Montecristo Club 20

Description

Sometimes you simply do not have forty-five minutes to dedicate to a Robusto, but your palate still demands that specific Cuban earthiness. I keep a tin of these in my jacket pocket for exactly those moments between meetings or when the weather is too cold for a long session. The Montecristo Club 20 offers a condensed, rapid-fire version of the classic brand profile without forcing you to commit to a larger format.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: lighting a cigarillo requires a gentle touch to avoid scorching the small foot, but once it catches, the smoke output is surprisingly dense for a ring gauge of 22. The initial draw brings an immediate rush of dry cedar and white pepper. It wakes up the palate instantly. Unlike larger vitolas that take time to warm up, the Club delivers its core flavors right out of the gate. You get a distinct grassy note common in Vuelta Abajo tobacco, layered over a base of raw tobacco sweetness. The draw is usually firm but consistent, allowing for small, controlled puffs.

Mid-Section: As the burn line progresses quickly past the first inch, the profile shifts toward darker, heavier notes. The initial grassy brightness recedes, replaced by a distinct bitter cocoa flavor that Montecristo fans will recognize immediately. The strength creeps up on you here. Despite its diminutive size, this is not a mild smoke. It sits firmly in the medium range, delivering a satisfying weight on the tongue. You might pick up fleeting hints of roasted nuts or leather, adding a bit of depth to the short experience. The ash holds on longer than you might expect for a machine-made stick, but it is best to tap it frequently to keep the burn cool.

Final Third: By the time you reach the final section, the heat intensifies due to the proximity of the cherry to your lips. The flavors condense into a strong, earthy punch with a resurgence of spice. The cocoa turns into a dark espresso bean character. It can get a bit sharp if you puff too aggressively, so slowing down is key to enjoying these last few minutes. The finish leaves a lingering taste of wood and leather that stays with you well after you put it down. It provides a sense of completion that feels much bigger than the physical size of the cigar suggests.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Montecristo

Montecristo is perhaps the most famous name in the Habanos portfolio, established relatively recently in 1935 compared to older heritage brands. The name comes from the Alexandre Dumas novel The Count of Monte Cristo, which was a favorite story read to the torcedores on the factory floor while they worked. The brand quickly set the standard for the Cuban flavor profile, eventually accounting for roughly fifty percent of all Habanos exports globally. While the Club 20 is a machine-made product using short filler, it utilizes the same premium tobacco harvested from the Vuelta Abajo region as its handmade big brothers.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva – The heavy sweetness and vanilla notes of this Venezuelan rum help coat the palate and smooth out the sharp, dry woody notes of the cigarillo.
• Whiskey: Highland Park 18 – The subtle floral peat and honey in this scotch bridge the gap between the grassy start and the leathery finish of the smoke.
• Coffee: Cuban espresso – This is the definitive pairing, as the concentrated strength of the coffee stands up perfectly to the quick, intense body of the Club size.

Ideal For

This format is designed for the smoker who lives a busy life but refuses to compromise on origin or flavor. It serves as an excellent companion for a mid-morning coffee break or a quick step outside during a dinner party. While the size might look approachable to beginners, the strength is real, making it better suited for those who already enjoy the taste of tobacco and want a quick, potent fix.