Description
The Montecristo Open Eagle stands as the majestic crown jewel of the Open Series, a line specifically engineered by Habanos S.A. to cater to the modern aficionado who demands both substance and a refined, approachable profile. Launched in 2009 to coincide with the prestigious Montecristo Cup golf tournament in Varadero, this Geniales vitola represents a significant departure from the brand’s traditionally potent blends. As a large-format Cuban cigar, the Eagle offers a light-to-medium-bodied journey that is as expansive as its name suggests. Measuring a generous 150 mm with a 54 ring gauge, it provides a cool, voluminous smoke characterized by a sophisticated palette of cedar, toasted nuts, creamy coffee, and honeyed sweetness. Whether enjoyed on the links or during a quiet evening of reflection, the Montecristo Open Eagle is the definitive choice for those seeking a long, luxurious, and impeccably balanced Cuban experience.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Varnished Box of 20 | Aluminum Tubos (Pack of 15) |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 20 Cigars | 15 Cigars (5 packs of 3) |
| Packaging Type | Semi Boîte Nature (Varnished Wood) | Individual Aluminum Tubes |
| Ideal For | Long-term humidor aging and display | Travel, golf outings, and gifting |
| Humidity Protection | Requires stable humidor environment | Enhanced short-term protection via tubes |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Geniales (Robusto Extra) |
| Length | 150 mm (5.9 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Colorado (Silky, Oily) |
| Binder | Cuba |
| Filler | Cuba |
| Strength | Light to Medium |
| Body | Mellow but Voluminous |
| Smoking Time | 60–90 Minutes (Up to 2 hours) |
| Factory | Habanos S.A. (Partagás Factory Class) |
| Brand Owner | Montecristo / Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The legend of Montecristo began in 1935, when Alonso Menéndez purchased the Particulares Factory. Inspired by the tradition of lectores reading to torcedores on the rolling floor, Menéndez named his new brand after Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. The brand quickly became the gold standard for Cuban cigars, known for its distinctively tangy, medium-to-full-bodied flavor profile and impeccable construction. For decades, the Montecristo No. 2 and No. 4 have served as the benchmarks against which all other Habanos are measured.
In 2009, Montecristo expanded its horizons with the introduction of the Open Series. Recognizing a shift in global preferences toward lighter, more aromatic smokes that could be enjoyed in outdoor settings—such as the golf course or a yacht deck—Habanos S.A. developed a blend that maintained the Montecristo DNA while lowering the intensity. The Open Eagle, the largest vitola in this series, was named in honor of the “Eagle” score in golf, symbolizing excellence and a high level of achievement. It remains a testament to the brand’s ability to innovate while honoring the centuries-old traditions of the Vuelta Abajo region.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon ignition, the Montecristo Open Eagle greets the palate with an immediate sense of refinement. The initial draws are remarkably smooth, producing thick clouds of aromatic white smoke. The primary flavors are dominated by fresh cedar and damp earth, underscored by a very light, floral sweetness. Unlike the spicy start of many Cuban cigars, the Eagle is gentle, offering soft notes of cashews and a hint of white pepper that lingers only momentarily on the retrohale. The 54 ring gauge ensures the smoke remains cool, allowing the delicate honeyed sweetness of the wrapper to shine through early in the session.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into the second third, the body transitions firmly into the medium range. The complexity deepens as the woody notes evolve into a richer, toasted oak character. A distinct creamy coffee note emerges, reminiscent of a Caribbean café au lait, accompanied by the savory taste of roasted nuts. This stage of the smoke is where the Eagle truly finds its stride; the balance between the earthy undertones and the emerging caramel sweetness is flawless. The construction remains impeccable, with a razor-sharp burn and a sturdy, light-grey ash that speaks to the quality of the long-filler tobacco.
Final Third – The Crescendo
In the final stages, the flavors intensify without ever becoming harsh or aggressive. The dark chocolate and cocoa notes that were subtle in the background now move to the forefront, blending beautifully with a returning cedar spice. There is a faint hint of dried fruit—perhaps apricot or citrus peel—adding a sophisticated acidity that cuts through the creaminess. The finish is remarkably clean, leaving a lingering taste of leather and espresso. Even as the cigar nears the nub, the temperature remains controlled, allowing the aficionado to enjoy every last millimeter of this Geniales vitola.
Finish
The aftertaste of the Montecristo Open Eagle is characterized by a silky, savory linger. It leaves the palate feeling refreshed rather than overwhelmed, with a final impression of sweet wood and light spice. It is a “clean” finish that invites another sip of a fine beverage, making it an ideal companion for a long, unhurried afternoon.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Fragrant Cedar, Rich Earth, Toasted Oak |
| Secondary Notes | Roasted Cashews, Creamy Coffee, Raw Cocoa |
| Tertiary Notes | Honeyed Sweetness, Dried Fruit, Light White Pepper |
| Finish | Clean, Savory, Leather, Espresso |
| Aroma | Sweet Cream, Dark Chocolate, Exotic Wood |
Aging and Collector Value
The Montecristo Open Eagle is a prime candidate for medium-term aging. While the Open Series is designed to be approachable “fresh” out of the box, the high-quality leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region reward those with patience. Over a period of 1 to 5 years, the initial grassy and light peppery notes soften, allowing the nutty and creamy coffee characteristics to become more pronounced and integrated. Collectors often find that the Eagle develops a “syrupy” texture to its smoke after three years in a well-maintained humidor.
For optimal results, store these cigars at a steady 65% to 70% relative humidity and a temperature of 21°C (70°F). If you possess the aluminum tubos, consider removing the caps or taking the cigars out of the tubes for long-term cellaring to allow the tobacco to “breathe” and age more uniformly. The Eagle’s status as a premium, large-format release ensures it maintains its value and prestige among Habanos enthusiasts worldwide.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Creamy Latte / Flat White | The milk fats enhance the cigar’s natural creaminess and coffee notes. |
| Aged Cuban Rum (7+ Years) | The molasses sweetness of the rum perfectly complements the cedar and spice. |
| Speyside Single Malt | The honey and orchard fruit notes of the whisky mirror the Eagle’s subtle sweetness. |
| Cognac (VSOP or XO) | The floral and grape-heavy profile of Cognac elevates the cigar’s earthy complexity. |
| Chardonnay (Oaked) | The buttery texture and vanilla notes of the wine harmonize with the toasted oak flavors. |
| Sparkling Water with Lemon | Cleanses the palate between draws to fully appreciate the nuanced flavor transitions. |
Authenticity Verification
At our luxury boutique, we understand that authenticity is the cornerstone of the Cuban cigar experience. Every Montecristo Open Eagle we ship is guaranteed to be a genuine product of Habanos S.A., sourced through official channels.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that reacts to light, ensuring the box has not been tampered with.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of every box is hot-stamped with the factory code and the month/year of production, allowing for full traceability.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, signifying traditional Cuban craftsmanship.
- Triple Cap – The Eagle features the signature Cuban triple cap, a mark of expert rolling that ensures a clean cut and a perfect draw.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we take pride in delivering only the finest, authenticated Cuban vitolas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Montecristo Open Eagle take to smoke?
Due to its 150 mm length and 54 ring gauge, the Montecristo Open Eagle is a substantial smoke. Most aficionados find that it lasts between 75 and 90 minutes. However, if smoked slowly to appreciate the nuanced transitions, it can easily extend to two hours. Its cool-burning nature makes it a perfect choice for extended relaxation.
Is the Montecristo Open Eagle suitable for cigar beginners?
Absolutely. In fact, it is often recommended as one of the best “entry-level” luxury Cuban cigars. Because it is light-to-medium in strength, it provides the complex flavors of a premium Habano without the overwhelming nicotine “kick” found in the Partagás or Bolívar brands. Its smooth, creamy profile is very accessible to those still developing their palate.
How does the Open Eagle compare to the Montecristo No. 2?
While both are legendary, they offer very different experiences. The Montecristo No. 2 is a medium-to-full-bodied Torpedo known for its spicy, tangy, and intense profile. The Open Eagle is milder, larger in ring gauge, and focuses more on wood, nuts, and cream. The Eagle is designed for casual, outdoor enjoyment, whereas the No. 2 is often reserved for a more concentrated, indoor tasting session.
What makes the “Open” series different from the classic Montecristo line?
The “Open” series was specifically blended to be lighter and more aromatic. The tobacco leaves used in the filler are selected for their milder characteristics. The packaging also reflects this modern approach, featuring a secondary gold band with the “OPEN” name and the specific vitola name (Eagle, Regata, Master, or Junior), making it easily distinguishable from the classic line.
Does the Open Eagle age as well as other Montecristos?
Yes, though its aging curve is slightly different. Because it starts at a lower strength, it doesn’t require decades to “mellow out.” Instead, 1 to 5 years of aging is the “sweet spot” where the flavors reach their peak harmony. During this time, the oils in the Colorado wrapper further infuse the filler, resulting in a more cohesive and luxurious smoking experience.
