Description
A Churchill That Demanded Five Extra Years of Patience
Look, I’ve been smoking Montecristos since my first trip to Havana back in ’97, and I thought I knew this marca inside and out. Then I tried the Churchill Anejados. Here’s the thing – most premium Habanos get released after a couple years of aging at the factory. But someone at Habanos S.A. decided to lock these Churchills away for a minimum of five additional years before they ever see a humidor. And you know what? That patience changes everything.
The Montecristo Churchill Anejados represents something pretty special in the Cuban cigar world – it’s not just a marketing gimmick with fancy packaging. These are legitimately aged cigars from one of Cuba’s most iconic brands, and that extra time in those underground cedar-lined aging rooms does things to the tobacco that you simply can’t rush. If you’re the type who appreciates a more refined, settled smoke over raw power, you need to pay attention here.
What Makes the Anejados Different (And Why It Matters)
Montecristo needs no introduction, honestly. Since 1935, this brand has been the measuring stick for Cuban cigars – that classic medium-bodied profile that somehow manages to be complex without being aggressive. But the Anejados line? That’s a different beast entirely.
Thing is, regular production Montecristos are already aged for a couple years before release. The Anejados takes already-aged cigars and adds five more years minimum of additional aging in special climate-controlled chambers. I know some people roll their eyes at “limited edition” releases, thinking it’s just fancy marketing. Between you and me, I was skeptical too until I actually smoked one alongside a regular production Churchill.
The difference isn’t subtle. That extra aging mellows out any rough edges, marries the flavors in a way that reminds me of the difference between a decent bourbon and one that’s been in the barrel for 18 years. The tobacco becomes more refined – less about bold statements and more about elegant whispers of flavor. The wrapper takes on this oily, almost mahogany sheen that you don’t see on younger cigars. And the aroma? My buddy Carlos calls it “vintage tobacco sweetness,” and honestly, I can’t describe it better than that.
This is a cigar for the aficionado who’s moved past the “bigger and stronger is better” phase. If you’re still in that phase – and no judgment, we’ve all been there – maybe come back to the Anejados later. But if you appreciate subtlety, if you’ve learned that complexity doesn’t need to punch you in the face, this Churchill will make sense to you.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Churchill (Julieta No. 2) |
| Length | 7 inches / 178 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 47 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo region) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban long filler blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-120 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: What Actually Happens When You Light This Thing
Okay, so let me walk you through what you’re getting into. I’m not gonna lie, the cold draw on these always surprises me – there’s this immediate hit of cedar and what I can only describe as “old tobacco sweetness.” It’s not sugary sweet, but there’s this aged quality that tells you immediately you’re not smoking a young cigar.
The construction is typically flawless, which you’d expect from aged stock. The wrapper on mine – I’ve smoked probably a dozen of these over the years – has always been that gorgeous Cuban colorado shade with a slight oil. No veins worth mentioning. The triple cap is textbook Habanos craftsmanship.
First Third: Right off the bat, you’re getting creamy cedar notes. That cedar character is front and center, but it’s accompanied by this subtle coffee undertone – not espresso, more like a smooth medium roast. There’s a natural sweetness that aged tobacco develops, almost like caramel but more refined than that. The smoke output is generous without being overwhelming, and the burn line stays razor sharp if you’re not puffing like a locomotive.
What gets me about this first third is the smoothness. I remember my first Anejados – it was at a lounge in Miami during a bachelor party weekend, must’ve been 2008 or 2009? – and I kept waiting for that typical Montecristo earthiness to kick in. It never did. Well, it did, but it was so well-integrated that it just added depth rather than being a distinct flavor.
Second Third: Here’s where things get interesting. The coffee notes start building, becoming more prominent alongside the cedar. You’ll pick up some gentle spice on the retrohale – nothing aggressive, just enough to remind you this is still a Cuban puro with some character. There’s a creamy texture to the smoke that coats your palate in the best way possible.
The strength builds slightly here. We’re moving from solidly medium into medium-full territory, but it’s such a gradual transition that you barely notice. I’ve introduced friends to these who swear they only smoke full-bodied cigars, and they’re always surprised at how satisfied they feel without getting that nicotine punch they’re used to. That’s what aging does – it rounds everything out.
The burn and ash? Look, the ash holds for two inches easily, sometimes more. It’s that light gray color that tells you the tobacco was properly fermented and aged. No relighting necessary, no touch-ups if you’re smoking at a reasonable pace.
Final Third: This is where some Churchills can get harsh or overly strong. Not this one. The coffee deepens into something closer to dark chocolate territory – still not sweet, but there’s this richness that develops. Cedar remains constant throughout, like it’s the backbone holding everything together. Subtle leather notes appear, and there’s just a touch of white pepper that adds complexity without overwhelming.
The strength does build to a solid medium-full in this final stretch. I’ve never found it overwhelming, but if you’re smoking on an empty stomach, maybe have something nearby. The finish is long and clean – no bitterness, no acrid aftertaste that makes you want to immediately drink something. It just fades gracefully, which is honestly the mark of a well-aged cigar.
How Does It Stack Up Against Other Premium Smokes?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Churchill Anejados | Medium to Medium-Full | 90-120 minutes | Aficionados seeking refined, aged complexity without heavy strength |
| Montecristo No. 2 (Regular Production) | Medium | 60-90 minutes | Classic Montecristo experience in a shorter format with more earthiness |
| Romeo y Julieta Churchill | Medium | 90-120 minutes | Similar length but lighter profile, more floral and less complex |
| Cohiba Siglo VI | Medium-Full to Full | 90-110 minutes | Those wanting more strength and bold flavors in a similar size range |
Real talk: the regular production Montecristo Churchill is excellent. I’m not saying it isn’t. But the Anejados is operating on a different level – it’s smoother, more integrated, and the flavors have this depth that only comes from extended aging. Compared to the Romeo y Julieta Churchill, which I also love, the Anejados has more body and complexity. The RyJ is beautiful in its own right but lighter and more straightforward.
Now, if you’re comparing it to something like a Cohiba Siglo VI – and honestly, this is where personal preference comes in – you’re looking at a strength difference. The Cohiba is bolder, more in-your-face with its flavors. The Anejados is the sophisticated choice for when you want to think about what you’re smoking rather than just feeling it.
What to Drink With It (And When to Smoke It)
I’ll be honest with you: this cigar deserves a proper pairing. You didn’t wait for five years of aging to pair it with a cheap beer. Not that there’s anything wrong with beer and cigars – I do that all the time – but the Anejados calls for something that matches its sophistication.
My go-to pairing? A well-aged rum. Something like a 15-year Diplomatica Reserva Exclusiva or, if you’re feeling fancy, a Ron Zacapa 23. The caramel and vanilla notes in aged rum complement that creamy cedar character beautifully. Cognac works too – a VS or VSOP level Hennessy or Rémy Martin brings out the coffee and chocolate notes in the final third.
Coffee? Absolutely, but make it good coffee. A smooth Colombian or a nutty Brazilian brew – nothing too acidic that’ll clash with the cigar. I’ve also paired these with a nice Oban 14 scotch, which sounds weird but the light peatiness and honey notes actually work.
Timing-wise, this is an evening smoke. You need the time – we’re talking close to two hours – and you need to be in the right mindset. This isn’t a cigar for the golf course or while you’re doing yard work. This is a special occasion smoke, an after-dinner contemplation cigar, or the centerpiece of an evening with good friends who won’t rush you.
Everything You’re Probably Wondering About
What does “Anejados” actually mean and how is it different from regular aging?
Anejados translates to “aged” in Spanish, but in the context of Habanos, it means something specific. These cigars undergo the standard aging process that all Cuban cigars go through – typically 2-3 years minimum. Then they get an additional five to eight years of aging in special cedar-lined chambers before being released. This extended aging process mellows the tobacco significantly, rounds out any harsh edges, and allows the flavors to marry in a way that young tobacco simply can’t achieve. You’re essentially getting vintage tobacco in every Anejados release, which is why they’re produced in limited quantities and come in special packaging.
How long can I age the Churchill Anejados in my own humidor?
Here’s the thing – they’re already significantly aged when you get them, so they’re basically ready to smoke immediately. That said, I’ve kept boxes for 3-5 years after purchase and they continue to develop beautifully. The cedar becomes more pronounced, and everything gets even smoother. But you’re not going to see the dramatic changes you’d see with a young cigar. Think of it like buying a 15-year scotch – sure, you can let it sit in your cabinet for a few more years, but it’s already at peak drinkability. My advice? Smoke one fresh, then let the rest sit for a year or two and compare. You’ll notice subtle differences but nothing revolutionary.
Is the strength level suitable for newer cigar smokers?
I’ll be straight with you – this isn’t where I’d start someone new to cigars. The medium to medium-full strength, combined with the long smoking time, can be a lot for someone whose palate isn’t developed and whose nicotine tolerance is low. Also, and I know this sounds harsh, newer smokers might not fully appreciate what they’re getting with the Anejados. It’s like giving someone who’s new to wine a 20-year Bordeaux – they might enjoy it, but they’re not going to understand what makes it special. If you’re relatively new but have smoked a dozen or so cigars without issues, have a good meal first and take your time with it. You’ll probably be fine.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these long-term?
I keep all my Cuban cigars at 65-67% relative humidity, and the Anejados are no exception. Some people go higher – 69-70% – but I find that aged cigars actually smoke better at slightly lower humidity. The tobacco is already well-aged and settled, so you don’t need high humidity to keep them “fresh.” Lower humidity gives you better burn characteristics and more concentrated flavors. Temperature should be around 65-70°F if you can manage it. And look, these cigars have been through professional aging at the factory, so they’re pretty resilient. Just avoid major fluctuations and you’ll be fine.
How does the Anejados compare to regular production Montecristo Churchills in terms of flavor?
The regular production Churchill – which I love, by the way – has more of that classic earthy Montecristo character upfront. It’s a bit more robust, a little more straightforward in its flavor delivery. The Anejados is smoother, more refined, with better integration of flavors. The cedar is more prominent in the Anejados, and there’s a creaminess that the regular production doesn’t quite match. The regular Churchill might give you more of that “this is definitely a Cuban cigar” experience with its earthiness. The Anejados is more subtle, more complex, and honestly more sophisticated. If the regular Churchill is a really good conversation, the Anejados is poetry. Both are great, just different expressions of the same vitola.
Are Anejados releases still being produced or are they discontinued?
The Anejados line isn’t a regular production line – it’s released periodically when Habanos S.A. decides they have sufficient aged stock to warrant a release. The Montecristo Churchill Anejados specifically has been released in various years, and when boxes are gone, they’re gone until the next release. This isn’t like buying a regular production Montecristo where you know there’ll always be more next month. When you see them available, that’s your window. I’ve seen gaps of several years between releases of specific Anejados vitolas. So if you’re interested in trying them or laying some down for aging, don’t wait around assuming they’ll always be there. That’s actually part of what makes them special – they’re genuinely limited by the aging process itself.
What’s the best way to cut and light an Anejados to preserve its flavors?
Nothing fancy required, honestly. I use a straight cut with a sharp cutter – no V-cuts or punches on Churchills, you want maximum airflow with this length. Cut just above the cap line like you would any premium cigar. For lighting, use a butane torch or cedar spills if you’re feeling traditional. No soft flames from matches or, God forbid, zippos – you don’t want to add any fuel flavors to tobacco this refined. Toast the foot evenly, then take your time with gentle puffs to get it going. Don’t rush the light. With aged tobacco, you want an even burn from the start because any touchups can affect the flavor. Once it’s going, just take it slow – maybe one puff per minute. These aren’t cigars you puff aggressively on. Let the flavors come to you rather than forcing them.
Should You Actually Buy This Cigar?
Look, I’m not going to tell you that everyone needs to rush out and grab a box of Montecristo Churchill Anejados. They’re not everyday smokes, and honestly, not everyone will appreciate what makes them special. But here’s what I know after smoking these for years: if you’ve reached the point in your cigar journey where you value refinement over power, where you can sit still for two hours and actually pay attention to what you’re smoking, where you understand that subtle complexity can be more satisfying than bold flavors – then yes, absolutely.
This is one of those cigars that reminds you why Cuban tobacco, when grown in the right region, fermented properly, and aged with patience, produces something that other countries can’t quite replicate. No offense to Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars – I smoke plenty of both – but there’s something about well-aged Cuban tobacco from Vuelta Abajo that just hits different.
The Churchill Anejados represents Montecristo at its most refined. It’s not trying to blow your palate away with strength or wow you with exotic flavor combinations. It’s just exceptionally well-made tobacco that’s been given the time it needs to reach its full potential. If that sounds appealing to you, if you’re nodding along reading this, then yeah – treat yourself. Light one up on a quiet evening, pair it with something worthy, and take your time with it.
You’ve earned it. And honestly? This cigar has earned your attention.
