacco selection, extended aging, and special presentation make it distinctly different from both regular production and other limited releases.
