Description
The Churchill That Time Actually Improved
I smoked my first Montecristo Churchill Anejados back in 2018, about three years after Habanos S.A. released them. And you know what? I remember thinking it was good, but I didn’t quite get what all the fuss was about. Fast forward to last year – I found a box from 2015 tucked away in the back of my humidor, and wow. That’s when it clicked. This isn’t just a Churchill with extra aging – it’s what happens when you take an already stellar vitola and give it the patience it deserves. The Anejados program isn’t marketing fluff. When Montecristo gets it right, they really get it right.
If you’re the type who thinks all Montecristos taste the same, this one’s going to surprise you. It’s got the DNA of the brand – that refined, elegant profile – but there’s a depth here that the regular production just doesn’t have. The extra aging in Cuba before they even ship them out adds layers that you can’t rush. I’m talking about complexity that unfolds slowly, like a conversation with an old friend who’s got stories to tell.
What Makes the Anejados Different – And Why You Should Care
Montecristo needs no introduction. Since 1935, they’ve been the benchmark for Cuban cigars. The Churchill vitola? Named after the man himself, Winston Churchill, who rarely went anywhere without a Romeo y Julieta Churchill – but that’s a story for another time. The point is, this format has history.
The Anejados line came about in 2015 when Habanos S.A. decided to age select cigars an additional 5-8 years beyond their normal maturation period before releasing them. They’re kept in ideal conditions – think of it as Habanos doing the waiting for you. The wrapper darkens, the oils redistribute, and those sharp edges that sometimes show up in younger Montecristos? Gone. What you get instead is smooth, refined smoke that feels like it’s been practiced.
This Churchill is for the smoker who appreciates subtlety. If you’re chasing bold, in-your-face Nicaraguan power, you’re looking at the wrong cigar. But if you want something refined for a lazy Saturday afternoon – maybe paired with a good book or quiet conversation – this is your match. Medium strength, full flavor, and about 60-70 minutes of your time well spent.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Churchill Anejados |
| Length | 7 inches / 178 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
Lighting Up – What Actually Happens When You Smoke One
The cold draw gives you cedar right away. Not generic wood – specifically cedar, like the inside of a Spanish cedar humidor that’s been seasoned for years. There’s a hint of cocoa in there too, sweet but not cloying. The wrapper on these has this beautiful, oily sheen. It’s darker than your standard Montecristo – more of a Colorado Maduro than the typical Colorado you see on regular production. That’s the aging talking.
First third hits different than I expected the first time I tried one. You get this creamy coffee note – almost like a latte, honestly – mixed with that classic Montecristo earth. There’s spice too, but it’s not aggressive. It’s more like white pepper on the retrohale rather than red pepper in your face. The burn line stays razor sharp if you’ve been storing these right. And the ash? Holds for a good inch and a half before I even think about tapping it. That’s construction quality right there.
Second third is where things get interesting – this is where the aging really shows up. The leather notes start coming through. I’m talking smooth, supple leather, not the harsh tannin you sometimes get from younger cigars. The coffee transitions more toward espresso, and there’s this subtle nuttiness that weaves in and out. Maybe almond? My buddy swears it’s hazelnut. Either way, it adds another dimension. The strength picks up slightly here, settling firmly into medium territory. It’s still smooth as silk though – no harshness, no bite.
Final third – and this is where some Churchills fall apart, but not this one – maintains that balance beautifully. The earth becomes more prominent, but it’s rounded out by these sweet undertones. Dark honey, maybe molasses. The spice returns on the retrohale, a bit more pronounced now, mixing with the leather and coffee. I can usually smoke these down to the nub without any bitterness creeping in, which says something about the quality of tobacco they’re using. The last inch is rich, satisfying, and makes you wish you’d bought a box instead of a fiver.
How Does It Stack Up Against Other Churchills?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Churchill Anejados | Medium to Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Refined afternoon smoke, showcasing age |
| Romeo y Julieta Churchill | Medium | 60-70 minutes | Classic experience, slightly milder profile |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Churchill | Mild to Medium | 60-75 minutes | Morning smoke, lighter flavors |
| Partagás Lusitania | Full | 75-90 minutes | Bold evening smoke for experienced palates |
The thing about comparing Churchills is that the format really lets you see what each brand brings to the table. The extra length gives flavors time to develop and change. The Montecristo Anejados sits in this sweet spot – more complex than the Romeo, more refined than the Partagás, and way more interesting than the Hoyo if you’re past the beginner stage. I’m not saying the others are bad – I keep all of them in my rotation – but the Anejados feels special. It’s the one I reach for when I want to actually pay attention to what I’m smoking rather than just having something lit while I’m doing something else.
What to Drink With It – Because Pairing Actually Matters
Coffee works surprisingly well, especially in the morning. I know, I know – a Churchill before noon sounds excessive, but hear me out. A medium roast Colombian coffee with some cream brings out those cocoa notes beautifully. In the afternoon, I’m reaching for a Spanish Rioja – something with age on it, maybe a Reserva or Gran Reserva. The leather and earth in both the cigar and the wine play off each other perfectly.
Evening? That’s rum territory. A well-aged Cuban rum if you can get your hands on it – Havana Club 15 Year is my go-to – or a solid Guatemalan like Zacapa 23. The sweetness in aged rum complements the coffee and earth notes without overpowering the cigar’s subtlety. I’ve also had success with a peaty Scotch, something like Lagavulin 16, but that’s more of a special occasion move. The smoke-on-smoke combination isn’t for everyone.
Time of day matters with this one. Mid-afternoon is perfect. After lunch, before dinner. Weekend mornings work too if you’ve got nowhere to be and an hour to kill. Save it for when you can actually enjoy it – smoking this while you’re stressed about work emails is a waste.
How long should I age these before smoking them?
They’re already aged, so you can smoke them right away – that’s kind of the point of the Anejados line. But if you want my honest opinion? Give them another year or two in your humidor if you can stand the wait. I’ve got a box from 2016 that’s absolutely singing right now. The aging they do at the factory is great, but more time never hurts a quality Cuban.
What’s the ideal humidity for storing Montecristo Churchill Anejados?
I keep mine at 65% humidity, maybe 66% in the winter when the air gets dry. Some people go higher – 70% is traditional Cuban storage – but I find these smoke better with slightly less moisture. They burn more evenly, and the flavors are more concentrated. Temperature-wise, aim for 65-70°F. Don’t let them get too warm or you’re asking for beetle problems.
Is this too strong for someone relatively new to Cuban cigars?
Not at all, actually. The medium strength makes this more approachable than something like a Partagás or Bolívar. The smoothness from the aging means you won’t get that ammonia or harsh tobacco taste that can show up in younger cigars. If you’ve been smoking cigars for at least six months and you’re comfortable with something like a Montecristo No. 4, you’ll be fine with this. Just eat something first – smoking any Churchill on an empty stomach is asking for trouble.
How do these compare to the regular Montecristo Churchill?
The regular production is excellent – don’t get me wrong. But the Anejados has more depth and complexity. The flavors are more integrated, the smoke is creamier, and there’s this richness that you just don’t get from younger cigars. Think of it like comparing a good bourbon to a well-aged single malt. Both are great, but one has more going on. If you’ve only had regular production Montecristos, the Anejados will show you what extra time can do.
What’s the best way to cut a Churchill this size?
Straight cut, every time. I use a double-blade guillotine cutter – keeps the cut clean and prevents the wrapper from tearing. Some guys like V-cuts on larger ring gauges, but I find straight cuts give me better draw on Churchills. Just don’t cut too much off – you want to remove about 2-3mm, just enough to open up the cap without cutting into the shoulder. And use a sharp cutter – dull blades will mess up that beautiful wrapper.
Are boxes of these worth hunting down, or should I just buy singles?
If you can find a box and you’ve got the budget for it – and I’m not talking price here, just general budgeting – I’d say go for it. These age beautifully, and having a box means you can smoke one every six months or so and track how they develop. Plus, box-worthy Anejados tend to have better consistency than singles floating around at various shops. That said, if you’re new to the brand or just curious, grab a few singles first. Make sure it’s your style before committing to 25 of them.
Why is the wrapper darker on these compared to regular Montecristos?
That’s the aging process doing its thing. Over time, the oils in the tobacco migrate and redistribute, and the wrapper darkens naturally. It’s the same reason a cigar you’ve had in your humidor for three years looks different than when you bought it. The darker color usually means more concentrated flavors and a slightly sweeter smoke. It’s a good sign, not something to worry about. Just means these have actually been aged properly.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Smoked Too Many of These
The Montecristo Churchill Anejados isn’t trying to reinvent anything. It’s not chasing trends or pushing boundaries. What it does is take a classic format and show you what happens when you give quality tobacco the time it deserves. The creamy smoke, the refined flavors, the impeccable construction – it all adds up to a cigar that reminds you why Cuban tobacco still sets the standard.
This is the Churchill I recommend when someone asks me what a truly aged Cuban tastes like. It’s approachable enough for intermediate smokers but complex enough to keep experienced aficionados interested. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want to make an ordinary afternoon feel special, this cigar delivers. Stock your humidor, give them some time if you can manage the patience, and thank me later. Some cigars are worth the wait – this is definitely one of them.
