Description
Why the Montecristo Open Master Deserves Your Attention
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’97, and I’ll be honest with you – the Montecristo Open line threw me for a loop when it first came out. Here’s the thing: Montecristo built their reputation on those classic, medium-bodied smokes in their traditional lineup. Then they decided to shake things up with the Open series, and honestly? The Open Master might be the best thing to happen to the brand in the last two decades. Not gonna lie, I was skeptical at first. But after my third or fourth one – this was at a buddy’s birthday party in Tampa, maybe 2015 or so – I realized what they were doing here. This cigar is Montecristo stepping out of their comfort zone and absolutely nailing it.
What you’re about to read isn’t some polished marketing spiel. This is me telling you what I really think about the Open Master after smoking probably two dozen of them over the years. The good, the weird, and the parts that made me go back for more boxes. You’ll learn what makes this vitola special, how it smokes from start to finish, and whether it’s the right fit for your palate. Because here’s the thing – it’s not for everyone, and I’m going to tell you exactly who should seek this one out.
What Makes the Open Master Stand Out
The Montecristo brand needs no introduction if you’ve been in this hobby for more than five minutes. Founded in 1935, named after the Dumas novel that was apparently read aloud in Cuban cigar factories (great story, right?), and consistently one of the most recognized names in Cuban tobacco. Thing is, they got comfortable. For decades, they kept cranking out the same profiles – excellent profiles, don’t get me wrong – but the same ones.
Then came the Open series in 2009, and the Open Master specifically is something different. It’s designed as a more robust, fuller-bodied smoke than your typical Monte. The vitola itself is chunky – a Gordito format that gives you this satisfying heft in your hand. I remember the first time I picked one up at a Casa del Habano in Mexico City, and my immediate thought was “this doesn’t feel like a Montecristo.” And that’s exactly the point.
Who’s this cigar for? If you’re someone who loves Montecristo’s signature elegance but wishes they’d crank up the volume a bit, this is your answer. If you’re a seasoned smoker who wants something with presence but doesn’t want to commit to a full Churchill or Double Corona, the Open Master hits that sweet spot. It’s got enough body to keep experienced palates interested while maintaining that classic Monte refinement. But here’s what gets me – it’s also approachable enough for someone stepping up from medium-bodied smokes. Not too much, not too little. Just right, if you ask me.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Open Master (Gordito) |
| Length | 5.5 inches / 140mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban long-filler blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – From Light to Nub
Okay, so let me walk you through what actually happens when you light one of these up. And I mean really light one up – not the sanitized “flavor notes include” stuff you read everywhere else.
The cold draw on a properly humidified Open Master is beautiful. There’s this immediate cedar thing happening – and I don’t mean generic “wood notes,” I mean that specific smell of Spanish cedar from a well-seasoned humidor. You’ll get hints of cocoa powder too, sometimes a little white pepper tickle in your nose. The draw resistance is usually spot-on, maybe a 7 out of 10 if we’re getting technical. Though I’ll be honest, I’ve had a couple that were too tight, so give it a test draw before you commit to the light.
First third hits different depending on how you toast it. If you’re patient and get an even light – and you should be patient, for God’s sake – the first pulls give you this creamy, slightly sweet profile. There’s leather in there, but it’s soft leather, not that harsh saddle leather you get in some full-bodied Cubans. The cocoa notes from the cold draw bloom into something richer, almost like dark chocolate with a touch of espresso. Wait, let me back up – not espresso like coffee, but that roasted bean quality without the bitterness. You know what I’m talking about, right?
Here’s where it gets interesting. About an inch in, the pepper starts showing up. Not aggressive, but definitely present. It weaves through that creamy base like a thread, just reminding you that this isn’t some mild Connecticut-wrapped cruise control cigar. I was smoking one last summer on my back porch – it was probably 95 degrees out, terrible idea in retrospect – and even in that heat, the complexity kept building. The Open Master doesn’t plateau early like some cigars do.
Second third is where this cigar earns its keep. The strength bumps up just a notch. Still not overwhelming, but you feel it. The flavors get earthier – there’s this barnyard quality that shows up (in a good way, trust me). Some people pick up dried fruit here, like raisins or figs. Honestly? I get it sometimes, not always. What I do always get is this nuttiness that wasn’t there in the first third. Almonds, maybe walnuts. And the cedar that started this whole journey? It’s still there in the background, holding everything together.
The retrohale in the middle section is chef’s kiss. If you’re not retrohaling, you’re missing half the cigar – but you probably know that already. Through the nose, you get more of that spice, plus this almost floral note that’s hard to pin down. It’s subtle. Blink and you’ll miss it.
Final third is where some people lose interest, but not me. Thing is, the Open Master doesn’t fall apart at the end like cheaper cigars do. The flavors concentrate, get a bit more intense, but it stays balanced. The leather comes back stronger. There’s sometimes a molasses sweetness that shows up – I think it was 2018? Maybe 2019. Anyway, I had a box from that era, and every single one finished with this caramel-tobacco sweetness that was phenomenal. Your mileage may vary depending on age and storage.
Construction-wise, these are typically solid. The burn line stays pretty even if you’re not puffing like a freight train. The ash holds for a good inch to inch and a half before dropping – it’s that characteristic light gray Cuban ash with some flaky texture. I’ve had maybe two out of twenty that needed a touchup, which is a pretty good ratio in my book. The wrapper on the Open Master is usually pristine, oily without being greasy, with minimal veins. And the band? Classic Montecristo elegance. I keep a few in a shadowbox in my office because they’re just nice to look at.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Open Master | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Afternoon smoke, experienced palates wanting elegance with body |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium | 90 minutes | Those who want classic Monte in a torpedo, more time commitment |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 50-60 minutes | Bolder alternative, less refinement, more punch |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Medium | 60 minutes | Milder option, similar size, more approachable for newer smokers |
Real talk: if you’re choosing between the Open Master and a Montecristo No. 2, it comes down to what you’re in the mood for. The No. 2 is a legend for a reason – it’s that classic Monte profile in a beautiful torpedo shape. But it’s also a longer commitment and trends milder. The Open Master gives you more oomph in a shorter, thicker format. I reach for the No. 2 when I’ve got two hours to kill and want to contemplate life. I grab the Open Master when I want satisfaction without dedicating my entire afternoon.
Comparing it to the Partagás D4 is like comparing a jazz quartet to a rock band. Both are great, but different vibes entirely. The D4 is bolder, earthier, more in-your-face. The Open Master has more finesse. If you’re a Partagás person, you might find the Open Master too refined. If you’re a traditional Monte person, the D4 might be too rustic. Know thyself, as they say.
What to Drink With It (And When to Smoke It)
Okay, pairing time. And I’m going to give you actual recommendations, not just “pairs well with whiskey” nonsense.
My go-to pairing? A nice añejo rum. I’m talking about something like Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23. The sweetness of aged rum plays beautifully with that cocoa and leather profile in the Open Master. There’s this moment in the second third where the rum and the cigar just sync up, and it’s magic. No joke, this pairing converted two of my friends who were “bourbon only” guys.
If you’re a coffee person, a Cuban coffee or a strong espresso works surprisingly well, especially in the morning. Yeah, I said morning. The Open Master is robust enough to handle morning smoking if you’re one of those people. I’m not, typically, but I’ve done it on vacation, and it works. The coffee amplifies those roasted flavors without overwhelming anything.
For bourbon drinkers – and I know there are a lot of you – go with something not too peaty or smoky. A smooth Kentucky bourbon like Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark complements without competing. The vanilla notes in good bourbon echo some of the sweeter elements in the cigar. But here’s what gets me: if you go too bold with the bourbon, you’ll steamroll the cigar. Keep it balanced.
When should you smoke this? Late afternoon is prime time. You’ve had lunch, you’re winding down, maybe it’s a Saturday and you’ve got nowhere to be. The Open Master is contemplative without being demanding. It’s also fantastic after a good meal – not a heavy meal that’ll wreck your palate, but something with flavor. I had one after a steak dinner in Dallas once, and the richness of the meat set up the cigar perfectly. Weather-wise, I prefer these in moderate temps. Too hot and you rush through it, too cold and the flavors mute a bit. But honestly? Smoke what you want when you want. Rules are meant to be broken.
What People Actually Want to Know
How does the Open Master compare to other Montecristo vitolas?
The Open Master sits in a unique spot in the Montecristo lineup – it’s fuller-bodied than your traditional Monte offerings like the No. 4 or Petit Edmundo. Where classic Montecristos are known for elegance and medium strength, the Open Master pushes into medium-full territory while maintaining that signature refinement. It’s got more body than a No. 2 but less time commitment, and it’s beefier than a No. 5 while being more complex. Think of it as Montecristo’s answer to smokers who wanted them to turn up the volume without losing the sophistication. I’ll be blunt – if you love the classic Monte profile but wish it had more presence, this is exactly what you’re looking for.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Open Masters?
I keep mine at 65-67% humidity, which is pretty standard for Cuban cigars. Some people go higher, but I find that at 70% or above, these smoke too wet and the flavors get muted. Below 62%, and you risk the wrapper cracking – that thicker ring gauge can be unforgiving if it dries out. Temperature matters too – shoot for 65-70°F if you can manage it. I learned this the hard way after a summer where my humidor hit 75 degrees, and I had to deal with some beetle issues. Not fun. Give these at least six months of proper storage if you can resist smoking them immediately. A year or more really lets them settle and develop.
Is the Montecristo Open Master a good cigar for beginners?
Here’s the thing – it depends on what kind of beginner you are. If you’re brand new to cigars and have only smoked mild Connecticut-wrapped smokes, the Open Master might be a bit much. The medium-full strength can surprise you if you’re not ready for it. But if you’ve been smoking for a few months and you’re ready to step up from milder options, this is actually a fantastic choice. It’s complex enough to keep you interested, but it’s not going to knock you on your backside like some full-bodied Nicaraguans or a Partagás Lusitania. I’ve introduced several people to Cuban cigars with the Open Master, and most of them loved it. Just make sure you’ve eaten something first and maybe have a sweet drink handy. Don’t be a hero.
How long should I age Montecristo Open Masters?
Not gonna lie, I’m probably biased here because I have zero patience, but these smoke great with just 6-12 months on them. Fresh boxes can be a bit sharp, especially if they just came from Cuba. Give them at least six months to let that ammonia dissipate and the flavors marry. That said, I’ve had Open Masters with three years of age that were absolutely phenomenal – the harshness completely gone, the flavors more integrated and smooth. A buddy of mine swears by five-year aging, but honestly? I can’t wait that long. If you’re the patient type, go for two to three years and you’ll be rewarded. Just check on them periodically to make sure they’re not drying out or developing issues.
What’s the best way to cut an Open Master?
Straight cut, all day. That 50 ring gauge gives you plenty of surface area, and a straight cut keeps the draw nice and open without being too loose. I use a sharp guillotine cutter – and I mean sharp, not that beat-up one you’ve been carrying in your pocket for five years. A clean cut prevents the wrapper from unraveling. Some people like a V-cut on thicker cigars, and honestly, it works fine here too if that’s your preference. The V-cut can concentrate the smoke a bit, which some folks prefer. What I don’t recommend is a punch – with this size, a punch cut can restrict the draw too much, and you’ll be working harder than you need to. Keep it simple, keep it sharp, and you’ll be fine.
Why are Montecristo Open Masters sometimes hard to find?
Welcome to the world of Cuban cigars, where availability is more of a suggestion than a guarantee. The Open line in general doesn’t get produced in the same massive quantities as the core Montecristo range. Add in the usual Cuban production inconsistencies, distribution hiccups, and the fact that authorized retailers can only stock what they can get their hands on, and you’ve got a recipe for sporadic availability. I’ve seen periods where they’re everywhere, and then months where I can’t find them anywhere. Best advice? When you find them and they’re smoking well, buy a box or two. Don’t wait. I made that mistake in 2016 and spent the next year kicking myself. Also, crop quality varies year to year, so some years produce better tobacco than others, which affects everything down the line.
Can you smoke a Montecristo Open Master down to the nub?
You can, and I usually do. The construction on these is solid enough that you can take it down pretty far without it getting harsh or bitter – at least, that’s been my experience with properly aged ones. The last inch and a half can get pretty intense, flavor-wise and strength-wise, so be prepared for that. If you’re getting harshness or bitterness in the final stretch, it might be a humidity issue or you might be puffing too fast and overheating the cigar. I typically smoke mine until it’s almost too hot to hold, but I’m stubborn like that. Most people bail out with about an inch left, which is perfectly respectable. There’s no prize for smoking it until you burn your fingers.
Final Thoughts From the Smoking Lounge
So here’s where we land. The Montecristo Open Master is what happens when a heritage brand decides to take a calculated risk and actually pulls it off. It’s got the elegance and refinement you expect from Montecristo, but with enough body and complexity to keep things interesting. The 60-75 minute smoking time is perfect for those afternoons when you want a substantial smoke without committing your entire evening.
Is it perfect? No cigar is perfect. I’ve had a few that needed touch-ups, and availability can be frustrating. But when you get a good one – and most of them are good ones – you’re in for something special. Between you and me, this is the cigar I reach for when I want to feel like I’m treating myself without pulling out something from my ultra-premium stash.
If you’re a seasoned Cuban cigar smoker looking for something familiar yet different, grab a few. If you’re ready to step up from milder smokes into more robust territory, this is a fantastic bridge. Just make sure you’ve got a good drink, a comfortable chair, and nowhere to be for the next hour or so. That’s when the Open Master really shines. Trust me on this one.
