Montecristo Petit Edmundo

Description

The Montecristo Petit Edmundo represents the pinnacle of modern Cuban cigar craftsmanship, offering a condensed masterclass in complexity and power. Designed for the contemporary aficionado who demands a full-sensory experience within a limited timeframe, this Petit Robusto delivers the legendary Montecristo profile in a stout, 110mm (4.3 inches) by 52 ring gauge format. Since its debut in 2006, it has become a staple in luxury humidors worldwide, prized for its medium to full-bodied richness and an opulent flavor tapestry that ranges from creamy cedar and dark chocolate to a sophisticated spicy crescendo. Whether enjoyed as a post-lunch indulgence or a refined business-break companion, the Petit Edmundo provides a 35 to 90-minute journey of unparalleled Cuban excellence, characterized by its oily Vuelta Abajo wrapper and a signature long, nutty finish that evokes the depth of a rare Chinese tea.

Box Features and Packaging Options

Cigar Specifications

Brand Heritage

The Montecristo brand is perhaps the most recognizable name in the world of premium cigars, a legacy that began in 1935 when Alonso Menéndez purchased the Particulares Factory. Inspired by the tradition of lectores (readers) who entertained torcedores on the rolling floor, the brand was named after Alexandre Dumas’ literary masterpiece, The Count of Monte Cristo. This literary connection is immortalized in the brand’s iconic logo—six rapiers forming a triangle around a fleur-de-lis. Over the decades, Montecristo has set the global benchmark for the “Habano” flavor profile, transitioning from a niche favorite to an international symbol of prestige and luxury.

The Petit Edmundo was introduced in 2006 as a response to the growing global demand for shorter, thicker vitolas that do not compromise on complexity. Produced at the prestigious H. Upmann factory in Nuevo Vedado, it was named after Edmundo Dantès, the protagonist of the Dumas novel. While it shares the name and the substantial 52 ring gauge of its larger sibling, the Edmundo, the Petit version utilizes a specific blend of leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region to ensure the flavor develops rapidly and remains balanced throughout its shorter length. It famously earned a 92 rating and the #11 spot on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list shortly after its release, cementing its status as a modern classic.

Today, the Montecristo Petit Edmundo continues to embody the brand’s commitment to “Totalmente a Mano” (totally handmade) excellence. It serves as the bridge between the traditional long-filler cigars of the mid-20th century and the modern preference for intense, high-impact smokes. For the collector, the Petit Edmundo is not just a cigar; it is a piece of living history from the world’s most famous tobacco-growing region, representing the pinnacle of Cuban agricultural and artisanal skill.

Tasting Profile

First Third – The Opening

Upon ignition, the Montecristo Petit Edmundo greets the palate with an immediate burst of refined cedar and toasted oak. The draw is typically effortless, producing voluminous clouds of white smoke. Early notes of double roasted coffee and bitter cocoa dominate the foreground, while a subtle floral elegance appears on the retrohale. The oily wrapper provides a velvety mouthfeel, and the initial strength sits comfortably at a solid medium, hinting at the complexity to follow. There is a perceptible sweetness, reminiscent of dark chocolate, that balances the earthy foundation of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco.

Second Third – The Heart

As the burn progresses into the second third, the cigar’s character deepens significantly. The cocoa notes transition into a smoother, creamier milk chocolate, while a sophisticated spice rack of nutmeg and cinnamon begins to emerge. A distinct white pepper tingle develops on the palate, adding a layer of excitement without becoming overwhelming. Enthusiasts will notice a unique salty brininess on the retrohale, a hallmark of high-quality Cuban leaf, alongside flavors of marzipan and sweet earth. The construction remains impeccable, with a firm, grey ash that holds well, reflecting the expert bunching of the filler leaves.

Final Third – The Crescendo

The final third is where the Petit Edmundo truly earns its “Full” body designation. The spices intensify, shifting toward black pepper and star anise. However, this heat is masterfully tempered by a thick, heavy cream sensation that coats the tongue. The freshly ground coffee notes return with renewed vigor, accompanied by deep leather and barnyard undertones. Even as the cigar nears the nub, the flavors remain clean and cool, provided it is smoked with the patience such a luxury item deserves. The floral notes from the opening return as a faint, elegant echo amidst the robust earthy tones.

Finish

The finish of the Montecristo Petit Edmundo is exceptionally long and satisfying. It leaves a lingering aftertaste of peppery caramel and toasted nuts, perfectly balanced by a final touch of dark chocolate. Unlike many shorter cigars that can become harsh at the end, the Petit Edmundo maintains its integrity, leaving the aficionado with a sense of profound culinary fulfillment and a desire for another.

Flavor Wheel

Aging and Collector Value

The Montecristo Petit Edmundo is a prime candidate for long-term cellaring. While it is undeniably enjoyable straight from the box—thanks to the high quality of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco—it possesses the structural integrity to evolve beautifully over time. Collectors often find that 1 to 2 years of aging allows the initial pepper and spice notes to mellow, creating a more harmonious integration with the creamy, nutty elements. During this period, the oils in the wrapper continue to mature, often developing a “bloom” or “plume” that signifies a well-maintained environment.

For those with the patience for extended aging (5+ years), the Petit Edmundo loses any trace of “Cuban funk” or youthfulness, replacing it with deep layers of leather, musk, and concentrated cocoa. To maximize collector value, these cigars should be stored in a humidor maintained at 65-70% Relative Humidity (RH) and a consistent temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C). The Semi-Boîte Nature (SBN) boxes are particularly prized by collectors as the cedar interaction over several years enhances the cigar’s natural woody sweetness. As a staple of the Habanos portfolio, its value remains stable, making it a reliable investment for any serious enthusiast.

Perfect Pairings

Authenticity Verification

As a premier purveyor of luxury Cuban cigars, we understand that authenticity is the cornerstone of the aficionado’s experience. Every box of Montecristo Petit Edmundo we ship undergoes a rigorous multi-point inspection to ensure it meets the exacting standards of Habanos S.A.

• Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official holographic seal with a unique barcode and hidden security elements visible only under UV light.
• Box Code Verification – We provide the specific factory code and packaging date stamped on the bottom of the box, allowing for full traceability.
• Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” and “Habanos S.A.” heat-pressed stamps, ensuring the cigars were crafted using traditional methods.
• Triple Cap – Every Petit Edmundo is finished with a flawless Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of master torcedores that ensures a perfect draw and structural integrity.

Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet your expectations for quality and authenticity, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we are committed to delivering only genuine Cuban masterpieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Montecristo Petit Edmundo taste like?

The Petit Edmundo is famous for its complex and opulent flavor profile. It starts with elegant cedar and oak, quickly evolving into roasted coffee, cocoa, and dark chocolate. As you smoke, you will notice secondary notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and white pepper, finished with a long, nutty aftertaste and a hint of caramel sweetness. It is a medium to full-bodied smoke that offers a rich, “chewy” texture to the smoke.

How long does it take to smoke a Petit Edmundo?

Despite its shorter length of 110mm, the 52 ring gauge allows for a substantial amount of tobacco. Depending on your smoking pace, you can expect a smoking time of 35 to 90 minutes. To get the most out of this vitola, it is recommended to smoke slowly to prevent the nub from overheating, which preserves the delicate floral and creamy notes in the final third.

What are the main differences between the Petit Edmundo and the standard Edmundo?

While both cigars share the same 52 ring gauge and the same brand DNA, the Petit Edmundo is 110mm long, whereas the standard Edmundo is 135mm. Beyond the size, the Petit Edmundo is blended to reach its “sweet spot” much faster, providing a more intense and immediate progression of flavors. The standard Edmundo offers a longer, more gradual evolution. Many aficionados prefer the Petit for its concentrated power and convenience.

Does the Montecristo Petit Edmundo age well?

Yes, exceptionally well. Because of its oily Vuelta Abajo wrapper and rich filler blend, it has the “legs” for long-term aging. While it is excellent after 6 months of stabilization in a humidor, 1 to 2 years of aging is considered the “sweet spot” where the spices soften and the creamy, chocolatey notes become more prominent. It can easily be aged for a decade or more, developing a more refined and “dusty” cocoa character over time.

What is the vitola and factory of the Petit Edmundo?

The technical vitola name is Petit Robusto. It is produced at the H. Upmann factory in Havana, Cuba. This factory is renowned for its high quality-control standards and is the birthplace of many of Montecristo’s most prestigious modern releases.