Description
Is Size Really Everything When It Comes to Premium Cigars?
I’ll be honest – I used to think smaller cigars were just for beginners or rushed smoke breaks. Boy, was I wrong. The Montecristo Petit Edmundo completely shattered that assumption during my first encounter with it at a Havana lounge three years ago.
What struck me wasn’t just the intensity packed into those compact 4 3/8 inches. It was the sophistication. Here’s a cigar that delivers the full Montecristo experience without demanding two hours of your evening. In my experience, that’s harder to achieve than most people realize.
The Petit Edmundo belongs to Cuba’s most celebrated marque, and honestly, it might be their most underestimated vitola. Don’t let the “petit” fool you – this isn’t a watered-down version of anything.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 110mm (4 3/8 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Weight | 10.76 grams |
| Strength | Medium to Full Body |
| Smoking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Construction | Handmade Cuban |
| Wrapper Origin | Vuelta Abajo |
Flavor Journey Through Each Third
Let me walk you through what you’ll actually taste, because this isn’t your typical Cuban progression.
Opening Third: Bold Introductions
The first few draws hit you with bold earthy and leathery notes that announce themselves without apology. I’ve found there’s a distinct toasted wood character here – not harsh, but substantial. The smoke itself? Remarkably creamy for such an assertive start.
What I love about this opening is how the sweet and bitter elements dance together. You’ll catch subtle spice threading through everything, setting up what’s to come without overwhelming your palate.
Middle Third: Where Complexity Blooms
This is where the Petit Edmundo really shows its pedigree. Rich cocoa bean flavors emerge alongside roasted coffee notes that remind me of a perfectly pulled espresso. The sweet earth character deepens, and I consistently pick up those pleasant floral notes that make Montecristo cigars so distinctive.
Spices and herbs start building complexity here. It’s not just flavor – it’s architecture. Each element supports the others in a way that only comes from exceptional blending and aging.
Final Third: The Crescendo
Here’s where things get really interesting. The nutty finish intensifies while that creaminess from the opening returns with more sophistication. Wood notes become more pronounced, and the aftertaste? I can only describe it as decadent – like a rich tea that lingers long after you’ve finished.
That opulent richness maintains itself right to the nub. No harsh turns or bitter endings that plague lesser cigars when they get short.
Construction and Craftsmanship
The construction is top notch – exactly what you’d expect from the H. Upmann factory in Havana. I’ve never had draw issues with these, and the burn line stays remarkably even despite the cigar’s compact dimensions.
That oily Vuelta Abajo wrapper has a beautiful sheen when properly stored. You can feel the quality in your fingers – it’s supple without being fragile, with just enough tooth to let you know it’s not machine-made. The legendary Vuelta Abajo region produces some of the world’s finest tobacco, and you can taste why in every puff.
The same ring size as many larger cigars means you get that full-bodied smoke density without the time commitment. Honestly, the engineering here impresses me as much as the tobacco.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar?
Don’t mistake this for a beginner’s cigar just because it’s shorter. The medium to full body strength means you need some experience to fully appreciate what’s happening here.
I recommend this for intermediate to advanced smokers who want a sophisticated experience but don’t have unlimited time. It’s perfect for business lunches, golf course breaks, or those evening moments when you want quality over quantity.
This is also an excellent choice for introducing experienced smokers to Cuban cigars. It showcases everything great about the island’s tobacco without being intimidating in size or time commitment.
Proper Storage Requirements
Store these at 65-72% relative humidity and keep temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). I can’t stress enough how important this is for maintaining that oily wrapper sheen and flavor integrity.
I use Boveda packs in my humidor – they’re foolproof for maintaining stability. Proper humidor setup is crucial for any Cuban cigar, but especially for smaller vitolas that can dry out quickly.
These age beautifully if you can resist smoking them immediately. I’ve had five-year-old Petit Edmundos that developed incredible complexity, with those rich complex flavours becoming even more integrated. For detailed storage techniques, check out these proven preservation methods.
Perfect Drink Pairings
Single malt Scotch whisky works beautifully here – I particularly enjoy it with Macallan 18 or Glenfiddich 21. The smoky, earthy notes complement each other without competing.
Strong coffee is another excellent choice, especially during afternoon smoking sessions. The roasted coffee notes in the middle third create this amazing echo effect with a quality espresso or Cuban coffee.
For something different, try it with a well-made Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Those creamy cocktails play beautifully against the cigar’s earthy profile. I’ve also had success pairing it with aged rum – the caramel notes bridge the gap between cigar and spirit perfectly.
Identifying Authentic Petit Edmundos
With Montecristo’s global sales success comes the inevitable problem of counterfeits. Here’s how to spot the real deal.
Authentic ones come with standard Montecristo bands – either C or D types depending on production year. The construction should feel substantial despite the compact size, with that rich oily wrapper I mentioned. Official packaging includes boxes of 10, 15 tubed cigars, or 25-cigar boxes.
Look for holograms and Cuban factory codes on both bands and boxes. The weight should be exactly 10.76 grams if you have a precise scale.
Red flags include poor burn characteristics, uneven draw, overly dry or suspiciously oily wrappers, and off-flavors that don’t match the profile I’ve described. Always buy from authorized Habanos retailers – the savings from sketchy dealers aren’t worth the disappointment.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
Use a sharp guillotine cutter and take off just enough cap to create a clean opening – about 2mm. The 52 ring gauge gives you plenty of surface area, so don’t overcut.
For lighting, I prefer a butane lighter or cedar spills. Toast the foot evenly while rotating the cigar, then take gentle draws while continuing to apply flame around the circumference. The compact size means it lights quickly, so don’t rush the process.
Given the shorter length, you’ll want to be more careful about heat buildup. Take measured draws and let it rest between puffs. For comprehensive smoking techniques, this Cuban cigar guide covers everything in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Petit Edmundo compare to other Montecristo vitolas?
It’s essentially a concentrated version of the classic Montecristo experience. You get the same complexity as longer vitolas but in a more intense, time-efficient package. The leading petit robusto in their lineup, honestly.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners?
Not really. The medium to full body strength can overwhelm newer smokers. I’d recommend starting with something milder and working up to this level of intensity.
What’s the best time of day to smoke a Petit Edmundo?
I find it works well for afternoon or early evening sessions. It’s substantial enough for after dinner but not so heavy that it’ll overpower a lunch break. The 20-30 minute smoking time makes it versatile for different occasions.
How long can these cigars be aged?
With proper storage, they can age beautifully for decades. I’ve found the sweet spot to be around 5-8 years, where those rich complex flavours really integrate and develop secondary notes you won’t find in younger examples.
Why is this considered a great shorter smoke?
Because it delivers a complete, sophisticated experience without requiring the time commitment of larger vitolas. Many shorter cigars sacrifice complexity for convenience – this one doesn’t. You get the full journey from opening to finish in about half an hour.
The Montecristo Petit Edmundo proves that great things really do come in small packages. This isn’t just a quick smoke – it’s a masterclass in Cuban cigar making compressed into 4 3/8 inches of pure enjoyment. Whether you’re new to the world of Cuban cigars or looking to add something special to your regular rotation, this petit robusto deserves serious consideration.
