Description
Experience the epitome of refined relaxation with the **Montecristo Open Eagle**, a large-format Cuban cigar crafted for the discerning aficionado. Launched in 2009 to commemorate the Montecristo Open Golf Tournament, this **Geniales** vitola (54 ring gauge x 150mm) delivers a luxuriously smooth, **light to medium-bodied** smoking experience. Expect a savory progression of flavors, highlighted by delicate wood notes, a silky Colorado wrapper, and subtle sweetness, making it the perfect companion for an unhurried moment of pure indulgence.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 20 |
|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 20 |
| Packaging Type | Varnished Wooden Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term storage, gifting, sharing with friends |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (when properly stored) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Geniales / Robusto Extra / Eagle |
| Length | 150 mm (5.9 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 54 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Colorado |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban |
| Strength | Light to Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
| Factory | Habanos S.A., Cuba (Partagás factory class) |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Founded in 1935 by Alonso Menéndez, Montecristo quickly ascended to become one of the most respected and recognized names in the world of Cuban cigars. The brand’s name, inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel *The Count of Monte Cristo*, reflects the rich storytelling tradition and the pursuit of excellence that defines Cuban cigar making.
Montecristo’s enduring popularity stems from its unwavering commitment to quality, consistency, and a balanced flavor profile that appeals to both seasoned aficionados and newcomers alike. The brand’s iconic vitolas, such as the No. 2, have become benchmarks of Cuban cigar craftsmanship, enjoyed by luminaries like Winston Churchill and sought after by connoisseurs worldwide. Montecristo stands as a testament to the artistry and tradition of Habanos S.A., representing the pinnacle of Cuban cigar making.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The initial puffs of the Montecristo Open Eagle offer a gentle introduction, characterized by **earthy undertones** and a pleasant **woody essence**. Hints of **light spice** dance on the palate, creating a welcoming and approachable experience. The cigar immediately establishes its smooth and refined character, promising a leisurely and enjoyable smoke.
Second Third – The Heart
As the Montecristo Open Eagle progresses, the flavor profile deepens and expands. **Nutty notes** emerge, reminiscent of cashews and roasted nuts, adding a layer of complexity. The **earthy notes** intensify, complemented by a **creamy coffee** presence and subtle hints of **caramel**. A touch of **grassiness** adds a refreshing element to the blend, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third of the Montecristo Open Eagle brings a satisfying culmination of flavors. A **balanced spice** emerges, adding a pleasant warmth to the smoke. The **woody notes** return, intertwined with a touch of **cocoa** and subtle **fruity nuances**. The **creamy coffee** presence persists, complemented by a returning **honeyed sweetness**, creating a delightful and memorable finish.
Finish
The finish of the Montecristo Open Eagle is clean and balanced, leaving a lingering **light spice** and a subtle **woody sweetness** on the palate. A **savory linger** ensures a satisfying aftertaste, while a touch of **creaminess** adds a touch of elegance to the overall experience.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Wood, Earth |
| Secondary Notes | Nuts, Coffee |
| Tertiary Notes | Spice, Caramel, Fruit |
| Finish | Light Spice, Woody Sweetness |
| Aroma | Dark Chocolate, Earth, Spice, Sweet Cream, Cocoa |
Aging and Collector Value
The Montecristo Open Eagle possesses excellent aging potential, thanks to its quality construction and the inherent characteristics of Cuban tobacco. Over time, the cigar’s flavors will meld and mature, developing deeper sweetness, enhanced creaminess, and increased complexity. Optimal aging for the Open Eagle ranges from 1 to 5 years, allowing the nutty, coffee, and fruit notes to become more pronounced while softening any initial sharpness.
To maximize the aging potential of your Montecristo Open Eagle cigars, store them in a humidor maintained at a consistent temperature of 21°C (70°F) and a relative humidity of 70%. Storing the cigars in their original boxes or aluminum tubes provides additional protection and helps to preserve their flavors and aromas. The Open Eagle’s firm roll and oily wrapper ensure longevity, making it a rewarding addition to any cigar collector’s humidor.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Creamy Coffee | The coffee’s richness complements the cigar’s nutty and earthy notes, creating a harmonious and balanced pairing, perfect for a morning or afternoon indulgence. |
| Dark Rum | The rum’s sweetness and spice enhance the cigar’s cocoa and caramel notes, creating a decadent and satisfying combination. |
| Whiskey | The whiskey’s smoky and oaky flavors complement the cigar’s woody and earthy notes, creating a complex and sophisticated pairing. |
| Cognac | The cognac’s fruity and floral aromas enhance the cigar’s subtle sweetness and spice, creating an elegant and refined experience. |
| Dark Chocolate | The chocolate’s rich and intense flavors complement the cigar’s cocoa and nutty notes, creating a decadent and indulgent pairing. |
| Fine Wine (e.g., Chardonnay) | A well-oaked Chardonnay’s buttery notes mirror the cigar’s creamy texture, while its subtle fruitiness complements the cigar’s nuanced sweetness. |
Authenticity Verification
We guarantee the authenticity of every Montecristo Open Eagle cigar we sell. We source our cigars directly from Habanos S.A. and take every precaution to ensure that you receive only genuine Cuban cigars.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box of Montecristo Open Eagle cigars is sealed with the official Habanos holographic seal, which features a unique serial number that can be verified online.
- Box Code Verification – The box code, stamped on the bottom of the box, provides information about the factory and date of production. This code can be verified with Habanos S.A. to ensure authenticity.
- Factory Stamp – A factory stamp is also present on the bottom of the box, indicating the specific factory where the cigars were produced.
- Triple Cap – Authentic Cuban cigars feature a perfectly applied triple cap, a hallmark of skilled craftsmanship.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Montecristo Open Eagle typically smoke for?
The Montecristo Open Eagle, due to its substantial **Geniales** size (54 ring gauge x 150mm), offers a smoking time of approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a longer, more relaxed smoking experience.
Is the Montecristo Open Eagle a good cigar for beginners?
Yes, the Montecristo Open Eagle is considered a good option for beginners due to its **light to medium body** and smooth, approachable flavor profile. While it offers a complex and nuanced smoking experience, it lacks the harshness or intensity that can be overwhelming for novice smokers. The mellow flavors of wood, nuts, and coffee make it an enjoyable introduction to the world of Cuban cigars.
What are the primary flavors of the Montecristo Open Eagle?
The Montecristo Open Eagle is characterized by its **woody and earthy** base notes, complemented by **nutty nuances** and a subtle **creamy coffee** presence. A touch of **spice** adds complexity and warmth, while hints of **caramel and fruit** contribute to the overall sweetness and balance of the cigar. The silky Colorado wrapper imparts an oily richness.
How does the Montecristo Open Eagle compare to the Montecristo No. 2?
While both the Montecristo Open Eagle and the No. 2 are premium Cuban cigars from the renowned Montecristo brand, they offer distinct smoking experiences. The Open Eagle is generally considered **milder and smoother** than the No. 2, with a **longer smoking time** due to its larger size. The No. 2, on the other hand, is known for its fuller body and more intense flavor profile. The Open Eagle presents itself as a smoother, longer alternative.
