Description
Experience the pinnacle of Cuban cigar artistry with the Montecristo Leyenda, a magnificent Gordo vitola that pays homage to Montecristo’s illustrious heritage. This full-bodied masterpiece, presented in the grand Maravillas No. 2 format (6 1/2 inches with a 55 ring gauge), delivers a symphony of complex flavors, starting with sweet woody aromas and culminating in a rich tapestry of chocolate, coffee, spice, and oak. The Leyenda is more than just a cigar; it’s an invitation to indulge in a legacy of unparalleled craftsmanship and exquisite taste.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 | 10 |
| Packaging Type | Dark Brown Matte Carmelite Lacquer Box with Beveled Edges and Fleur-de-Lis Engravings | Dark Brown Matte Carmelite Lacquer Box with Beveled Edges and Fleur-de-Lis Engravings |
| Ideal For | Serious Collectors, Aficionados, Aging, Special Occasions, Gifting | Sampling, Aficionados, Special Occasions, Gifting |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (When Stored Properly) | Excellent (When Stored Properly) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Leyenda (Maravillas No. 2) |
| Length | 165 mm (6 1/2 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 55 |
| Wrapper | Finest Selected Leaves from Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río, Cuba |
| Binder | Finest Selected Leaves from Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río, Cuba |
| Filler | Finest Selected Leaves from Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río, Cuba |
| Strength | Full-Bodied |
| Body | Full |
| Smoking Time | Approximately 90 minutes |
| Factory | Handmade in Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Montecristo, a name synonymous with luxury and prestige, has reigned as one of the most esteemed Cuban cigar brands since its founding in 1935. Born from the inspiration of Alexandre Dumas’s iconic novel, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” the brand quickly ascended to prominence, captivating aficionados with its consistent quality and refined flavors. The signature blend, meticulously crafted from the finest tobaccos of the Vuelta Abajo region, established Montecristo as a benchmark for excellence in the world of premium cigars.
The Linea 1935 Leyenda was introduced at the 19th Habanos Festival in 2017 as a tribute to the brand’s founding year, further solidifying Montecristo’s commitment to heritage and innovation. This exceptional cigar replicates the dimensions of the coveted Montecristo 80 Aniversario vitola, released in 2015, showcasing a dedication to crafting unparalleled smoking experiences. The Leyenda, with its exquisite blend and elegant presentation, embodies the enduring legacy of Montecristo, a brand revered by connoisseurs worldwide.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The Montecristo Leyenda begins with an inviting cold draw, presenting sweet woody aromas that hint at the complexities to come. Upon lighting, the initial puffs deliver a pleasing combination of cedar and toast, accompanied by subtle sweetness. The smoke is plush and creamy, coating the palate with a smooth, medium-bodied texture. A gentle spice begins to emerge, adding a touch of vibrancy to the opening notes.
Second Third – The Heart
As the Leyenda progresses into its second third, the flavor profile deepens and intensifies. Rich notes of deep cappuccino, chocolate, and nutmeg take center stage, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice. A delicate honeyed sweetness emerges, adding a layer of complexity to the evolving flavor profile. The body continues to build, transitioning towards a full-bodied experience that is both satisfying and engaging.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third of the Montecristo Leyenda delivers a powerful and memorable crescendo. Bold oak and baking spices become dominant, creating a robust and flavorful experience. Hints of candied apple add a touch of sweetness, while a subtle, youthful heat emerges, adding a pleasant warmth to the finish. The overall intensity increases, providing a satisfying conclusion to this exceptional cigar.
Finish
The finish of the Montecristo Leyenda is long and rewarding, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. A smooth aftertaste of cream, leather, and spice lingers, creating a delightful and memorable experience. The flavors meld together seamlessly, providing a harmonious and satisfying conclusion to this exceptional cigar.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Chocolate, Coffee |
| Secondary Notes | Nutmeg, Honey, Oak |
| Tertiary Notes | Baking Spices, Leather, Earth |
| Finish | Cream, Leather, Spice |
| Aroma | Sweet Wood, Creamy |
Aging and Collector Value
The Montecristo Leyenda possesses excellent aging potential, rewarding patient aficionados with enhanced complexity and refined flavors over time. While enjoyable upon release, this cigar benefits from 1-2+ years of aging in a well-maintained humidor. As the cigar matures, the initial “young cigar” heat mellows, allowing the underlying flavors to fully develop and harmonize. The optimal storage conditions for the Leyenda are a consistent humidity level of 65-72% RH and a temperature range of 65-70°F (18-21°C). Investing in full boxes not only ensures proper storage but also adds to the cigar’s presentation and potential collector value. The Leyenda is a true investment in both pleasure and potential appreciation.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Premium Aged Rum | The rum’s sweetness complements the cigar’s chocolate and honey notes, creating a harmonious and balanced pairing. |
| Cognac | The cognac’s rich and complex flavors enhance the cigar’s cedar, oak, and spice notes, creating a luxurious and sophisticated experience. |
| Single Malt Whiskey | The whiskey’s smoky and peaty notes amplify the cigar’s leather and oak characteristics, providing a bold and flavorful pairing. |
| Espresso | The espresso’s strong and bitter flavors cut through the cigar’s richness, creating a refreshing and palate-cleansing combination. |
| Dark Chocolate | Dark chocolate mirrors and enhances the cocoa and coffee notes of the cigar, leading to a more fulfilling experience. |
| Port Wine | The rich sweetness and fruity notes of Port provide a beautiful counterpoint to the cigar’s spice and earthiness, creating a decadent and memorable pairing. |
Authenticity Verification
We understand the importance of authenticity when purchasing premium Cuban cigars. That’s why we guarantee the authenticity of every Montecristo Leyenda we sell. Each box and cigar undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality and legitimacy.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box of Montecristo Leyenda features the official Habanos holographic seal, which is virtually impossible to replicate. This seal is a critical indicator of authenticity and should be carefully examined.
- Box Code Verification – Every box is marked with a unique factory code. This code can be verified through official Habanos channels to confirm the cigar’s origin and legitimacy.
- Factory Stamp – Authentic Cuban cigars bear a factory stamp on the bottom of the box, indicating the origin and date of production. This stamp is another important element in verifying the cigar’s authenticity.
- Triple Cap – All genuine Montecristo Leyenda cigars have a neatly applied triple cap. This is a mark of expert construction, and its absence can be a sign of a counterfeit product.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strength of Montecristo Leyenda?
The Montecristo Leyenda is considered a full-bodied cigar, although some may describe it as medium-full. It’s bolder than many other Montecristo offerings, delivering a richer and more intense smoking experience.
How long does Montecristo Leyenda smoke?
The estimated smoking time for the Montecristo Leyenda is approximately 90 minutes, although individual smoking times may vary depending on factors such as puff frequency and ambient conditions.
What does Montecristo Linea 1935 Leyenda taste like?
The Montecristo Linea 1935 Leyenda offers a complex and nuanced flavor profile, characterized by notes of cedar, chocolate, coffee, nutmeg, honey, oak, and baking spices. The finish is smooth and rewarding, with hints of cream, leather, and spice.
Is Montecristo Leyenda worth aging?
Yes, the Montecristo Leyenda is definitely worth aging. Allowing the cigar to mature for 1-2 years or longer in a humidor will enhance its complexity and refine its flavors, resulting in an even more enjoyable smoking experience.
