Description
Indulge in the timeless elegance of the **Montecristo Churchill Añejados**, a meticulously crafted Cuban cigar that transcends the ordinary. This **Churchill** vitola, with its impressive dimensions and medium-to-full strength, offers a complex and rewarding smoking experience. Aged for 5-8 years after rolling with the finest **Vuelta Abajo tobaccos**, this cigar delivers a symphony of flavors, including signature **Montecristo chocolate**, rich **cedar**, and aromatic **coffee** notes, promising a journey of refined pleasure for the discerning aficionado.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 | 10 |
| Packaging Type | Dress Box | Dress Box |
| Ideal For | Collectors, Long-Term Storage, Gifting | Sampling, Special Occasions, Travel |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent, when stored correctly | Excellent, when stored correctly |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | **Churchill** (Julieta No. 2 de galera) |
| Length | **178 mm (7 inches)** |
| Ring Gauge | **47** |
| Wrapper | **Vuelta Abajo** |
| Binder | **Vuelta Abajo** |
| Filler | **Vuelta Abajo** |
| Strength | **Medium to Full** |
| Body | Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 2 hours |
| Factory | Habanos S.A. |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Founded in 1935, **Montecristo** stands as a beacon of Cuban cigar excellence, drawing inspiration from Alexandre Dumas’s classic novel, *The Count of Monte Cristo*. The brand quickly rose to prominence, becoming synonymous with quality, consistency, and the unparalleled richness of **Vuelta Abajo** tobaccos. Montecristo cigars are celebrated worldwide for their distinctive flavor profiles and impeccable construction, making them a favorite among both seasoned aficionados and those new to the world of premium cigars.
The **Añejados** line represents a further commitment to the art of cigar making. This particular release, part of the second 2014 Habanos Añejados series (launched in 2015), showcases the benefits of extended aging. Unlike Limited Edition cigars, which are aged before rolling, the Añejados are aged in their rolled form for 5-8 years within Cuba’s carefully controlled humidity, allowing the flavors to meld and mature, creating a uniquely refined and complex smoking experience. This initiative highlights Habanos S.A.’s dedication to innovation and the pursuit of perfection in every cigar they produce.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The **Montecristo Churchill Añejados** opens with a delightful interplay of flavors, immediately establishing its refined character. The prominent notes of classic **Montecristo chocolate** take center stage, complemented by the subtle spice of **cedar** and a grounding hint of freshly brewed **coffee**. The draw is firm, indicative of its expert construction, ensuring an even burn and a consistent release of flavor from the very first puff.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into the middle third, the flavor profile deepens and evolves, revealing layers of complexity. The introduction of **cocoa powder** adds a touch of dryness, balancing the sweetness of the **chocolate**, while delicate **vanilla** notes emerge, lending a creamy smoothness to the overall experience. The body remains medium, allowing the flavors to develop gracefully without overwhelming the palate. This is where the true elegance of the **Añejados** aging process shines through.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third of the **Montecristo Churchill Añejados** marks a significant shift in intensity, transforming into a veritable **powerhouse** of flavor. The notes of **chocolate** and **coffee** intensify, becoming richer and more pronounced, while the underlying spice of **cedar** adds a welcome warmth. Despite its increased strength, the cigar retains a youthful vibrancy, a testament to the quality of the **Vuelta Abajo** tobaccos and the skill of the Cuban cigar makers.
Finish
The **finish** of the **Montecristo Churchill Añejados** is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering aftertaste of rich **chocolate** and aromatic **coffee** on the palate. While individual experiences may vary, the overall impression is one of exceptional quality and complexity, solidifying its status as a truly remarkable cigar. The lingering flavors invite contemplation and provide a fitting conclusion to this exceptional smoking experience.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | **Chocolate, Coffee, Cedar** |
| Secondary Notes | **Cocoa Powder, Vanilla** |
| Tertiary Notes | Spice, Earth, Leather |
| Finish | Rich Chocolate, Lingering Coffee |
| Aroma | Cedar, Sweet Tobacco, Earthy Undertones |
Aging and Collector Value
The **Montecristo Churchill Añejados** possesses exceptional aging potential, making it a prized addition to any collector’s humidor. While already aged for 5-8 years post-roll in Cuba’s optimal humidity conditions, this cigar can continue to evolve and develop even further over time. Many aficionados believe it has at least 15 more years of aging potential, during which the flavors will continue to meld and become even more complex.
Optimal aging for the **Montecristo Churchill Añejados** is generally considered to be between 5 and 15+ years post-purchase. During this time, the initial flavors will mellow and integrate, allowing the more subtle nuances to emerge. The cigar may also develop additional notes of spice, earth, and leather, adding further depth to its flavor profile. To preserve the plushness of the **Vuelta Abajo** tobaccos and ensure proper aging, it is essential to store the cigars in a humidor maintained at a consistent humidity level of 70% and a temperature of 21°C (70°F). Keep in mind that handmade batches can vary slightly, adding to the unique character of each cigar.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Rum | The sweet and spicy notes of aged rum complement the chocolate and vanilla undertones of the cigar, creating a harmonious and luxurious pairing. |
| Cognac | The rich and complex flavors of cognac, with its notes of dried fruit and spice, enhance the overall smoking experience, adding depth and sophistication. |
| Single Malt Whiskey | A well-aged single malt whiskey with notes of peat and spice provides a contrasting yet complementary pairing, highlighting the coffee and earthy notes of the cigar. |
| Espresso | The intense and concentrated flavors of espresso amplify the cocoa and coffee notes of the cigar, creating a bold and satisfying combination. |
| Dark Chocolate | Pairing with a high-quality dark chocolate bar intensifies the chocolate notes in the cigar, creating a decadent and indulgent treat. |
| Black Coffee | The bitterness of black coffee cuts through the richness of the cigar, cleansing the palate and allowing the subtle nuances of flavor to shine through. |
Authenticity Verification
We understand the importance of authenticity when purchasing premium Cuban cigars. That’s why we guarantee that every **Montecristo Churchill Añejados** we offer is 100% genuine, sourced directly from Habanos S.A. To ensure your peace of mind, here are several key indicators of authenticity to look for:
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box of authentic Habanos cigars features a holographic seal on the right-hand side. This seal contains intricate details and security features that are difficult to replicate, providing a visual confirmation of authenticity.
- Box Code Verification – Authentic Habanos cigar boxes are stamped with a unique box code, which can be verified through the Habanos S.A. website. This code provides information about the origin, date of production, and other details related to the cigars.
- Factory Stamp – Genuine Habanos cigars are often stamped with a factory code, indicating the specific facility where they were produced. This stamp serves as an additional layer of authentication.
- Triple Cap – Cuban cigars are known for their distinctive triple cap, which requires a high level of skill and precision to create. The presence of a well-formed triple cap is a strong indicator of authenticity.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Montecristo Churchill Añejados?
The **Montecristo Churchill Añejados** offers a complex and evolving flavor profile, characterized by prominent notes of **chocolate, cedar, and coffee**, with hints of **cocoa powder and vanilla**. It progresses from medium-bodied to full-strength complexity, providing a rich and rewarding smoking experience.
How long does it take to smoke a Montecristo Churchill Añejados?
Given its substantial size and ring gauge, the **Montecristo Churchill Añejados** typically takes around 2 hours to smoke. This allows ample time to fully appreciate the nuances of its flavor profile and the evolution of its strength.
Is the Montecristo Churchill Añejados worth aging further?
Yes, the **Montecristo Churchill Añejados** possesses exceptional aging potential. While already aged for 5-8 years post-roll, it can benefit from further aging of 5-15+ years, allowing the flavors to meld and become even more complex. Collectors often seek out these cigars for their long-term aging potential.
What are the differences between a regular Montecristo Churchill and the Añejados version?
The primary difference lies in the aging process. While the regular **Montecristo Churchill** is aged before rolling, the **Añejados** version undergoes an additional 5-8 years of aging *after* being rolled. This post-roll aging allows the flavors to meld and mature in a unique way, resulting in a more refined and complex smoking experience.
