Description
Experience the epitome of Cuban refinement with the Montecristo Open Master, a distinguished Robusto that delivers a captivating medium-bodied smoking experience. This meticulously crafted Habanos cigar offers a symphony of elegant flavors, evolving from initial woody and creamy notes to a richer tapestry of earth and leather. The Open Master is the perfect choice for discerning aficionados seeking a nuanced and luxurious smoke, a testament to Montecristo’s unparalleled legacy.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 | 10 |
| Packaging Type | Varnished Wooden Box | Varnished Wooden Box |
| Ideal For | Stocking your humidor, sharing with friends, long-term aging | Sampling the blend, gifting to a cigar enthusiast, travel |
| Humidity Protection | Excellent (when properly stored) | Excellent (when properly stored) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Robusto |
| Length | 124 mm (4 7/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Colorado Claro |
| Binder | Cuban, Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban, Vuelta Abajo |
| Strength | Medium (2/5) |
| Body | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 35-45 minutes |
| Factory | Habanos S.A., Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Montecristo, arguably the most recognized name in the world of Habanos, boasts a storied history dating back to 1935. Born within the walls of the H. Upmann factory in Havana, the brand derives its evocative name from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, *The Count of Monte Cristo*. Legend has it that the novel was a favorite amongst the factory’s *lectores*, who would read aloud to the torcedores as they meticulously crafted each cigar.
From its inception, Montecristo has been synonymous with Cuban excellence. The brand’s unwavering commitment to using only the finest tobacco leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, combined with the expertise of its skilled torcedores, has cemented its position as a benchmark for quality and consistency. Montecristo’s iconic blend quickly garnered global acclaim, captivating connoisseurs with its perfectly balanced and complex flavors. The Open series, introduced in 2009, marked a strategic evolution, aiming to appeal to a new generation of smokers with milder profiles, while still retaining the classic sophistication that defines the Montecristo brand. The Open Master exemplifies this approach, offering an approachable yet refined smoking experience.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The Montecristo Open Master begins with a welcoming introduction of woody notes, reminiscent of aged cedar, intertwined with a subtle salty driftwood quality. A delicate sweetness emerges, carrying hints of cocoa and light coffee, complemented by grassy scents. A whisper of white pepper and lemon on the cold draw adds a pleasant complexity, evolving into a mild almond presence with a touch of spice.
Second Third – The Heart
As the Open Master progresses, the flavor profile deepens and broadens. The core shifts to a harmonious blend of cedar, rich tobacco, and decadent cocoa, underscored by notes of coffee and warming spice. A subtle buttery smoothness emerges, accented by bright lemon and a hint of butternut. The body builds gradually towards medium, introducing nuanced notes of espresso, vibrant citrus, and delicate florals. The prominent presence of almond contributes to a balanced and full-bodied alchemy.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third of the Open Master is marked by an increasing earthy dominance, grounded by the familiar presence of cedar. Notes of supple leather emerge, alongside the lingering essence of grass, bright lemon, and a gentle touch of pepper. This section delivers a satisfying intensity, leading to a complex and engaging smoking experience.
Finish
The finish of the Montecristo Open Master is exceptionally clean, leaving a lasting impression of floral and earthy notes. A lingering sweetness and subtle spice create a harmonious balance, ensuring a refined and memorable aftertaste.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Wood, Cocoa, Coffee |
| Secondary Notes | Leather, Earth, Almond |
| Tertiary Notes | Citrus, Spice, Florals |
| Finish | Clean, Floral, Earthy |
| Aroma | Rich wood, Cocoa, Coffee, Subtle Pepper, Lemon |
Aging and Collector Value
The Montecristo Open Master possesses excellent aging potential, rewarding patient aficionados with enhanced complexity and depth. While enjoyable fresh, allowing the cigars to rest for at least two years will allow the flavors to settle and meld, resulting in a more harmonious and nuanced smoking experience. Over time, the initial almond and pepper notes will evolve into deeper layers of espresso, citrus, and floral nuances. The woody and earthy characteristics will also become more pronounced, adding to the cigar’s overall richness and sophistication.
For optimal aging, store your Montecristo Open Master cigars in a humidor maintained at a consistent humidity level of 70% and a temperature of 21°C (70°F). This controlled environment will ensure that the cigars retain their essential oils and aromas, allowing them to develop their full potential over time. Properly aged Open Masters become highly sought-after by collectors, appreciating the transformation and refinement that time imparts to this exceptional Robusto.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Premium Aged Rum | The rum’s inherent sweetness amplifies the cocoa and subtle sweetness present in the Open Master, creating a delightful synergy. |
| Single Malt Whiskey | The smoky and peppery notes of a single malt whiskey complement the cedar and pepper nuances of the cigar, enhancing the overall complexity. |
| Espresso | The rich and intense flavors of espresso mirror the coffee notes found in the Open Master, creating a harmonious and balanced pairing. |
| Cognac | The smooth and elegant character of cognac complements the refined profile of the cigar, enhancing its subtle nuances and creating a luxurious experience. |
| Honeyed Tea | The subtle sweetness and floral notes of honeyed tea create a delicate counterpoint to the cigar’s earthy and woody undertones, providing a refreshing and balanced pairing. |
| Sparkling Water with Lemon | For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon provides a palate-cleansing and refreshing contrast to the cigar’s richer flavors, allowing you to fully appreciate its nuances. |
Authenticity Verification
We understand the importance of authenticity when purchasing premium Cuban cigars. That’s why we guarantee that all of our Montecristo Open Master cigars are 100% authentic, sourced directly from Habanos S.A. To ensure your peace of mind, here are some key features to look for:
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box of authentic Habanos cigars features a holographic seal on the right-hand side, near the top. This seal contains a unique serial number and intricate holographic designs that are difficult to replicate.
- Box Code Verification – Authentic Habanos boxes are stamped with a factory code, indicating the date and location of production. This code can be verified through official Habanos channels to ensure the box’s legitimacy.
- Factory Stamp – Inside the box, you’ll find a factory stamp that further identifies the origin and production details of the cigars. This stamp is applied with precision and consistency, serving as another marker of authenticity.
- Triple Cap – Authentic Cuban cigars are characterized by their triple cap construction, a meticulous process that involves carefully layering three separate pieces of tobacco to create a perfectly formed head.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar purchased from us fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
Explore More Cuban Cigars
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Montecristo Open Master taste like?
The Montecristo Open Master offers a medium-bodied flavor profile characterized by notes of cedar, leather, cocoa, and coffee, with hints of spice, citrus, and almond. It evolves through three distinct stages, starting with woody and creamy nuances, transitioning to richer earth and leather tones, and finishing with a clean, floral aftertaste.
How long does it take to smoke a Montecristo Open Master?
The estimated smoking time for a Montecristo Open Master is approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on your smoking pace. This makes it an ideal choice for a relaxing break or a shorter, more focused smoking session.
Is Montecristo Open Master a good cigar for beginners?
While Montecristo is a renowned brand, the Open Master’s medium strength makes it relatively approachable for beginners who are looking to explore more complex flavors. However, it’s still recommended that novice smokers start with milder cigars before venturing into medium-bodied options.
What is the aging potential of Montecristo Open Master?
The Montecristo Open Master benefits significantly from aging. Allowing it to rest for at least two years will allow the flavors to meld and mature, resulting in a smoother, more complex, and refined smoking experience. The aging process enhances the cigar’s nuances and brings out its full potential.
