Montecristo Brillantes Year of the Dragon 2024

Name: Montecristo Brillantes Year of the Dragon 2024
Brand: Montecristo
SKU: DC-11772
Price: 2655 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.5 (2 reviews)

Ring Gauge: 52|Length: 135 mm (5 1/4")

2 Reviews

Product Presentation: Box of 18

$2655.00

Availability:In Stock

First Third:

The opening sets a refined tone with a smooth draw, presenting an initial burst of toasted nuts and warm cedar. The smoke is creamy and voluminous, with a subtle sweetness that coats the palate, reminiscent of dried apricots. It is an inviting start that immediately showcases the quality of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco.

Mid-Section:

As the burn progresses, the cigar gains in body and complexity. The medium-bodied profile deepens with the introduction of espresso bean and dark chocolate notes. A distinct floral undertone emerges, a signature characteristic of Montecristo, balanced perfectly by a warming spice of cinnamon and black pepper on the retro-hale.

Final Third:

The finale is robust and satisfying, ramping up slightly in strength without becoming harsh. Earthy leather and roasted coffee dominate the finish, leaving a lingering, spicy resonance on the tongue. The construction remains impeccable from start to finish, requiring zero touch-ups, a testament to the expert rolling.

Feature	Details
Primary	Cedar, Toasted Nuts, Espresso
Secondary	Dark Chocolate, Dried Fruit, Floral Hints
Finish	Leather, Black Pepper, Warm Spice

Founded in 1935, Montecristo has risen to become the most recognized and beloved Cuban cigar brand in the world. Named after Alexandre Dumas' famous novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' which was a favorite among the torcedores (cigar rollers) at the factory, the brand built its reputation on consistency and balance. The classic Montecristo No. 4 is the world's best-selling cigar, but it is the brand's limited editions, like the Brillantes, that showcase their capacity for innovation and luxury. The Year of the Dragon release continues a tradition of creating bespoke cigars for the Asian market, a practice that has yielded some of the most collectible modern Habanos.

Rum: A premium aged rum, such as Havana Club Selección de Maestros, complements the cigar’s natural sweetness and vanilla notes, enhancing the smoothness of the first third.

Coffee: A dark roast Cuban espresso or a single-origin bean with chocolate undertones will amplify the mocha and earthy flavors found in the final third.

Cognac: A glass of Rémy Martin XO offers a rich, velvety texture that stands up to the cigar's medium-full strength, with dried fruit notes mirroring the subtle complexities of the blend.

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Product Description

The Montecristo Brillantes Year of the Dragon 2024 is a highly anticipated limited edition release, crafted to commemorate the Lunar New Year with the prestige and elegance synonymous with the Montecristo brand. Encased in an exquisite red and gold lacquered box containing 18 cigars, this release is strictly limited, making it a sought-after treasure for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The presentation is nothing short of spectacular, reflecting the power and luck associated with the Dragon in Chinese culture. It serves as a statement piece for any humidor and a distinguished gift for significant occasions.

This release introduces the exclusive 'Venerables' vitola, a unique format measuring 135 mm (5 1/4") by 52 ring gauge. This dimension offers a substantial smoking time, striking a perfect balance between the classic robusto thickness and the elegance of a longer churchill. The construction is flawless, characteristic of the finest Cuban craftsmanship from the H. Upmann Factory. The wrapper is selected from the premium Vuelta Abajo region, boasting a silky texture and minimal veins, ensuring a consistent burn and effortless draw throughout the experience.

Designed for the seasoned aficionado who appreciates rarity and complexity, the Brillantes stands out as a testament to Montecristo's ability to blend tradition with celebration. While the brand is known for its iconic numbered series, this special edition diverges with distinct branding and a curated blend intended to age gracefully. Whether purchased as a single cigar for a momentous celebration or as a full box for long-term cellaring, the Year of the Dragon 2024 represents a pinnacle moment in modern Cuban cigar production.

More Information

Brand	Montecristo
Ring Gauge	52
Length	135 mm (5 1/4")
Strength	Medium to Full
Size	Venerables
Vitola	Venerables
Primary	Cedar, Toasted Nuts, Espresso
Secondary	Dark Chocolate, Dried Fruit, Floral Hints
Finish	Leather, Black Pepper, Warm Spice

Customer Reviews

3.5

2 reviews

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Paul M.Verified PurchaseNovember 1, 2025

Limited Edition Looks Better Than It Smokes

Smoked these through February hoping they'd settle into a reliable rotation spot, but the construction's been hit-or-miss despite the 52 ring gauge. Box-to-box consistency is lacking for something carrying the Montecristo name at this price point. The draw tightens up past the midpoint, and while the medium-full profile delivers cocoa and cedar, it lacks the depth expected from a special release. When weighing Montecristo vs Partagas for daily smoking, the Partagas Serie E No. 2 simply offers better burn reliability and richer flavor at a comparable cost. These Brillantes work in a pinch, but for a daily driver, stick with the tried-and-true.

Marcus R.Verified PurchaseOctober 9, 2025

Montecristo Brillantes Year of the Dragon 2024 Review

The Montecristo Brillantes Year of the Dragon 2024 review reveals a cigar that stands out in my collection. At 135mm with a 52 ring gauge, this Venerables-sized smoke delivers medium to full body strength with impressive complexity. The cedar and espresso notes are well-balanced, though I found the draw slightly tighter than expected on the first third, requiring a couple of touch-ups to maintain an even burn. Compared to my Bolivar Belicosos, the Montecristo offers more refined sweetness but lacks that bold, earthy punch some collectors prefer. Where this shines is aging potential - the 2024 dragon theme makes it a limited release worth cellaring. I smoked this at a collector's event in Miami last month, and it held up well alongside older Montecristo vintage bottles. At the current secondary market prices for the 18-box, it's a reasonable investment for enthusiasts seeking diversification beyond standard Montecristo lines.