Montecristo Leyenda

Description

The Leyenda—”Legend”—stands as the flagship of Montecristo’s Línea 1935 series, commemorating the year the brand was founded. At 6½ inches with a 55 ring gauge, this is the thickest regular production Montecristo ever created, a Double Robusto that competes directly with the mythical Behike. Presented in stunning black lacquered boxes with three bands per cigar—including one protecting the foot—the Leyenda represents Montecristo’s declaration that they can play in the ultra-premium arena without abandoning their identity.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The Leyenda opens with quintessential Montecristo character amplified to new heights. Creamy wood and damp earth establish the foundation—immediately recognizable to anyone who knows the marca—while sweet milk chocolate emerges with remarkable clarity. The flavors are perfectly balanced but noticeably stronger than typical Montecristos; imagine a No. 2 with the volume turned up. Sour cherry notes appear, unexpected and delightful. Leather, roasted almonds, and faint citrus complete a complex opening that announces this cigar’s ambitions.

Mid-Section: The heart of the Leyenda finds its stride. Milk chocolate becomes the dominant note, rich and satisfying. Honey sweetness develops, drizzling through the profile. Roasted almonds persist while smooth wood and earth provide the backdrop. Black and white pepper emerge—distinct, complementary, adding structure without aggression. The creaminess is extraordinary, coating the palate without heaviness. Despite the substantial ring gauge, there’s no harshness, no rough edges. This is power refined through expertise.

Final Third: The conclusion builds to medium-full intensity while maintaining remarkable smoothness. The flavor profile deepens rather than changes—chocolate, honey, and wood remain central while everything intensifies. A beautiful minty note emerges in the final inches, blending with the chocolate in unexpected harmony. The cream remains incredible throughout, the signature of this cigar. The burn stays true despite the occasional wave, the ash holding for impressive lengths. Two hours pass before you realize the Leyenda has finished telling its story.

Flavor Profile

The 1935 Legacy

Montecristo was born in 1935 at the H. Upmann factory, named after Alexandre Dumas’ novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”—famously read aloud to torcedores as they rolled. The Línea 1935 series pays homage to this heritage, pushing the brand into fuller-bodied territory while honoring its refined character. The Leyenda sits atop this line: the biggest, the boldest, the most ambitious expression of what Montecristo can achieve. Where the classic numbered series offers medium-bodied elegance, the Leyenda proves the marca can deliver power without sacrificing sophistication.

Perfect Pairings

• Cognac: XO or older—the chocolate and honey notes marry beautifully with aged grape spirit.
• Rum: Premium añejo, 12+ years—Zacapa XO or El Dorado 15. Match the cigar’s richness with equal rum complexity.
• Port: Vintage or LBV—dark fruit and sweetness complementing the chocolate and cherry notes.
• Espresso: Double shot, unsweetened—the roasted notes find their echo in proper coffee.

Ideal For

The Montecristo Leyenda serves aficionados ready for serious commitment—two hours of attention, a comfortable chair, nothing pressing on your calendar. This is the cigar for collectors who appreciate the Montecristo profile but crave more intensity, more ring gauge, more presence. The fuller body distinguishes it from the classic numbered series while the unmistakable Montecristo DNA remains intact. Light one when the occasion demands something substantial, when celebration calls for a cigar that matches the moment’s gravity. The black lacquer presentation box makes it gift-appropriate for significant milestones. If you’ve ever wished Montecristo made a cigar to compete with Behike, the Leyenda is your answer.