Montecristo Dantes Limited Edition 2016

Description

Edmundo Dantés—the wrongfully imprisoned sailor who emerges from the Château d’If as the Count of Monte Cristo—gave his name to this limited edition, connecting Montecristo’s literary origins to its most prestigious releases. Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel inspired the brand’s founding; the Dantés 2016 honors that heritage with the Hermosos No. 1 format, unique within Montecristo’s current portfolio. The darker Colorado wrapper signals the two-year minimum aging of all tobaccos, while the deep brown coloring sets it visually apart from standard production. This is Montecristo’s tribute to its namesake—a cigar worthy of the count himself.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The Dantés opens with classic Montecristo signatures amplified by aging. Cedar dominates immediately, accompanied by rich chocolate and roasted coffee beans. Leather emerges early, sophisticated and supple. White pepper appears—not harsh but warming, creating an almost chili-chocolate effect that distinguishes this limited edition. Butter and toast add creaminess to the foundation. A hint of stone fruit, almost peach-like, provides unexpected freshness. The body arrives at solid medium-full from the start, with popcorn notes on the finish adding savory depth. Construction tends toward firm; patient draws reward persistence.

Mid-Section: The heart develops beautifully as the Dantés finds its rhythm. Coffee intensifies into café mocha territory while cocoa evolves from dark to milk chocolate sweetness. Wood remains constant—oak and cedar providing structure for the more volatile flavors. Peppery spice persists, now joined by earth and leather that add masculine depth. A faint mushroom quality emerges, umami richness that surprises and satisfies. The finish turns creamy and sweet. Body reaches true medium-full; strength follows but never overwhelms. Smokiness develops, adding another dimension. This second third often represents the Dantés at its best—all elements in balance, complexity at peak.

Final Third: The conclusion pushes into full body while maintaining composure. Coffee and cocoa persist, now intensified by the concentrated final inches. Leather and earth dominate as sweeter notes recede. White pepper returns with purpose. Berry sweetness provides counterpoint to the increasing earthiness. Wood notes turn woody and robust. Potato chip saltiness adds savory interest while popcorn notes from the opening return. The finish extends remarkably—a signature of properly aged Cuban tobacco. The Dantés ends as it began: powerful, complex, worthy of its literary namesake.

Flavor Profile

The Count of Monte Cristo Connection

Montecristo was born from literature. In 1935, Alonso Menéndez established the brand, naming it after the novel that factory readers recited to rolling teams—Alexandre Dumas’ tale of imprisonment, escape, and revenge. The Count of Monte Cristo resonated with Cuban rollers who spent long hours at their stations, and the name stuck. The Dantés 2016 explicitly honors this connection: Edmundo Dantés, the novel’s protagonist, finally receives his own vitola. The Hermosos No. 1 format is unique to this release—at 167mm with 48 ring gauge, it sits between the standard Montecristo offerings, a dedicated size for a dedicated tribute. The Colorado wrapper, darker than standard Montecristo, visually distinguishes this limited edition while signaling the extended aging of its components.

Perfect Pairings

• Cognac: XO—the cigar’s coffee and chocolate notes complement aged grape spirit magnificently.
• Single Malt: Highland or Speyside—matching complexity with complexity.
• Rum: Aged añejo, 12+ years—Cuban tobacco deserves Cuban-style spirit.
• Coffee: Dark roast espresso—reinforcing the cigar’s coffee core.

Ideal For

The Montecristo Dantés suits smokers who appreciate literature, history, and exceptional tobacco combined. At 50-60 minutes, the format provides substantial experience without excessive commitment—an after-dinner cigar for evenings when quality matters more than duration. The medium-full body and building strength reward experienced palates; novices should approach with respect. The limited production and literary significance make this a collector’s piece as much as a smoke—boxes hold both consumption value and cellaring potential. Those who age the Dantés will discover the youthful edges softening, the bitterness fading, and the complexity deepening into something truly special. For Montecristo devotees, the Dantés represents the brand at its most thoughtful—a tribute to origins that delivers on both symbolism and substance.

Literary Note: The Count of Monte Cristo spans 1,276 pages in most editions—appropriate that its namesake cigar demands similar patience. Rush neither the novel nor the Dantés; both reward those who take their time.