Description
The Montecristo No. 3 stands as a monument to the golden era of Cuban cigar production, representing the quintessential Corona vitola for the truly discerning connoisseur. While its sibling, the No. 4, often steals the spotlight as the world’s most popular cigar, the No. 3 offers a more elongated, sophisticated journey that allows the legendary Montecristo blend to breathe and evolve with unparalleled grace. Measuring 142 mm (5 5/8 inches) with a 42 ring gauge, this handmade masterpiece is crafted at the historic H. Upmann factory in Havana. It delivers a medium-strength profile characterized by a luxurious tapestry of roasted coffee, bittersweet cocoa, and refined cedar wood. For those who find the Petit Corona too brief and the Churchill too demanding, the Montecristo No. 3 provides the perfect 30-to-45-minute interlude of pure, unadulterated Cuban excellence.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Standard Dress Box (25) | Small Pack (5) |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Habanos | 5 Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Cedar-lined “Dress Box” with traditional lithography | Cardboard Pack or Aluminum Tins (select releases) |
| Ideal For | Serious collectors and long-term humidor aging | Travel, gifting, or sampling the vitola |
| Humidity Protection | Requires immediate humidor storage | Portable; Tins offer short-term protection |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Corona |
| Length | 142 mm (5 5/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Corojo (Smooth, Oily) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo – Long Filler) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Body | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 30 – 45 Minutes |
| Factory | H. Upmann Factory, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Montecristo is one of literary inspiration and industrial mastery. Founded in 1935 by Alonso Menéndez, the brand was named after Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. This was a direct tribute to the Lectors—the professional readers who entertained the torcedores (cigar rollers) on the factory floor by reading literature aloud. The workers found such profound resonance with the tale of justice and adventure that they demanded the brand bear the name. This cultural foundation has imbued every Montecristo cigar with a sense of timeless narrative and luxury.
Following the 1960 Cuban Revolution and the subsequent nationalization of the industry, production moved to the iconic H. Upmann factory in Havana, where it remains today. Throughout the mid-20th century, Montecristo rose to become the most recognized Cuban brand globally, favored by heads of state, Hollywood icons, and literary giants. The numbered series—from the diminutive No. 5 to the legendary No. 2 torpedo—serves as the backbone of the Habanos portfolio, with the No. 3 occupying the vital “standard” position that defines the brand’s medium-bodied excellence.
Today, Montecristo accounts for roughly one-quarter of Habanos S.A.’s worldwide sales. Its consistency is legendary, maintained by strict quality control and the use of the finest leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, the only place in the world where all three types of tobacco leaves (wrapper, binder, and filler) are grown to such a prestigious standard. To smoke a Montecristo No. 3 is not merely to enjoy a cigar; it is to participate in a storied tradition that has survived revolutions and shifts in global taste, remaining the ultimate benchmark for Cuban tobacco.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon ignition, the Montecristo No. 3 greets the palate with a sophisticated and gentle introduction. The initial draws are characterized by a distinct creamy texture that coats the mouth, carrying notes of fresh cedar and a delicate floral sweetness. Unlike more aggressive vitolas, the No. 3 opens with restraint, allowing the smoker to appreciate the quality of the Corojo wrapper. Subtle hints of toasted nuts and a faint grassy undertone emerge, reminiscent of the fertile Cuban soil. The smoke production is ample and aromatic, filling the room with a fragrance of sweet tobacco and light roasted almonds.
Second Third – The Heart
As the burn progresses into the middle section, the flavor profile intensifies and finds its “sweet spot.” The primary notes shift toward a rich mocha coffee bean essence, perfectly balanced by a growing bittersweet cocoa depth. This is the hallmark of the Montecristo identity. The woodiness evolves from light cedar into a more robust smoked oak, providing a sturdy backbone for the more delicate flavors. A unique citrus twang—often described as a light orange peel or dried fruit note—adds a layer of complexity that keeps the palate engaged. The strength remains a steady medium, ensuring the complexity is never overshadowed by raw power.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the Montecristo No. 3 reaches its full potential. The cocoa richness deepens into dark chocolate, and the coffee notes become more concentrated, like a well-pulled espresso. A subtle white pepper twang begins to tingle on the retrohale, adding a spice element that was absent in the earlier thirds. The earthy elegance of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco becomes more prominent, offering a “salty-sweet” dynamic that is uniquely Cuban. Despite the increasing intensity, the cigar maintains its silky smoothness, avoiding the harshness or “hot” burn often found in lesser-constructed Coronas.
Finish
The finish is remarkably clean and lingering. It leaves a lasting impression of roasted coffee, leather, and a touch of nutty sweetness on the tongue. The aftertaste is elegant and balanced, inviting the smoker to reflect on the experience long after the cigar has been rested in the ashtray. There is no lingering bitterness, only the refined signature of a perfectly aged Habanos.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Mocha Coffee, Bittersweet Cocoa, Smoked Cedar |
| Secondary Notes | Roasted Almonds, Orange Zest, Leather |
| Tertiary Notes | Dried Grass, White Pepper, Earthy Musk |
| Finish | Clean, Nutty, Lingering Espresso |
| Aroma | Sweet Tobacco, Toasted Brioche, Floral Cedar |
Aging and Collector Value
The Montecristo No. 3 is a prime candidate for long-term cellaring. While it is certainly approachable “off the truck,” the long-filler construction and high-quality oils within the Corojo wrapper allow it to evolve magnificently over time. Collectors generally agree that the “sweet spot” for aging this specific vitola is between 1 to 3 years. During this period, the initial youthful pepper notes soften significantly, allowing the cocoa and cream aspects to become the dominant features. The flavors meld together, creating a more seamless transition between the thirds.
For those with the patience for extended aging (5+ years), the No. 3 can develop “vintage” characteristics, including notes of aged leather, truffle, and a more pronounced honey-like sweetness. To preserve this potential, it is critical to maintain a stable environment. We recommend a temperature of 70°F (21°C) and a relative humidity (RH) of 65-70%. Storing these in their original cedar dress boxes is preferred, as the cedar interaction enhances the wood notes and aids in the natural fermentation process. For collectors, the No. 3 represents a stable investment; its classic Corona shape is always in demand, and well-aged boxes often command a premium among aficionados.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness of an 8-year-old Havana Club complements the cocoa and spice of the cigar perfectly. |
| Single Malt Scotch | A Speyside malt with sherry cask influence mirrors the nutty and dried fruit notes found in the middle third. |
| Espresso / Café Cubano | The natural mocha notes of the Montecristo No. 3 are amplified by the intensity of a high-quality coffee. |
| Cognac (VSOP) | The floral and oaky characteristics of Cognac provide a sophisticated bridge to the cigar’s cedar and floral opening. |
| Late Harvest Port | The rich, dark fruit profile of a Port provides a beautiful contrast to the earthy and woody backbone of the tobacco. |
| Stout or Porter | A chocolate stout enhances the creamy cocoa notes, making for a decadent dessert-like pairing. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. We ensure that every Montecristo No. 3 that leaves our humidor is a genuine product of Habanos S.A., sourced through official channels and verified for quality.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official green and white warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that shifts under light to prevent counterfeiting.
- Box Code Verification – On the bottom of every box, you will find a heat-stamped factory code and the date of production (e.g., “MAR 23”), allowing you to track the cigar’s origin and age.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, which signify the highest tier of Cuban craftsmanship.
- Triple Cap – The No. 3 features the traditional Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of expert torcedores that ensures a clean cut and a perfect draw.
Our Guarantee: We take pride in our reputation. If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our rigorous standards for construction and condition, we provide a full refund or replacement. Trusted by collectors and connoisseurs since 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Montecristo No. 3 and the No. 4?
The primary difference is the length. The No. 3 is a Corona (142mm), while the No. 4 is a Petit Corona (129mm). Both share a 42 ring gauge. Because the No. 3 is longer, it offers a cooler smoke and a more gradual development of flavors. Many aficionados find the No. 3 to be more balanced and “relaxed,” whereas the No. 4 delivers its flavors in a more concentrated, shorter burst.
Is the Montecristo No. 3 suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Montecristo No. 3 is an excellent choice for those new to Cuban cigars. Its medium strength is approachable without being overwhelming, yet it possesses enough complexity to educate the palate. The 42 ring gauge is also very comfortable for those not used to the larger “Gorda” or “Robusto” sizes. It provides a classic introduction to the “Montecristo profile” of coffee and cocoa.
How long does it take to smoke a Montecristo No. 3?
Typically, a Montecristo No. 3 takes between 30 and 45 minutes to smoke. However, this can vary depending on your personal smoking pace. Because of its Corona dimensions, we recommend smoking it slowly to prevent the cigar from overheating, which preserves the delicate citrus and cream notes.
Why is the Montecristo No. 3 often called the “Quintessential Corona”?
The Corona was once the industry standard for cigar dimensions. The Montecristo No. 3 is considered the “quintessential” example because it adheres strictly to these traditional proportions while utilizing the most famous Cuban blend in history. It represents the perfect ratio of wrapper leaf to filler tobacco, ensuring that you taste the nuance of the oily Corojo wrapper alongside the rich Cuban filler.
