Description
When Size Really Does Matter
Ever picked up a cigar and thought, “This thing could double as a baseball bat”? That was my first reaction to the Montecristo A. At a whopping 9.3 inches long with a 47 ring gauge, this isn’t just a cigar – it’s a commitment. I’m talking about a two-plus hour smoke session that demands your full attention and respect.
The Montecristo A sits at the top of the Montecristo lineup, literally and figuratively. While most aficionados gravitate toward the No. 2 or No. 4, this giant remains somewhat of a hidden gem. And honestly? I think that’s criminal. This cigar showcases everything that makes Cuban tobacco legendary, stretched out over a smoking experience that’s more marathon than sprint. If you’ve got the time and patience, what you’re holding is essentially a masterclass in Cuban cigar construction.
I’m going to walk you through what makes this beast special, why it deserves more love than it gets, and – most importantly – whether you should actually buy a box.
The Giant Among Legends
Montecristo needs no introduction. Since 1935, this brand has been synonymous with Cuban excellence. But the “A” vitola? That’s where things get interesting. This isn’t your everyday smoke – it’s what I call a “special occasion” cigar, though I’ve been known to fire one up on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I’ve got nothing but time and a good book.
What sets the Montecristo A apart from its siblings in the series isn’t just its imposing size. The length allows the smoke to cool considerably before it hits your palate, creating this incredibly smooth, refined experience. You’re getting all that classic Montecristo character – the earthy richness, the subtle spice, that unmistakable Cuban terroir – but with an elegance that the shorter vitolas can’t quite match. It’s like comparing a shot of espresso to a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Both great, completely different experiences.
This cigar is for the patient smoker. The experienced aficionado who understands that sometimes the journey matters more than the destination. If you’re the type who rushes through cigars or gets fidgety after 45 minutes, skip this one. But if you’re someone who appreciates the slow unfurling of complex flavors over time? Welcome home.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Gran Corona (A) |
| Length | 9.3 inches / 235 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 120-150 minutes |
The Smoking Journey – And Yes, It’s a Journey
Right off the bat, the cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming – dried fruit, maybe some cocoa, a touch of cedar. Not overwhelming, just… promising. That’s the thing about well-aged Montecristo cigars – they don’t scream at you. They whisper.
Light it up and the first third comes alive with classic Montecristo notes. I’m getting leather immediately, that beautiful barnyard earthiness that Cuban tobacco is famous for, and underneath it all, this subtle sweetness. Not candy-sweet – more like the sweetness of aged wood or dried grass. The spice is there too, playing on the back of your tongue, but it’s restrained. Elegant, even.
The construction? Flawless, at least in my experience. I’ve gone through maybe a dozen of these over the years – yeah, they’re not cheap, and I’m not made of money – but I’ve never had one give me trouble. The draw is perfect, not too tight, not too loose. Burns razor-straight if you’re paying attention. And the ash? Solid white-gray, holding on for a good two inches before you need to tap it. That’s quality tobacco right there.
Second third is where things get really interesting. The flavors deepen, become more complex. I start picking up coffee notes, sometimes a hint of almond or hazelnut. The earthiness is still the foundation, but now there’s more happening on top of it. This is also where the length of the cigar really pays off – the smoke is incredibly smooth, almost creamy in texture. No harshness whatsoever. If you retrohale here – and you should, at least once – you get this beautiful pepper spice that doesn’t burn, just tingles.
Final third… hmm, how do I put this. Some long cigars start to turn on you in the last stretch. They get bitter, hot, unpleasant. Not the Montecristo A. It stays composed all the way to the nub. Actually, the flavors intensify but remain balanced – more cocoa, deeper earth tones, that leather note becomes more prominent. I’ve smoked these down to where I’m practically burning my fingers because I don’t want the experience to end. Is that weird? Maybe. But it’s that good.
How It Stacks Up
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo A | Medium-Full | 120-150 min | Slow evening sessions, special occasions |
| Cohiba Esplendido | Medium-Full | 90-110 min | When you want luxury and have good time |
| Partagás Lusitania | Full | 90-120 min | Bold flavor seekers, after dinner |
What to Drink With This Monster
Real talk: pairing drinks with a two-hour cigar requires some planning. I’ve tried this with everything from coffee to cognac, and here’s what actually works.
My go-to? A good aged rum. I’m talking something like Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva. The sweetness complements the cigar’s natural sweetness without competing with it. The complexity of aged rum matches the complexity of the tobacco. It just works. If rum isn’t your thing – and hey, no judgment – then reach for a smooth bourbon. Something like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve. Not too aggressive, not too sweet, just balanced.
Coffee works beautifully with the first half, especially if you’re smoking this as a morning or early afternoon cigar. Cuban coffee if you can get it, but honestly, any strong espresso will do the job. The bitterness of the coffee actually brings out the sweeter notes in the tobacco.
Timing-wise, this is an evening cigar. Maybe a lazy weekend afternoon. But not when you’re rushed, not when you’ve got somewhere to be in an hour. This demands patience and presence. I like it best after a good meal, when I can settle into a comfortable chair and just exist for a couple hours.
Real Questions, Straight Answers
How long does a Montecristo A actually take to smoke?
Plan for at least two hours, maybe two and a half if you’re taking your time. I know the specs say 120-150 minutes, but I’ve had sessions go longer. This isn’t a cigar you rush. If you’ve only got an hour, grab a No. 4 from the shop instead.
Is the Montecristo A too strong for newer cigar smokers?
Not really, but it’s the length that’ll get you, not the strength. The A is medium to medium-full, which is actually pretty manageable. But sitting with a cigar for two-plus hours when you’re not used to it? That can be overwhelming. I’d say get comfortable with shorter Montecristos first, work your way up to this beast.
How should I store these in my humidor?
Same as any Cuban – 65-70% humidity, around 65-68°F. The only issue is the length. Make sure you’ve actually got room in your humidor before you buy a box. These don’t fit in every setup. I learned that the hard way and had to reorganize my entire collection to make space.
What’s the difference between the Montecristo A and other vitolas in the series?
Beyond size? The A is smoother, more refined, less intense than something like the No. 2. The length allows more cooling, which mellows everything out. You get the same basic flavor profile as other Montecristos but expressed more elegantly. Think of it as the sophisticated older sibling.
Are Montecristo A cigars available as singles or only in a box?
Depends on your shop. Most places will sell singles if you ask, though boxes are more common. I’d actually recommend buying one or two singles first to make sure you’re committed to the experience before dropping cash on a full box. These aren’t cheap, and if it turns out you don’t have the patience for a two-hour smoke, you’ll regret that purchase.
Can I smoke half now and save the other half for later?
Technically yes, practically no. I mean, you can relight it within an hour or two and it’ll be okay. But overnight? Forget it. The flavors go stale, it’ll taste like an ashtray. If you start one of these, commit to finishing it. That’s just part of the deal with the A vitola.
What makes Cuban wrapper tobacco special for this cigar?
The Vuelta Abajo wrapper on these isn’t just marketing talk. That region produces some of the finest wrapper leaves in the world – silky, flavorful, burns perfectly. You can feel the quality when you handle it. The wrapper contributes its own subtle flavors while letting the filler shine. It’s why Cuban cigars, when done right, have that je ne sais quoi that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
The Montecristo A isn’t for everyone, and it shouldn’t be. This is a specialist cigar for people who genuinely enjoy the ritual and meditation of a long smoke. If that’s you – if you’re the type who can sit for two hours with nothing but a cigar, a drink, and your thoughts – then this might become one of your favorites.
It’s everything great about Montecristo, stretched out and smoothed over into an experience that’s as much about the journey as the destination. Is it better than the No. 2? That’s like asking if a novel is better than a short story. Different formats, both can be brilliant.
Ready to commit to something special? Add a few to your collection and save them for moments that matter. This cigar deserves your full attention, and trust me, it rewards that attention generously.
