Description
The Montecristo Open Eagle: Why This Limited Edition Still Haunts My Dreams
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’97, and every so often you come across a cigar that just… gets you. The Montecristo Open Eagle is one of those cigars. Released as part of the Open series – which, real talk, was Montecristo’s bold attempt to shake things up and appeal to golfers and outdoor enthusiasts – this thing turned out to be so much more than a gimmick. It’s a limited edition that actually deserves the hype, and I’ll tell you exactly why.
Here’s the thing – most limited editions are just fancy packaging with the same old blend. But the Open Eagle? It’s got this unique character that sets it apart from every other Montecristo in the lineup. Between you and me, I think it’s criminally underrated because people dismiss the whole Open series as a marketing ploy. Their loss.
What Makes the Open Eagle Special (And Why You Should Care)
The Open series came out in 2009, and Habanos S.A. was taking a risk. Montecristo, historically speaking, has been the gold standard for medium-bodied Cuban cigars since 1935. The brand was named after Alexandre Dumas’s famous novel – the one about the Count of Monte Cristo – because factory workers used to have someone read novels aloud while they rolled. No joke, that’s actually how they passed the time.
But the Open Eagle isn’t your grandfather’s Montecristo. It’s got a 54 ring gauge, which is hefty by traditional Cuban standards, and a shorter length that makes it perfect for when you’ve got 45 minutes to an hour. The wrapper is vintage Vuelta Abajo leaf – and I mean the good stuff from Cuba’s premier tobacco region – with this gorgeous, oily sheen that tells you everything you need to know about the aging process before you even light it up.
Thing is, this cigar was designed for outdoor smoking. Golf courses, patios, that sort of thing. And while I respect the concept, what they accidentally created was a cigar with such excellent construction that it performs beautifully in any condition. The draw is always consistent, the burn line stays razor sharp even in a light breeze, and the flavor profile? We’ll get to that. Trust me.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Open Eagle |
| Length | 5.9 inches / 150 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend (Vuelta Abajo, Semi Vuelta, Vuelta Arriba) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 45-60 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: A Journey Worth Taking
Okay, so let me walk you through what happens when you actually smoke one of these. And I’m not gonna lie – I’m getting a little nostalgic just thinking about it because the first Open Eagle I smoked was on a terrace in Varadero, watching the sun set over the ocean. Maybe that’s clouding my judgment, but I don’t think so. I’ve had probably two dozen of these since then, and the experience has been consistent.
The cold draw gives you cedar right away. That classic Montecristo cedar note that’s almost like opening a Spanish cedar humidor – you know that smell when the wood has absorbed years of tobacco oils? That. There’s also a subtle sweetness, maybe a hint of honey or light caramel, nothing overpowering. The construction is impeccable – and I mean that. The triple-cap is flawless, the wrapper has this silky texture with just enough tooth to catch the light, and the weight distribution tells you the filler is evenly packed.
Light it up, and the first third opens with a creamy smoke texture that coats your palate. The dominant flavors are cedar and a mild coffee note – think café con leche, not espresso. There’s this underlying nuttiness, like toasted almonds, and just a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. Not spicy, just enough to keep things interesting. The burn line is dead straight from the start, and the ash holds for a good inch and a half before dropping. It’s pale gray with those darker bands running through it – classic Cuban ash.
The second third is where things get interesting. The coffee note deepens and becomes more pronounced, picking up some cocoa undertones. The cedar is still there, playing backup, but now you’re getting these waves of cream and leather – soft leather, like a worn jacket, not harsh or bitter. There’s a touch of grassiness that reminds you this is Cuban tobacco, grown in that distinctive Cuban soil. The spice picks up slightly, more black pepper now than white, tickling the back of your throat in a pleasant way. The strength stays firmly in medium territory – it’s present, you feel it, but it’s not knocking you over.
By the final third – and this is where a lot of cigars fall apart, but not this one – the flavors concentrate beautifully. The coffee goes darker, almost espresso-like but still smooth. There’s earth coming through now, that rich Cuban earth note that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been there and smelled it after a rain. The cedar comes back stronger, mingling with the leather, and there’s this subtle sweetness underneath everything that keeps it balanced. No harshness, no bitterness, no need to put it down before the last inch. The aroma that comes off the cigar is intoxicating – my wife, who doesn’t even smoke, will admit this one smells incredible.
The wrapper stays intact right to the nub. I’ve never had one unravel or crack, which speaks volumes about the roller’s skill and the aging process. Habanos doesn’t rush these limited editions – at least they didn’t with the Open series – and you can taste that patience in every puff.
How Does It Stack Up? The Real Comparison
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Open Eagle | Medium | 45-60 minutes | Outdoor smoking, experienced beginners, afternoon smoke |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Special occasions, evening smoke, classic Cuban experience |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Mild-Medium | 50-65 minutes | Morning smoke, beginners, lighter palate |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill | Medium | 55-70 minutes | Similar ring gauge lovers, balanced experience |
I know what you’re thinking – why compare it to the No. 2 when they’re different sizes? Because that’s what everyone wants to know. “Is it as good as the No. 2?” And the answer is… they’re different animals. The No. 2 is more complex, takes longer, builds more intensity. But the Open Eagle? It’s more approachable, more forgiving, and honestly more versatile. If the No. 2 is a three-piece suit, the Open Eagle is a perfectly tailored sport coat. Both have their place.
The Hoyo Epicure No. 2 is milder, which makes it great for mornings, but it doesn’t have that depth of flavor you get from the Open Eagle. And the RyJ Wide Churchill is probably the closest competitor in terms of smoking experience, but I find it doesn’t have quite the same refinement in the final third. Just my two cents.
What to Drink with Your Open Eagle
Okay, so pairing suggestions. I’ve tried this cigar with everything from rum to red wine to craft beer, and here’s what works best. For spirits, go with a good aged rum – I’m talking Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Zacapa 23. The caramel and vanilla notes in the rum complement that creamy profile perfectly without overwhelming the tobacco. If you’re a whiskey person, try a smooth bourbon like Maker’s Mark or a lighter single malt like Glenmorangie. Skip the peaty Islay scotches – they’ll bulldoze right over the cigar.
Coffee? Absolutely. A proper Cuban coffee or a well-made espresso brings out those coffee notes in the smoke and creates this beautiful synergy. I’ve also had great success with a cortado – the milk softens everything and extends the creamy texture.
For non-alcoholic options, try a good quality iced tea or even a cream soda. Sounds weird, I know, but hear me out – that vanilla sweetness in a cream soda actually works really well with the cedar and coffee notes.
Time of day? This is an afternoon cigar. Post-lunch, early evening, that golden hour before dinner. It’s substantial enough to satisfy but not so heavy that it ruins your appetite or leaves you nicotine-sick if you smoke it at noon.
Storage and Aging: What You Need to Know
Here’s something important – these cigars benefit from rest. If you can get your hands on some fresh boxes (and that’s a big if since it’s a limited edition), let them sit in your humidor at 65-68% humidity for at least six months. A year is better. I know, I know, the temptation to smoke them right away is real, but trust me on this.
The Open Eagle responds beautifully to aging. That cedar note becomes more refined, the coffee gets richer, and the overall profile smooths out even more. I’ve got a few from 2013 that I’m saving for special occasions, and the ones I’ve tried from that era are phenomenal – the spice has mellowed but the complexity has increased.
Keep them in a well-seasoned Spanish cedar box if you can. The wrapper is delicate enough that you don’t want them getting jostled around or dried out. And for God’s sake, don’t over-humidify them. Cubans in general, and these especially, do better on the drier side than the wetter side. If you keep them at 70%+ humidity, they’ll get spongy and the burn will suffer.
Why This Limited Edition Matters
Limited editions come and go. Some are forgettable cash grabs, others become legendary. The Open Eagle sits somewhere in between, and that’s actually what makes it interesting. It’s not trying to be the next Behike or the next Limited Edition Reserva. It’s just a really, really well-made cigar that happens to be part of a series with limited production runs.
The Open series as a whole was controversial when it launched. Purists didn’t like the shorter formats and bigger ring gauges – “that’s not traditional Cuban!” they said. But Habanos was smart here. They weren’t abandoning tradition; they were adapting it for modern smokers who want quality in a shorter timeframe. And the tobacco? Still the same premium Vuelta Abajo leaves, still the same aging process, still hand-rolled by the best torcedores in Cuba.
What makes the Open Eagle special is that it proves you don’t need 90 minutes and a Churchill format to experience the magic of Montecristo. Everything that makes Montecristo legendary – that balance, that elegance, that unmistakable DNA – it’s all there in a package that fits into your busy life.
Is the Montecristo Open Eagle suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, but with a caveat. If you’re brand new to cigars, start with something milder like a Hoyo de Monterrey or a lighter Montecristo like the No. 4. But if you’ve smoked a dozen cigars and want to step up to something with more character without getting knocked over, the Open Eagle is perfect. It’s medium strength, which means it’s present and flavorful but not overwhelming. The creamy profile and smooth smoke make it forgiving, and the 45-60 minute smoking time means you’re not committing to a marathon session. Just make sure you’ve eaten something first – never smoke any Cuban cigar on an empty stomach.
How does the Open Eagle compare to other cigars in the Montecristo Open series?
The Open series includes the Open Master, Open Regata, and Open Junior alongside the Eagle. The Eagle is the goldilocks size – not too big, not too small. The Open Master is larger and takes longer, while the Junior is smaller and lighter. In terms of flavor, they all share that Montecristo DNA, but the Eagle has the best balance in my opinion. The 54 ring gauge gives you enough tobacco to develop complexity without being overwhelming, and the length is perfect for that 45-60 minute sweet spot. I’ve tried them all, and while the Master is impressive, it’s too much cigar for most situations. The Eagle is the one I reach for most often.
What’s the best way to cut and light an Open Eagle?
Use a sharp guillotine cutter and take off just the cap – about 1/8 inch. The triple cap on these is beautifully constructed, so don’t get aggressive and cut too deep or you’ll risk unraveling the wrapper. For lighting, I always use a butane torch lighter, never a soft flame. Hold the flame about an inch away from the foot and rotate the cigar slowly, toasting the entire surface evenly before you start puffing. Take your time with this – 30 seconds of proper toasting makes a huge difference in how the cigar burns. Once it’s toasted, then put it to your lips and light it with gentle puffs while rotating. The goal is an even cherry all the way across the foot. Rush this step and you’ll spend the whole smoke fighting an uneven burn.
Can I age the Montecristo Open Eagle, and if so, for how long?
Not only can you age them – you should. These cigars are fantastic fresh, but they’re sublime with age. I’d recommend a minimum of six months rest in your humidor after purchase, ideally a year. I’ve smoked Open Eagles with up to eight years of age on them, and they just keep getting better. The cedar becomes more pronounced, the coffee notes deepen, and everything smooths out beautifully. The sweet spot seems to be around 3-5 years of aging. Store them at 65-68% humidity in a well-maintained humidor. If you’re planning to age them long-term, consider keeping them in their original box – the Spanish cedar helps the aging process and protects the wrappers. Just check on them every few months to make sure the humidity is stable.
Why is the Open Eagle considered a limited edition if it’s part of a regular series?
Good question, and there’s some confusion about this. The Open series itself is part of Montecristo’s regular lineup, but production runs are limited compared to core vitolas like the No. 2 or No. 4. Habanos doesn’t produce these in massive quantities, and they’re not always available. Some years you’ll see plenty of stock, other years they’re scarce. It’s not a true “Limited Edition” like the yearly LE releases with the special bands, but it’s not a constantly-available regular production either. Think of it as a permanent series with limited production. This makes them more collectible than standard Montecristos but easier to find than true limited editions. When you see them available, it’s smart to grab a box if your budget allows because they might be scarce the next time you look.
What are the main flavor notes I should expect from an Open Eagle?
The flavor profile is classic Montecristo with some unique twists. You’ll get cedar from start to finish – that’s the signature Montecristo note and it’s prominent here. Coffee comes through strongly, especially in the second and final thirds, ranging from café con leche in the beginning to darker espresso notes toward the end. There’s a creamy texture throughout that coats your palate beautifully. Leather notes develop in the middle section, along with some toasted nuts – think almonds or hazelnuts. You’ll catch some white pepper on the retrohale in the first half, transitioning to black pepper later. The final third brings in some earth and a subtle sweetness that balances everything. It’s medium strength, so these flavors are all distinct and refined rather than overwhelming. The key word is balance – nothing dominates, everything works together.
Is the construction quality consistent across different boxes of Open Eagles?
In my experience, yes – the quality control on these is excellent. I’ve gone through maybe five or six boxes over the years, different production dates, and I can count on one hand the number of duds I’ve encountered. The Open series seems to get extra attention from the rollers, maybe because they were initially controversial and Habanos wanted to prove they could do non-traditional sizes right. That said, Cuban cigars are handmade, so there’s always some variation. Check each cigar before smoking – feel for soft spots, inspect the wrapper for cracks or damage, make sure the cap is intact. But compared to some other Cuban marcas where quality can be hit or miss, Montecristo in general and the Open Eagle specifically are remarkably consistent. The worst I’ve encountered is an occasional tight draw, which you can fix with a draw tool. Major construction flaws? Rare.
My Final Take on the Montecristo Open Eagle
Look, I’ll be straight with you. There are fancier cigars. There are rarer cigars. There are cigars that will impress your friends more when you pull them out at a herf. But the Montecristo Open Eagle is just a damn good smoke that consistently delivers exactly what you want from a quality Cuban cigar.
It’s got that Montecristo elegance and refinement we all know and love, packaged in a format that actually fits into real life. Not every smoke session is a two-hour meditative journey. Sometimes you’ve got 45 minutes, a nice evening, and you want something special. That’s when you reach for the Open Eagle.
The flavor profile is classic Cuban – cedar, coffee, cream, leather – with enough complexity to keep things interesting but not so much that you need a tasting journal to appreciate it. The construction is flawless, the aging potential is real, and the smoking experience from first puff to last is consistently excellent.
If you’re building a Cuban cigar collection and you can find these, grab them. If you’re looking for something to introduce a friend to premium Montecristos without overwhelming them, this is it. If you just want a reliable, high-quality smoke for outdoor occasions or casual evenings, the Open Eagle delivers every single time.
Don’t let the “Open” series name fool you into thinking this is somehow less than other Montecristos. It’s different, sure, but different doesn’t mean lesser. Sometimes it means better – and in this case, for the right situation and the right smoker, it absolutely is.
Add a box to your humidor. Let them rest for six months. Then light one up on a beautiful evening and see for yourself. I think you’ll understand why this limited edition has earned its place among the greats.
