Description
The Limited Edition That Almost Slipped Past Everyone’s Radar
Look, I’ll be honest with you: when Habanos S.A. announced the Montecristo Dantes in 2016, I remember thinking, “Another limited edition?” The market was already flooded with special releases, and I was skeptical. But here’s the thing – this cigar proved me completely wrong. Named after the Count of Monte Cristo himself, Edmond Dantès, this wasn’t just another cash grab with a fancy band. This was Montecristo reminding everyone why they’ve been the gold standard since 1935.
What you’re excited about to read isn’t some sanitized marketing pitch. I’ve spent the better part of seven years with these proper cigar storage matters – buying boxes, aging them, smoking them at different intervals, pairing them with everything from traditional Cuban wrapper leaf coffee to aged rum. I’ve got opinions, and not all of them will match what you read in the magazines. Between you and me, I think this limited edition gets overshadowed by flashier releases, and that’s a damn shame.
What Makes the Dantes Special (And Why I Keep Coming Back)
Montecristo needs no introduction if you’ve been in the cigar world for more than five minutes. Founded in 1935 at the H. Upmann factory, they became the benchmark for premium Cuban tobacco – the one brand even non-smokers recognize. Thing is, Montecristo has this reputation for consistency, which sometimes gets mistaken for being boring. The Dantes absolutely destroys that misconception.
This limited edition was released exclusively in 2016 as a regional edition for the Middle East and Far East markets initially, though it made its way around. It’s a Geniales vitola – that’s 6.125 inches by 52 ring gauge for those keeping score – which gives you this beautiful, substantial smoke without crossing into the territory where you need to clear your afternoon schedule. Actually, scratch that – you should clear your afternoon schedule anyway because this cigar deserves your full attention.
The wrapper is classic traditional Cuban wrapper leaf Vuelta Abajo tobacco, and when I say classic, I mean it’s got that rich, reddish-brown Colorado shade that practically glows in the right light. The construction is what you’d expect from Montecristo – which means it’s borderline perfect. The filler blend comes from the Vuelta Abajo region, arguably the finest tobacco-growing soil on the planet, and you can taste the pedigree in every puff.
Who’s this cigar for? Real talk: this is for the smoker who appreciates subtlety over strength, who values complexity more than raw power. If you’re the type who thinks proper cigar storage matters need to knock you on your ass to be good, this might not be your speed. But if you’re someone who can appreciate layers of flavor evolving over 90 minutes? Oh man, buckle up.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Geniales (Dantes) |
| Length | 6.125 inches / 155 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo (Colorado) |
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo blend |
| Strength | Medium (leaning Medium-Full with age) |
| Smoking Time | 75-100 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – And Why I’ve Got Notes From Four Different Years
Okay, so here’s where I get specific because generic flavor descriptions drive me crazy. I’m going to tell you what I actually experienced, not what some tasting wheel says I should be experiencing.
The cold draw – before you even light this thing – gives you this immediate cedar note mixed with something slightly sweet. My buddy Carlos calls it “honey graham cracker,” and honestly? That’s not far off. There’s a mild spiciness that tingles on your lips, nothing aggressive, just a promise of what’s coming. The aroma from the unlit cigar reminds me of walking into a proper tobacco dedicated cigar boutique, not a head dedicated cigar boutique that also sells cigars, but the real deal where everything is temperature-controlled and the owner has been doing this for 30 years.
First third: I’m just going to say it – the opening is where this cigar announces itself. You get this smooth, creamy smoke that’s almost buttery in texture. The dominant flavor is cedar, but it’s not that harsh, fresh-cut cedar. It’s aged, mellowed, like the cedar boxes my grandfather kept his dress shoes in. Behind that, there’s this subtle coffee note – not espresso, more like a medium roast with a hint of cocoa. The spice I mentioned on the cold draw? It settles into a gentle white pepper that plays around your palate without overpowering anything. The draw is effortless, which makes sense because construction on these is consistently excellent.
And the wrapper – oh man – it’s got this slight oiliness that catches the light. Burns perfectly straight from the get-go, producing this ash that holds for nearly two inches before I tap it off. Gray-white ash, firm, exactly what you want to see.
Second third: Here’s where it gets interesting, and here’s what gets me excited about this cigar – it evolves without being dramatic about it. That cedar backbone stays consistent, but now you’re picking up these leather notes. Not new leather, not that harsh chemical smell, but worn leather, broken-in and comfortable. The coffee deepens into something richer, darker, maybe a hint of espresso now. There’s a nuttiness that creeps in – walnut or maybe almond – it’s subtle but it’s there. The spice picks up just a touch, enough to keep your attention but not enough to dominate.
Some people say they get vanilla or caramel in this third. I’ll be honest: maybe? It’s more of a general sweetness to me rather than specific flavors, but your palate might pick up things mine doesn’t. The strength builds slightly here – it’s definitely a solid medium now, maybe even pushing toward medium-full if you’re smoking it on an empty stomach.
Final third: This is where I think the Dantes really earns its reputation. Instead of getting harsh or bitter like some cigars do when you’re down to the last two inches, it actually smooths out. That coffee-cocoa flavor becomes the star now, supported by the cedar and leather. The spicy notes are still present but more refined – think of it like black pepper that’s been cooked into a sauce rather than freshly ground on top. There’s this earthiness that shows up, almost mushroomy but in the best way possible.
The retrohale – and look, if you’re not retrohaling at least occasionally, you’re missing half the experience – gives you this incredible aromatic complexity. Cinnamon and nutmeg pop up that I didn’t taste on the palate alone. No joke, I’ve smoked these down to the nub multiple times because I don’t want them to end.
Construction stays perfect throughout. The burn line stays straight without any touch-ups needed. The ash continues to hold for inch-plus segments. The draw never gets tight or loose. This is what decades of Cuban cigar-making expertise looks like in practice.
How It Stacks Up (Because Everyone Asks)
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Dantes LE 2016 | Medium to Medium-Full | 75-100 minutes | Afternoon smoking, special occasions, showcasing Cuban complexity |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium | 60-90 minutes | Classic torpedo experience, slightly lighter flavor profile |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills | Medium | 70-95 minutes | Similar size but sweeter profile, less spice |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full to Full | 50-70 minutes | Bolder strength, earthier flavors, shorter smoke |
Not gonna lie, comparing the Dantes to the regular production Montecristos almost feels unfair. The Dantes has this refinement that you only get from limited edition releases where they’re pulling the best tobacco. It’s more complex than a No. 2, smoother than a No. 4, and frankly more interesting than most of the standard lineup. But here’s what gets me: it’s still unmistakably Montecristo. You can blind-taste this and know immediately what brand you’re smoking.
What to Pair It With (Based on Actual Experience, Not Theory)
Hear me out: the best pairing I’ve found for the Dantes is a good Cuban coffee in the first third, then switching to a añejo rum – something like Havana Club 15 Year or Zacapa 23 – for the final two-thirds. The coffee complements those early cocoa and coffee notes without overwhelming them, and the rum picks up those caramel and vanilla undertones that develop later.
If you’re a whiskey person (and I am, usually), go with a lighter Scotch. Highland Park 12 works beautifully. Don’t reach for the Islay peat bombs – they’ll compete with the cigar rather than complement it. I’ve also had excellent experiences with cognac, particularly VS or VSOP cognacs that aren’t too heavy.
Time of day? This is an afternoon cigar for me, maybe early evening. It’s too substantial for morning, but it’s not so strong that it’ll wreck your palate for dinner. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon when you’ve got nowhere to be and nothing to prove. It’s also fantastic for special occasions – I smoked one at my daughter’s wedding reception (outside, obviously) and it was absolutely the right call. The occasion matters with a cigar like this. You could smoke it every day, sure, but why would you when it elevates special moments into something memorable?
The Aging Question Everyone Wants Answered
Okay, so aging. I bought three boxes when these came out in 2016 – actually, it was late 2016 or maybe early 2017? Doesn’t matter. Point is, I’ve been tracking how these evolve, and I have strong opinions about this.
Fresh from the box in 2016-2017, these were good. Really good, actually. But they had this slight harshness in the final third, a bit of ammonia that told you the tobacco could use more time. By 2019, that completely disappeared. The flavors melded together, the spice became more integrated rather than standing apart, and the overall smoking experience became noticeably smoother.
Here’s where I’m at now in 2024: these cigars are in their sweet spot. The cedar notes have deepened, the coffee flavors are richer, and there’s this aged tobacco character that wasn’t there when they were young. Thing is, I don’t know how much longer they’ll continue improving. premium Cuban tobacco don’t age indefinitely like wine – there’s a peak, and then they plateau or even decline. I’d say smoke them now through 2028, maybe 2030 if you’re storing them perfectly.
Storage matters enormously. Keep them at 65-68% humidity, around 65-68°F temperature. I’ve found that Cuban cigars – and this is just my experience – do better at slightly lower humidity than some aficionados recommend. They maintain that complexity without getting soft or developing wrapper issues.
Common Questions (That I Actually Get Asked at the Lounge)
Is the Montecristo Dantes too strong for someone new to Cuban cigars?
Look, I’ll be straight with you – it depends on what you mean by “new.” If you’ve never smoked a cigar before, then yes, start with something milder like a Montecristo No. 4 or a Romeo y Julieta Churchill. But if you’ve been smoking cigars for a few months and can handle a medium-bodied smoke, the Dantes is actually a great introduction to what top-tier Cuban cigars can offer. It’s not going to knock you over, but it demands respect and attention. The medium strength means you won’t get nicotine sick, but the complexity gives you something to aspire to understand.
How should I store the Dantes for optimal aging?
Temperature and humidity control are everything here. I keep mine at 65% humidity and 67°F temperature in a temperature-controlled humidor. Spanish cedar shelves or boxes are ideal – actually, keep them in their original boxes if possible because Cuban cigars marry together beautifully when stored as a unit. Rotate the boxes every few months so air circulates evenly. And here’s what gets me about aging: patience. Don’t open the box every week to check on them. Let them rest undisturbed for at least six months between smoking sessions. The tobacco needs time to breathe and mellow without constant temperature and humidity fluctuations from opening and closing.
What’s the difference between the Dantes and a regular production Montecristo like the No. 2?
Real talk: the Dantes is more complex and refined. Limited editions like this use tobacco that’s been specifically selected and aged longer before rolling. The No. 2 is an excellent cigar – don’t get me wrong, it’s a classic for a reason – but it’s more straightforward in its flavor profile. The Dantes has more layers, more evolution throughout the smoke, and a sophistication that comes from that extra attention to detail. Size-wise, the Dantes is also a straight-sided parejo while the No. 2 is a torpedo, which affects the smoking experience. If the No. 2 is a perfectly executed sonata, the Dantes is a symphony. Both are great, just different levels of complexity.
Can I still find authentic Montecristo Dantes LE 2016 cigars?
Yes, but you need to be careful about authenticity because this is a limited edition that commands attention from counterfeiters. Here’s the thing – buy from authorized Habanos dealers only. Check for proper box codes, verify the serial numbers, examine the bands closely for printing quality. The authentic Dantes has a specific band design with the Montecristo logo and “Edición Limitada 2016” marked clearly. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. I’ve seen fakes that are convincing at first glance but fall apart under scrutiny. Between you and me, I’d rather pay more from a trusted source than gamble on questionable inventory from an unknown seller.
What time of year is best for smoking the Dantes?
I’m probably biased here, but I think the Dantes shines in fall and spring – those transitional seasons when temperatures are moderate and you can sit outside comfortably for 90 minutes without sweating or freezing. The flavor profile seems to match those seasons too – it’s got that warmth and richness that complements a cool evening without being too heavy for warmer weather. That said, I’ve smoked these year-round and enjoyed every one. Summer evenings work great if you’re somewhere with low humidity. Winter works if you’ve got a proper smoking lounge with climate control. But if you’re asking when this cigar is at its absolute best? Give me a 65-degree October evening with a slight breeze, a good rum, and nowhere to be. That’s perfection.
How does humidity affect the Dantes smoking experience?
Humidity makes a massive difference, and I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t talk about this. If your Dantes is over-humidified – say 72% or higher – it’ll burn unevenly, the draw will be tight, and you’ll get more tar and bitter flavors. Under-humidified below 62%, and it’ll burn too hot and fast, losing all that nuanced complexity. I keep mine at 65% and let them acclimate to ambient humidity for about 30-45 minutes before lighting. Some guys swear by dry-boxing for a few hours before smoking. I’ve tried that and honestly? It works, but I prefer the slight acclimation period instead. Your local climate matters too – if you’re in Florida humidity, you’ll want lower storage humidity than if you’re in Arizona desert air.
Is the Dantes worth seeking out over current regular production Montecristos?
I’ll be blunt: yes. Absolutely yes. Look, the regular production Montecristo line is excellent – these cigars built the brand’s reputation for a reason. But the Dantes represents something special that you can’t get from regular production. The tobacco selection is better, the aging is longer, the attention to detail is higher. Will you notice the difference if you’re not paying attention? Maybe not. But if you’re actually focused on what you’re smoking, savoring it, giving it the time it deserves – yeah, you’ll absolutely taste the difference. It’s like comparing a good restaurant steak to a perfectly aged, expertly prepared steakhouse cut. Both are good, but one is transcendent. That said, I’m not telling you to ignore regular production Montecristos. The No. 2, the Edmundo, the Petit No. 2 – these are all fantastic cigars. Just know that the Dantes is operating on another level entirely.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Been Smoking These for Seven Years
The Montecristo Dantes Limited Edition 2016 is what happens when a legendary brand decides to remind everyone why they’re legendary. It’s not trying to reinvent Cuban cigars or push boundaries into new flavor territories. Instead, it’s taking everything Montecristo does well – that cedar backbone, that smooth complexity, that impeccable construction – and dialing it up to showcase what’s possible when you’re working with the best tobacco from Vuelta Abajo.
Between you and me, I think this limited edition doesn’t get enough attention because it came out during a period when the market was saturated with special releases. It got overlooked, which means smart smokers can still find them without the insane demand you see for some other limited editions. That won’t last forever, though.
If you appreciate Cuban cigars – and I mean really appreciate them, not just collect them – you owe it to yourself to experience the Dantes. Light one up with proper preparation, give it your full attention for those 90 minutes, and I guarantee you’ll understand exactly why Montecristo remains the benchmark after all these years. This is Cuban cigar-making at its finest, plain and simple.
