Montecristo No 3

Description

If you hang around cigar shops long enough, you realize the Montecristo No. 4 gets all the sales volume and the No. 2 gets all the glory, but the No. 3 is where the actual balance lives. It is the sleeper hit of the original 1935 numbered series, offering that classic Habano profile without the massive time commitment of a double corona. I always recommend this to people who find the No. 4 a bit too short but aren’t ready to wrestle with a large ring gauge; it is arguably the most elegant format in the line.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: When you first put flame to the foot, do not rush. The 42 ring gauge is unforgiving if you overheat it right out of the gate. Once you get an even burn, the initial draw brings a sharp, waking snap of black pepper and dry cedar. It is not aggressive, but it certainly announces its presence. Within the first half-inch, that peppery introduction settles down quickly, making room for a distinct earthiness that coats the palate. You might notice the draw is slightly firmer than a robusto, which is typical for this vitola, but it produces a surprisingly dense, white smoke that carries aromas of roasted nuts and fresh leather.

Mid-Section: This is where the No. 3 really separates itself from its siblings. As the ash holds firm, the profile shifts from dry wood to a much creamier texture. The black pepper fades into the background, acting more like a seasoning than a main flavor. You start tasting a rich blend of cocoa powder and vanilla bean, which creates a semi-sweet contrast against the tobacco core. The strength creeps up on you here; it starts medium but begins pushing toward the fuller side as the oils in the wrapper heat up. There is a specific citrus note, almost like orange zest, that pops in and out, keeping the heavy earth flavors from becoming monotonous.

Final Third: Approaching the band, the cigar drops the polite creaminess and returns to its roots. The strength hits medium-full, and the flavors darken significantly. That earlier cedar note transforms into a toasted, almost charred tobacco flavor that pairs beautifully with a resurgence of spice. You will likely pick up hints of raw honey and dark roasted coffee beans. Because of the slender format, the heat can build up if you puff too frequently, so slow your cadence down to keep the smoke cool. The finish is long and savory, leaving a lingering taste of espresso and wood that stays with you well after you put the nub down.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Montecristo

The Montecristo brand is practically synonymous with Cuban tobacco history. Founded in 1935 by Alonso Menendez, the name comes from the tradition of factory lectors reading stories to the torcedores (rollers) while they worked. The rollers’ favorite novel was Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo,” and the name stuck. The No. 3 was part of the original five vitolas launched with the brand, meaning this exact size and blend helped build the reputation the company enjoys today. While many other brands have chased trends with thick ring gauges, the No. 3 remains a steadfast example of the classic Corona format that defined the golden era of Havana cigars.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Havana Club 15yr – The dried fruit and heavy oak notes in this aged rum cut right through the earthiness of the cigar while amplifying the cocoa flavors.
• Whiskey: Yamazaki 12 – The Japanese oak and subtle fruitiness of the whisky highlight the citrus zest and vanilla notes hidden in the cigar’s second third.
• Coffee: Cuban espresso – A short, sweet, and powerful coffee stands up to the medium-full body of the tobacco without washing out the cedar notes.

Ideal For

This is a cigar for the enthusiast who appreciates structure over sheer size. It fits perfectly into a lunch hour or a pre-dinner slot where you want substantial flavor but do not have two hours to spare. While a beginner could smoke it, the No. 3 rewards a developed palate that can pick out the transition from pepper to cream to toasted spice. If you enjoy the classic “Cuban twang” of earth and leather, this is a benchmark smoke.