Description
Why the Open Junior Deserves More Attention Than It Gets
I’ll be blunt: the Montecristo Open Junior is criminally underrated. While everyone obsesses over the No. 2 or the Edmundo, this little gem sits quietly in humidors, waiting for someone to give it a chance. I picked up my first one on a whim during a trip to Mexico back in – I want to say 2009? Maybe 2010. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that it completely changed how I thought about shorter smokes.
The Open line was designed for outdoor smoking – hence the name – but the Junior does double duty. Yes, it’s perfect for the golf course or a walk around the neighborhood. But it’s also become my go-to when I want that unmistakable Montecristo character without committing to an hour-plus session. And unlike some brands that treat their smaller vitolas as an afterthought, Montecristo actually put effort into this one.
If you’re someone who thinks shorter cigars can’t deliver complexity, or you’ve been disappointed by other “quick smoke” options, stick with me. This cigar might surprise you.
What Makes This Cigar Stand Out
Montecristo needs no introduction – we all know the story. Established in 1935, named after Dumas’s novel, beloved by Hemingway (allegedly), and all that. But what you might not know is that the Open line represents something different for the brand. It was introduced in the early 2000s specifically for the outdoor smoker who didn’t want to sacrifice quality for convenience.
The Open Junior, though? It’s the smallest of the family, and that’s exactly its strength. At 4.3 inches, it delivers concentrated flavor. Think of it like espresso versus a full cup of coffee – same beans, different intensity. The blend uses tobacco from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region, same as its bigger siblings, but the shorter format changes the game entirely.
This is for the smoker who appreciates nuance but doesn’t always have ninety minutes to spare. It’s for the guy who wants a proper Cuban with his morning coffee, not at midnight after everyone else has gone to bed. I’ve recommended this to friends who are new to Cubans and to seasoned aficionados who’ve somehow overlooked it. Both groups come back impressed.
The construction is classic Montecristo – which means it’s excellent. The wrapper is silky without being delicate, and the cap is applied with the kind of precision that makes you appreciate the torcedores’ skill. Actually, scratch that – sometimes I take the precision for granted until I smoke something from a lesser brand and remember why I keep coming back to the Cuban classics.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Open Junior |
| Length | 4.3 inches / 110 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 38 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 25-35 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – What to Expect
Right off the bat, the cold draw gives you this sweet, almost honeyed tobacco scent with hints of cocoa. Not overwhelming – just enough to get your attention. Light it up properly (and please, use a proper lighter, not that torch you use for your Rocky Patel), and the first puffs deliver clean, creamy smoke.
The first third is where the Open Junior shows its Montecristo DNA. You get that characteristic earthy base with touches of cedar and – this is going to sound weird – fresh bread. My buddy Carlos from the cigar club insists it’s more like graham crackers, but he’s wrong. It’s definitely bread, like walking past a bakery early in the morning. There’s also a subtle white pepper on the retrohale that keeps things interesting without being aggressive.
Around the halfway point, things get more complex. The cream fades a bit, and you start picking up leather notes. Not the heavy, aged leather you’d get from a maduro – this is lighter, more refined. There’s also this natural sweetness that intensifies, almost like caramel. The burn is typically razor-sharp if you’ve stored it properly. I’ve had maybe two or three with burn issues out of dozens, and honestly, those were probably my fault for not letting them acclimate after shipping.
The final third – and this is where shorter cigars often fall apart – maintains its composure beautifully. Some small ring gauge cigars get harsh or bitter toward the end. Not this one. The flavors concentrate, sure, but in a good way. The pepper ramps up slightly, the earth becomes more pronounced, and you get these little flashes of dark chocolate. I usually smoke it down until my fingers get warm, which is my universal signal that it’s time to let go. The ash holds firm in thick, light gray segments, which tells you everything you need to know about the construction quality.
One thing worth mentioning – because I learned this the hard way – don’t smoke this too fast. I know it’s a short cigar and you might be in a hurry, but give it the same respect you’d give an Edmundo. Puff too frequently and it’ll get hot and lose that sweetness. Pace yourself. This isn’t a race.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Open Junior | Medium | 25-35 minutes | Morning smoke, golf, time-limited sessions |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 40-50 minutes | Classic experience, beginners to Montecristo |
| H. Upmann Half Corona | Mild-Medium | 20-30 minutes | Lighter alternative, morning coffee pairing |
Perfect Pairings and When to Smoke It
Coffee. That’s the first pairing that comes to mind, and I’m not talking about gas station coffee. Get yourself a proper Cuban espresso or a rich Colombian brew, and this cigar becomes something special. The sweetness in the smoke plays beautifully against the coffee’s bitterness. I’ve also had great experiences pairing it with a cappuccino, though purists might judge me for that.
For spirits, I lean toward aged rum – specifically something like Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva. The rum’s vanilla and caramel notes complement the cigar’s natural sweetness without overpowering it. If you’re more of a whiskey person, try a lighter Scotch. Nothing too peaty or it’ll overwhelm the smoke. A Glenlivet 12 works nicely.
Timing-wise, this is my morning and early afternoon cigar. It’s bright enough for those times when a full-bodied smoke would be too much. Golf course? Absolutely. Walking the dog? Perfect. That twenty-minute break between conference calls when you’re working from home? You bet. I’ve also smoked these at outdoor weddings and summer barbecues – anywhere you want a proper cigar but don’t want to commit to a long smoke session.
How does the Open Junior compare to other Montecristo vitolas?
It’s definitely in the Montecristo family – you get that signature earthy, creamy profile – but the shorter length concentrates the flavors. Think of it as the highlight reel rather than the full movie. The Edmundo gives you more time and evolution, but the Junior delivers surprising complexity for its size. If you’re pressed for time, this is your best bet in the Montecristo lineup.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, but with one caveat. The medium strength won’t knock you over, and the flavors are accessible without being boring. However, the thinner ring gauge means beginners need to pay attention to their smoking pace. Puff too fast and it gets harsh – that’s just physics. If you’re new to cigars, just take your time with it and you’ll be fine.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these?
I keep mine at 65-67% relative humidity, same as my other Cubans. Some people go higher, but I find that the thinner ring gauge smokes better when it’s not overly moist. If you’re storing these alongside bigger ring gauges, they might dry out slightly faster, so check on them. Actually, I learned that lesson when I left a box in the bottom of my humidor for six months – they were fine, just needed a week to bounce back.
How long should I age these before smoking?
Honestly? You can smoke them fresh, and they’re quite good. But if you can wait six months to a year, the flavors marry together beautifully. I’ve smoked some with three years on them, and the sweetness really develops. That said, I know people who buy these specifically as “smoke now” cigars because they don’t have the patience to age everything. No judgment – they’re excellent either way.
Why aren’t these as popular as other Montecristo vitolas?
I genuinely don’t understand it. I think people overlook shorter cigars in general, assuming they can’t deliver the same experience as a robusto or Churchill. There’s also this weird bias where smokers think they’re not getting their money’s worth with a smaller vitola – which is ridiculous if you actually pay attention to what you’re smoking. The Open Junior deserves way more attention than it gets. That’s my crusade, apparently.
Can this cigar handle outdoor conditions and wind?
That’s literally what it was designed for – the “Open” name isn’t just marketing. The construction is solid enough to handle a breeze without going out constantly. I’ve smoked these on boats, golf courses, and hiking trails without major issues. Just don’t expect it to survive a windstorm. Use common sense, and maybe bring a lighter with a reliable flame rather than matches.
How does this compare to non-Cuban alternatives like Oliva?
Completely different profiles, really. Oliva makes excellent cigars – I’m not knocking them – but they have that Nicaraguan punch that’s distinct from the Cuban elegance you get here. The Open Junior is smoother, more nuanced, with that characteristic Cuban sweetness. If you’re someone who loves the bold, peppery kick of brands like Rocky Patel or Oliva, this might seem subtle at first. Give it a chance though. It’s a different experience, not a lesser one.
Final Thoughts
The Montecristo Open Junior punches way above its weight class. It delivers authentic Cuban character in a format that respects your schedule, and it does so with remarkable consistency. Whether you’re new to the brand or you’ve been smoking Montecristos since the 90s, this vitola deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Don’t let the size fool you – this is a complete smoking experience. The complexity is there, the construction is flawless, and the flavors are everything you want from Montecristo without the time commitment. If you’ve been sleeping on this one, it’s time to wake up.
Stock up, keep a few properly humidified, and smoke one the next time you’ve got a spare half hour. You’ll get it.
