Description
A Commemorative Masterpiece That Actually Lives Up to the Hype
I’ve smoked a lot of anniversary releases over the years. Some deserve the fanfare. Most don’t. But when Montecristo unveiled their 80th Anniversary release in 2015, celebrating eight decades since the brand’s founding in 1935, I’ll be honest – I had high expectations. And you know what? This cigar didn’t just meet them. It exceeded them in ways I didn’t anticipate.
The Montecristo 80th Anniversary wasn’t just thrown together with a fancy band and premium packaging. This is a limited edition release that Habanos put real thought into, blending tobacco specifically selected from Vuelta Abajo to create something that honors the brand’s legacy while standing on its own merits. If you’re wondering whether this commemorative cigar is worth hunting down – and they’re getting harder to find by the day – I’m going to walk you through exactly what makes this smoke special, from the first light to the final inch.
What Makes This Cuban Stand Apart
Montecristo has been the benchmark for Cuban cigars since before most of us were born. The brand started in 1935 at the H. Upmann factory, and yeah, it took its name from the Dumas novel – the factory workers used to have someone read to them while they rolled, and “The Count of Monte Cristo” was apparently a favorite. I love that detail.
The 80th Anniversary vitola isn’t trying to reinvent what Montecristo does best. Instead, it’s a refinement. Think of it as the master blender taking everything they’ve learned over eight decades and putting it into one cigar. The format is a Salomones – that’s the traditional double-figurado shape that requires serious skill to roll properly. We’re talking about a cigar that measures in at 7.6 inches (194mm) with a 57 ring gauge at its thickest point. This isn’t a quick smoke by any measure.
Who’s this cigar for? If you’re new to Cubans, maybe start somewhere else. This is for the smoker who already knows what they like about Montecristo and wants to experience the brand at its peak. It’s for special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, that promotion you’ve been chasing. Or honestly, just a Saturday afternoon when you’ve got two hours to kill and want to treat yourself properly.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Salomones (Double Figurado) |
| Length | 7.6 inches / 194 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 57 (at widest point) |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 120-150 minutes |
The Experience From Start to Finish
Right off the bat, the construction is what you’d expect from a limited release like this. The wrapper has that classic Montecristo sheen – not too oily, not too dry. It’s got a slight give when you squeeze it, which is exactly what you want. The pre-light draw gives you hints of barnyard and hay, with this subtle sweetness underneath that made me think of honey on toast. I know that sounds weird, but that’s what came to mind.
Once you light it – and take your time with the foot on a Salomones, by the way – the first third opens with classic Montecristo DNA. Cedar and cream dominate, but there’s this complexity building underneath. I picked up white pepper on the retrohale, not aggressive but definitely present. The construction stayed perfect through this section, producing thick white smoke that just hung in the air. The ash held on for a solid inch and a half before I tapped it off, which tells you the tobacco was rolled just right.
The second third is where things got interesting for me. That sweetness I mentioned on the cold draw? It developed into something richer – leather notes mixed with cocoa, and this earthy quality that reminded me of walking through tobacco fields in Pinar del Río. Actually, scratch that – it wasn’t just earth. There was coffee in there too, espresso specifically, not the watered-down stuff. The strength picked up here, transitioning from medium to what I’d call medium-full. Not a powerhouse that’s going to knock you over, but substantial enough that you know you’re smoking a serious cigar.
The final third – and this is where anniversary cigars sometimes fall apart, getting harsh or bitter – maintained its composure beautifully. The flavors concentrated without becoming overwhelming. More dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and that cedar note came back around like it was reminding you where this journey started. I smoked it down until my fingers got warm, which I rarely do. The burn line stayed razor-sharp right to the end, never requiring a touch-up. That’s the kind of construction quality you get when the torcedores know they’re rolling something special.
How Does It Compare to Other Premium Cubans?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo 80th Anniversary | Medium to Medium-Full | 120-150 minutes | Special occasions, experienced smokers |
| Cohiba Behike 56 | Medium-Full | 90-120 minutes | Ultimate luxury smoke, collectors |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 50-70 minutes | Bold flavor lovers, shorter sessions |
Comparing it to the Behike – yeah, I went there – the Montecristo holds its own surprisingly well. The Behike has that medio tiempo leaf that gives it a unique character, but the 80th Anniversary has better balance in my opinion. And it’s significantly more approachable if you can even find them these days. The Partagás I included because it’s also a Montecristo alternative, but it’s a completely different experience – shorter, bolder, more in-your-face.
What to Drink With This Masterpiece
You didn’t invest in a Montecristo 80th Anniversary to pair it with a light beer. Just… no. This cigar deserves thoughtful accompaniment.
My go-to pairing? A good aged rum. Specifically, something like Havana Club 15 Year or Zacapa 23. The caramel and vanilla notes in quality rum complement that cocoa and cream profile beautifully without competing for attention. If rum isn’t your thing, reach for a cognac – VSOP minimum, XO if you’re feeling generous. Rémy Martin or Hennessy work perfectly here.
Coffee drinkers – and I count myself among you – a Cuban espresso or a strong cortadito alongside this cigar is genuinely one of life’s great pleasures. The coffee’s bitterness plays off the cigar’s sweetness in a way that makes both better. Time of day matters though. This is an afternoon or evening smoke. Too much going on for breakfast, unless you’re the kind of person who starts their day with a ribeye steak. No judgment if you are.
Occasion-wise? I’ve smoked these at weddings, after closing a business deal, and once on my back porch when my daughter got accepted to her first-choice college. Save it for moments you’ll remember.
Where can I buy the Montecristo 80th Anniversary since it’s a limited release?
Your best bet is checking with authorized La Casa del Habano (LCDH) retailers who may still have remaining stock from the original release. These cigars were produced in limited quantities back in 2015, so availability has become increasingly scarce. Some specialty Cuban cigar retailers maintain inventory of aged boxes, though you’ll need to search specifically for “Montecristo 80 Aniversario” to find legitimate sources.
How should I store this cigar given its size and premium status?
The Salomones format needs careful storage – keep it at 65-70% humidity and around 65-70°F. Because of its size and the figurado shape, make sure it’s not getting compressed by other cigars in your humidor. I actually keep my special releases in their original boxes when possible, as the cedar helps with aging. If you’re planning to smoke it soon, two weeks of rest after purchase is minimum. Six months is even better if you’ve got the patience.
Is the 80th Anniversary stronger than a regular Montecristo No. 2?
It’s a bit more complex than just stronger or weaker. The 80th starts around the same medium body as a No. 2 but develops more depth and transitions to medium-full by the second third. The blend was specifically chosen to showcase complexity over power, so you’re getting more flavor evolution than you would from the standard Montecristo lineup. If you handle a No. 2 well, you’ll have no issues with this one.
What makes this different from other Montecristo anniversary releases?
Good question, because Habanos has done several anniversary editions. The 80th Anniversary is unique because of its Salomones vitola – that double-figurado shape isn’t common in the Montecristo range. The tobacco selection was also specifically curated for this release, using premium Vuelta Abajo leaves that were aged longer than standard production. It’s not just a regular Montecristo with a fancy band, which honestly some anniversary releases feel like.
How long can I age these cigars before smoking them?
They’re smoking beautifully right now – we’re talking about cigars that are already several years old if you’re buying from remaining stock. That said, Cuban cigars generally benefit from aging, and the 80th Anniversary has the blend complexity to evolve nicely over time. I’d say they’re in their prime window now through the next 5-7 years. Beyond that, they’ll mellow considerably, which some smokers prefer and others don’t. Depends on whether you like that aged, musty complexity or prefer more vibrant flavors.
Can newer cigar smokers enjoy this, or is it only for experienced aficionados?
I’m probably biased here, but I’d recommend building up to this one. It’s not that it’s too strong – plenty of cigars pack more punch. But the subtlety and complexity might be lost on someone still developing their palate. It’s like appreciating a 20-year-old scotch when you’re just getting into whiskey – you might enjoy it, but you might not fully appreciate what you’re experiencing. Start with a Montecristo No. 4 or Edmundo, get familiar with the brand’s character, then graduate to this. You’ll appreciate it more that way.
What’s the best way to cut a Salomones for optimal draw?
The tapered head on a Salomones needs a careful cut – don’t just guillotine it like you would a parejo. I use a straight cut about a quarter-inch from the tip, which opens it up enough for a good draw without cutting too much and compromising the cap. Some guys prefer a V-cut or punch on figurados, but I’ve found a straight cut works best here. Just go slow and don’t get overzealous. You can always cut more if the draw is too tight, but you can’t put tobacco back on.
The Bottom Line on This Cuban Legend
The Montecristo 80th Anniversary represents what limited editions should be – not just marketing hype, but a genuine effort to create something memorable. After smoking several of these over the past few years, I can say they’ve earned their reputation among serious collectors and aficionados. The Salomones format showcases the blend perfectly, the construction is flawless, and the flavor journey from start to finish keeps you engaged for the full two-plus hours.
If you find a box or even a few singles from a reputable source, grab them. These cigars aren’t getting more common, and prices for remaining stock aren’t getting lower. Whether you smoke them now or tuck them away for a few more years of aging, you’re investing in a piece of Montecristo history that genuinely delivers on its commemorative promise. That’s rarer than you might think in the world of anniversary releases.
