Description
The Petite Powerhouse That Changed My Mind About Short Smokes
I used to be that guy. You know – the one who’d scoff at anything under five inches, convinced that a proper Cuban experience required at least forty-five minutes of your time. Then I had a Montecristo No.5 at a lounge in Miami during a lunch break, and wow – did I have to eat my words. This little 4-inch gem delivers the full Montecristo experience in twenty-five to thirty minutes, and it does it with more finesse than cigars twice its size. If you’ve been sleeping on the No.5 because of its diminutive stature, you’re missing out on what might be the most perfectly balanced smoke in the entire Montecristo lineup.
What makes this vitola special isn’t just its size – it’s how the blenders at the Habanos factory managed to compress everything great about Montecristo into a format that works for real life. Not everyone has an hour to spare, but that doesn’t mean we should settle for mediocre tobacco.
Why This Little Giant Deserves Your Attention
Montecristo needs no introduction if you’ve spent any time around Cuban cigars. Founded in 1935, the brand became synonymous with premium Cuban tobacco – the benchmark against which other marcas are measured. The No.5, introduced as part of the numbered series, represents what I call the “executive vitola.” It’s built for the aficionado who has taste but not always time.
The Montecristo Petit Edmundo gets more attention these days – probably because it’s newer and reviewers on sites like SoloCigars love talking about the latest releases. But the No.5 has been quietly doing its thing for decades, using tobacco from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region to create a smoke that’s both approachable for newcomers and satisfying for veterans. The wrapper alone – that classic Cuban leaf with its slightly oily sheen – tells you this isn’t some throwaway short smoke.
This cigar is perfect for the smoker who appreciates medium-bodied complexity but can’t always commit to a Churchill. Morning coffee break? Yep. Between meetings? Absolutely. That window after dinner when you want something refined but your significant other wants to watch a show in half an hour? This is your cigar.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Perla (No.5) |
| Length | 4 inches / 102 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 40 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 25-35 minutes |
What Actually Happens When You Light One Up
The cold draw on a properly stored No.5 gives you hints of what’s coming – subtle leather and a touch of sweetness that’s almost cocoa-like. Not overpowering, just enough to make you want to get the thing lit already. I usually toast the foot a bit longer than I would on a larger vitola because that smaller ring gauge means you need an even burn from the start or you’ll be fighting it the whole way.
First third hits different than you’d expect from such a small cigar. That classic Montecristo profile comes through immediately – creamy, cedar-forward, with this underlying nuttiness that reminds me of fresh almonds. There’s a bit of white pepper on the retrohale, but it’s gentle. Not the kind that makes your eyes water, more like the kind that wakes up your palate and says “pay attention.” The construction on these – assuming you’re getting proper Cuban stock and not fakes – is usually impeccable. Even burn, firm ash that holds for almost an inch before dropping.
And the wrapper – man, it’s got this slightly sweet quality that I associate with well-aged Cuban leaf. My buddy from the cigar club swears he tastes honey in the first third. I don’t quite get honey, but there’s definitely something floral happening in the background.
Second third is where the No.5 really shows its pedigree. The flavors deepen without getting harsh – the cedar notes start mingling with coffee bean undertones, and there’s this earthy quality that develops. It’s like the cigar is opening up, becoming more three-dimensional. The smoke output is generous for such a thin ring gauge, producing thick clouds that linger. I’ve noticed the burn line usually stays razor-sharp through this section if you’re not puffing too fast. Take your time with it. This isn’t a cigar you want to rush, even though its size might tempt you to.
Some people compare this to the Montecristo Edmundo, but that’s apples and oranges to me. The Edmundo is a different beast entirely – bigger, longer smoking time, different balance. The No.5 is concentrated intensity.
Final third brings a bit more strength, as Cuban cigars tend to do. The coffee notes become more pronounced – I’d say espresso rather than regular coffee – and there’s a subtle spice that creeps in. Not overwhelming, just enough to keep things interesting as you smoke it down to the nub. The retrohale at this point picks up some dark chocolate notes mixed with that cedar from earlier. Actually, scratch that – it’s more like cocoa powder than chocolate bar. Raw and slightly bitter in a good way. The ash darkens, becomes denser, and if you’ve been keeping the burn even, you should be able to take this down to where you’re almost burning your fingers.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo No.5 | Medium | 25-35 min | Quick sophisticated smoke |
| Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado | Medium-Full | 45-60 min | When you want more kick |
| Montecristo Petit Tubos | Medium | 20-30 min | Travel and protection |
What to Drink With It (And When to Smoke It)
Coffee is the obvious pairing, and it works beautifully – especially a Cuban espresso if you can get your hands on decent beans. The cigar’s cedar and nutty notes complement coffee’s roasted flavors without either one overpowering the other. I’ve also had great experiences with aged rum. Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva both bring out the sweeter undertones in the tobacco. Hmm, how do I put this – the rum’s vanilla notes and the cigar’s cream create this synergy that’s greater than the sum of parts.
For non-alcoholic options, try a quality cream soda or even sparkling water with a twist of orange. The carbonation cleanses the palate between puffs, letting you pick up nuances you might miss otherwise.
Time of day? I’m probably biased here, but I think the No.5 shines brightest as a mid-morning or early afternoon smoke. It’s substantial enough to be satisfying but won’t knock you sideways like a Partagás Lusitania before lunch would. Perfect for a break between tasks when you need to reset your brain but can’t disappear for an hour.
How long does a Montecristo No.5 typically last?
You’re looking at about 25 to 35 minutes depending on your smoking pace. I usually clock in around 30 minutes, but I tend to smoke slower than most people. If you’re rushing through it, you’ll miss half the complexity and probably overheat the cigar. Take your time – it’s a short smoke but it deserves your attention.
Are Montecristo No.5 cigars available in tubos?
Yes, and honestly, the Montecristo Petit Tubos format is perfect if you travel or want extra protection in your humidor. The aluminum tube keeps them safe and maintains humidity pretty well. Some aficionados claim tubos-aged cigars develop slightly different characteristics, though I’ve never noticed a huge difference. The tubos version is easier to find in stock at most retailers compared to the box format.
What’s the difference between the No.5 and other Montecristo vitolas?
Size is the obvious answer, but it goes deeper than that. The No.4 is longer and thicker, giving you more smoking time and a slightly different flavor evolution. The Petit Edmundo has become trendy lately and offers a robusto-like experience. But the No.5 has this concentrated intensity that I find unique in the lineup. It’s like the distilled essence of what makes Montecristo special – all the classic flavors without the time commitment.
How should I store Montecristo No.5 cigars?
Standard Cuban cigar protocol applies – keep them at around 65-70% humidity and 65-70°F temperature. I personally prefer the lower end of that range (around 65%) because I find these smaller ring gauges smoke better when they’re not over-humidified. They’ll burn more evenly and the draw stays perfect. If they get too moist, they can become plugged and you’ll be fighting the draw the whole time. Not fun.
Is the Montecristo No.5 good for beginners?
Absolutely, and I recommend it all the time to people just getting into Cubans. The medium strength won’t overwhelm a developing palate, the size makes it less intimidating than committing to an hour-long smoke, and the flavor profile showcases what quality Cuban tobacco is all about. Plus, if someone doesn’t end up loving it, they’ve only invested half an hour to find out – not the full evening that a bigger vitola demands.
Where does the tobacco for these cigars come from?
All Montecristo cigars use tobacco from Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region, which is basically the Napa Valley of tobacco growing. The soil, climate, and generations of farming expertise there produce leaves that you just can’t replicate anywhere else. That’s what you’re tasting when you pick up those earthy, complex notes that Cuban cigars are famous for. Every review worth reading mentions Vuelta Abajo tobacco for good reason – it’s the foundation of the entire experience.
Can I age Montecristo No.5 cigars or should I smoke them fresh?
You can definitely age them, though smaller ring gauges don’t benefit from extended aging quite the way larger vitolas do. I’d say these hit their sweet spot with about 1-3 years of additional rest beyond whatever age they already have. Beyond five years, you might start losing some of the cedar brightness that makes them special. But that’s just my take – I know aficionados who swear by decade-old No.5s. Try one fresh from the box, then try another after a year in your humidor and decide for yourself.
Bottom Line on This Compact Classic
The Montecristo No.5 is what happens when master blenders refuse to compromise despite size constraints. It delivers authentic Cuban complexity in a format that fits modern life – not everyone has unlimited time, but everyone deserves quality tobacco. Whether you’re new to Cubans or you’ve been smoking them since before online reviews existed, this vitola deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Don’t let its size fool you into thinking it’s somehow “less than” the longer formats. This is a complete cigar experience that respects your time while honoring your palate. Stock up on a box, keep a few in tubos for when you’re on the go, and discover why this unassuming little smoke has been quietly satisfying aficionados for generations while flashier releases come and go.
