Description
The Montecristo Línea 1935 Leyenda represents the absolute zenith of Cuban cigar craftsmanship, standing as the largest and most prestigious vitola in Montecristo’s first-ever full-strength range. Launched to commemorate the brand’s founding year, the Leyenda is a Maravillas No. 2 vitola, boasting an impressive 165 mm (6 1/2 inches) length and a commanding 55 ring gauge. This cigar is designed for the connoisseur who demands a long-lasting, transformative experience, offering approximately 90 minutes of pure luxury. From the moment the Natural Carmelite wrapper is ignited, the Leyenda unfolds a full-bodied profile of immense complexity. Expect a sophisticated journey that begins with bold cedar and leather, transitions through creamy cappuccino and nutmeg, and concludes with a decadent crescendo of cacao, caramel, and vanilla. This is not merely a cigar; it is a “Legend” in both name and nature, crafted entirely by hand using the finest long-filler tobaccos from the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Río.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 20 (Standard) | Special Reserve / Collector Options |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 20 Cigars | Varies by Limited Release |
| Packaging Type | Premium Matte Carmelite Lacquer Box | High-Gloss Luxury Humidor Finish |
| Ideal For | Serious Collectors and Daily Aficionados | Investment and Milestone Celebrations |
| Humidity Protection | Boveda-ready cedar lining | Airtight seal with protective velvet sleeve |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Leyenda (Maravillas No. 2) |
| Length | 165 mm (6 1/2 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 55 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Natural Carmelite) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Pinar del Río – Tripa Larga) |
| Strength | Full |
| Body | Robust / Full-Bodied |
| Smoking Time | 90 Minutes |
| Factory | H. Upmann Factory, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Montecristo began in 1935 at the legendary H. Upmann factory in Havana. The brand’s name was inspired by the torcedores (cigar rollers) who would listen to readings of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, while they worked. This literary connection quickly became a symbol of sophistication and culture, propelling Montecristo to become the most recognized and appreciated Habanos brand in the world. For decades, the brand was known for its medium-bodied profile, anchored by the iconic No. 2 Pirámide.
In 2017, Habanos S.A. introduced the Línea 1935 to push the boundaries of the brand’s traditional strength. This was a historic departure, marking the first time Montecristo offered a full-strength blend. By sourcing tobacco exclusively from the premier fields of Pinar del Río, the Línea 1935 captured a deeper, more resonant intensity. The Leyenda, as the largest vitola in this line, serves as the flagship for this new era of Montecristo excellence, blending nearly a century of tradition with a bold, modern power that appeals to the contemporary palate.
Today, the Montecristo fleur-de-lis remains a global benchmark for quality. The Línea 1935 Leyenda is distinguished not only by its size but by its presentation, featuring three elegant bands: the classic Montecristo band, a secondary band denoting the Línea 1935, and a third foot band protecting the delicate wrapper. This attention to detail ensures that the Leyenda is regarded as a trophy cigar, suitable for the most significant moments in a smoker’s life.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with a majestic pre-light aroma of sweet woody notes and rich earth. Upon lighting, the Leyenda immediately asserts its full-bodied character. The initial draws are characterized by a bold intensity of pepper spice and white oak. As the combustion stabilizes, notes of toasted bread and mineral-rich earth emerge, softened by a surprisingly creamy texture. The smoke is thick and voluminous, coating the palate in a layer of leather and cedar that sets a sophisticated stage for the evolution to come.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into the middle third, the complexity deepens significantly. The spice recedes slightly to make way for a rich, gourmand profile. Dominant notes of freshly roasted coffee and cappuccino take center stage, complemented by dark chocolate and nutmeg. The 55 ring gauge allows for a cool draw, which highlights the delicate nuances of toasted pecans and hazelnuts. There is an underlying sweetness reminiscent of sugarcane that balances the robust earthy and mineral core, creating a perfectly harmonious “heart” to the smoke.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third is where the Montecristo Línea 1935 Leyenda truly earns its name. The strength peaks, but the smoke remains remarkably smooth. A wave of cacao and caramel sweetness emerges, accompanied by hints of vanilla and maple. The woody notes transition from oak to a more aromatic cedar, while the spice returns in the form of a picante tingle on the retrohale. Hints of roasted nuts linger, creating a multifaceted profile that demands the smoker’s full attention until the very last inch.
Finish
The finish is duradero (long-lasting) and exceptionally clean. It leaves a layered impression of sweetness and bold tobacco on the palate, with a final aftertaste of espresso and fine leather. Even after the cigar is rested, the room note remains pleasant, characterized by sweet cedar and toasted elements.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Leather, Roasted Coffee, Black Pepper |
| Secondary Notes | Cacao, Nutmeg, Toasted Pecans, White Oak |
| Tertiary Notes | Sugarcane, Mineral, Vanilla, Maple Syrup |
| Finish | Picante, Smooth, Sweet, Robust Aftertaste |
| Aroma | Sweet Woody, Toasted Earth, Spice |
Aging and Collector Value
The Montecristo Línea 1935 Leyenda is a prime candidate for long-term aging. Due to the high concentration of essential oils and the full-strength blend of Pinar del Río tobacco, these cigars possess the structural integrity to evolve for decades. Expert consensus suggests that a minimum of 3 to 4 years of box aging is required to allow the bold pepper and mineral notes to integrate fully with the sweeter, creamy elements. Over time, the Leyenda will develop enhanced floral and energetic aromas, while the cacao and caramel notes will become more pronounced and “chewy” in texture.
For collectors, the Leyenda is a “must-have” vitola. Its unique size and the luxury lacquer packaging make it a centerpiece in any humidor. To maintain its value and flavor profile, store these cigars at a consistent 65-70% Relative Humidity (RH) and a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C). Proper storage ensures that the Natural Carmelite wrapper remains supple and the combustion remains flawless for years to come.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness of an 11-year-old rum perfectly mirrors the Leyenda’s caramel and sugarcane notes. |
| Single Malt Scotch | A Highland malt with sherry cask influence complements the nutmeg and toasted nut profile beautifully. |
| XO Cognac | The rancio and dried fruit notes of a fine Cognac provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the leather and oak. |
| Double Espresso | The intensity of a short, dark coffee stands up to the full-bodied strength of the final third. |
| Vintage Port | The dark berry sweetness and structural tannins of Port create a luxurious pairing with the cigar’s cacao finish. |
| Bourbon | The vanilla and charred oak notes of a high-proof Bourbon synchronize with the cigar’s white oak and vanilla layers. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Habanos, authenticity is paramount. We ensure that every Montecristo Línea 1935 Leyenda we provide meets the rigorous standards of Habanos S.A. To verify your purchase, look for the following hallmarks of excellence:
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Located on the top right of the box, this seal features a high-security hologram and a unique serial code that can be verified on the official Habanos website.
- Box Code Verification – The bottom of each box features a heat-stamped code indicating the factory (H. Upmann) and the date of production (month and year).
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Hecho en Cuba” and “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) stamps, which confirm the traditional manufacturing process.
- Triple Cap – Each Leyenda is finished with a flawless Cuban triple cap, a signature of master torcedores that ensures a clean cut and perfect draw.
Our Guarantee: We source our cigars exclusively through official channels. If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our strict quality control standards, we provide a full refund. Trusted by global collectors since 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Montecristo Línea 1935 Leyenda different from the classic Montecristo No. 2?
While the Montecristo No. 2 is a medium-bodied Pirámide, the Leyenda is a full-bodied Maravillas No. 2. The Leyenda uses a more intensive blend of Pinar del Río tobacco, offering a significantly more robust and complex flavor profile. It is larger in ring gauge (55 vs 52) and length, providing a longer, more powerful smoking experience compared to the classic line.
How long should I expect to smoke a Leyenda?
The Montecristo Leyenda is a substantial cigar designed for reflection. Given its 165 mm length and 55 ring gauge, the average smoking time is approximately 90 minutes. If smoked slowly to appreciate the evolving flavor notes, it can easily last up to 100 minutes without losing its balance or becoming bitter.
Is the Línea 1935 Leyenda suitable for beginners?
Due to its full strength and high complexity, the Leyenda is generally recommended for experienced smokers. The intensity of the nicotine and the depth of the flavors may be overwhelming for a novice. However, for those looking to transition into full-bodied Cubans, the Leyenda’s creamy texture makes it more approachable than other high-strength cigars.
Why is this vitola called “Leyenda”?
The name “Leyenda” translates to “Legend” in Spanish. It was chosen to signify the cigar’s status as the ultimate expression of the Montecristo brand. As the largest vitola in the most premium line (Línea 1935), it represents the pinnacle of what a Cuban cigar can achieve in terms of size, strength, and sophistication.
