Description
Why the Montecristo Puritos Deserves a Spot in Your Humidor
Look, I know what you’re thinking – a Purito? Really? Here’s the thing though: I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’97, and I’ll be honest with you, I slept on these little gems for way too long. The Montecristo Puritos isn’t trying to be a Churchill or a Robusto. It’s doing its own thing, and once you understand what that thing is, you’ll get why I keep a tin of these around at all times. Not every cigar moment calls for a 90-minute commitment, and that’s exactly where these compact Habanos shine. Whether you’re between meetings, taking a quick break on the golf course, or just want that classic Montecristo flavor without the time investment, the Puritos delivers in ways that’ll surprise you.
What Makes the Montecristo Puritos Special
Montecristo needs no introduction – we’re talking about arguably the most recognized name in Cuban cigars. Founded in 1935 at the legendary H. Upmann factory in Havana, the brand built its reputation on consistency and that distinctive Cuban taste profile that made it a favorite of everyone from diplomats to, well, guys like me who just really love a good smoke. Thing is, while most people obsess over the No. 2 or the Edmundo, the Puritos sits there quietly being exactly what a short smoke should be.
These machine-made little guys pack genuine Vuelta Abajo tobacco – the same legendary leaf that goes into their premium línea. And I know some aficionados will disagree with me here, but I think there’s something almost nostalgic about the Puritos format. It reminds me of those old Cuban workers who’d roll these quick smokes during their breaks at the factory. They’re not trying to be fancy. The wrapper is authentic Cuban tobacco, the filler is a blend of Vuelta Abajo leaves, and the whole package is designed for one thing: giving you that Montecristo character in a 20-minute window. Between you and me, I’ve shared these with friends who turned their noses up at first, and by the time they got to the final third, they were asking where to buy a tin.
Montecristo Puritos Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Puritos |
| Length | 4.3 inches / 110 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 26 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo region) |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 15-25 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – What to Actually Expect
Real talk: the first time I lit one of these, I wasn’t expecting much. I was wrong. The cold draw gives you this immediate cedar and hay combination – not overpowering, just present. It’s that classic Cuban barnyard note that tells you immediately you’re not smoking some gas station cigar. No joke, that aroma alone takes me back to walking through tobacco fields in Pinar del Río.
The first third hits you with a surprisingly clean, almost creamy smoke. There’s this subtle coffee note underneath everything – not espresso, more like a light café con leche. The cedar is there constantly, like a baseline, and then you get these little hints of that classic Montecristo earthiness. The wrapper holds together beautifully, and here’s where the machine-made construction actually works in your favor: the burn is remarkably even. I’ve had handmade cigars three times the size with worse burn issues. The draw is exactly what you want – not too tight, not too loose. It’s producing enough smoke to be satisfying without overwhelming you.
Second third is where things get interesting. Actually, scratch that – interesting isn’t the right word. It’s where the cigar finds its groove. That coffee note I mentioned? It deepens a bit, gets a touch darker. You start picking up some subtle spicy notes on the retrohale – nothing aggressive, just enough pepper to remind you this is still a legitimate Cuban cigar. The strength stays comfortably in the mild-to-medium range, which makes sense for the format. And the aroma – oh man, the aroma – my wife actually doesn’t mind when I smoke these on the patio, which is saying something. It’s got this smooth, almost sweet quality to it mixed with that traditional tobacco and cedar combination.
The final third doesn’t fall apart like some small cigars do when they get down to the nub. It stays smooth, maybe picks up just a touch more intensity, but nothing harsh. The ash holds for a surprising length considering how thin these are. I’ve gotten a full inch of ash multiple times. The flavor profile stays consistent – that cedar backbone, the coffee undertones, hints of earth and that subtle spice. What surprises me every time is how clean the finish is. There’s no bitter aftertaste, no need to immediately grab water or coffee to clear your palate. It just… ends nicely. That’s harder to achieve than you’d think.
How the Puritos Stacks Up
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Puritos | Mild-Medium | 15-25 minutes | Quick breaks, golf rounds, beginners |
| Cohiba Club | Medium | 10-15 minutes | Ultra-quick smoke, more intense flavor |
| Romeo y Julieta Puritos | Mild | 15-20 minutes | Milder alternative, morning smoke |
| Partagás Chicos | Medium-Full | 15-20 minutes | When you want more punch in short format |
Perfect Pairings and When to Reach for These
Okay, so pairing suggestions. I’ll be honest: these are versatile little guys. My go-to? A good Cuban coffee in the morning. I’m talking a proper cortadito or café Cubano, not some watery drip coffee. The coffee notes in the cigar play beautifully with actual coffee. Weird, right? But it works.
For spirits, I like these with a light rum – maybe a Havana Club 3 Year or Bacardí Heritage. Nothing too heavy or aged because you don’t want to overpower the cigar’s subtle flavors. I’ve also paired them with a decent Spanish brandy, which brings out that cedar note even more. Some guys swear by pairing them with espresso or even a light beer – a Cristal if you want to keep the Cuban theme going, or honestly, a good pilsner works great on a hot afternoon.
Time and occasion? These are your golf course cigars, your “between meetings” smokes, your after-lunch quick break companions. I keep a tin in my car, another in my golf bag. They’re perfect for when you want a real cigar but don’t have an hour to commit. Late morning, mid-afternoon – they work anytime. I’ve even smoked these after dinner when I know I’ve got to drive home soon and don’t want to be halfway through a robusto when it’s time to leave.
Storage and Aging – Quick Notes
Here’s what gets me about these: people don’t think about aging Puritos, but hear me out. I’ve had tins sitting in my humidor for a year or more, and they actually improve. That harshness that sometimes shows up in younger Cuban tobacco? It mellows out. The flavors integrate better. Thing is, they’re already good fresh, so it’s not like you need to wait. But if you stash a few tins away and forget about them for six months? You’re in for a treat.
Keep them around 65-70% humidity, same as your other Habanos. They come in those sealed tins which actually protect them pretty well, but once you open it, transfer them to your humidor if you’re not smoking them within a week or two. I learned this the hard way when I left an opened tin in my desk drawer for a month. Not pretty.
Are Montecristo Puritos real Cuban cigars or are they made elsewhere?
They’re 100% authentic Cuban cigars made by Habanos S.A. in Cuba. The tobacco comes from the Vuelta Abajo region, same as other Montecristo línea cigars. Yes, they’re machine-made rather than hand-rolled, but that doesn’t make them any less Cuban. The wrapper, binder, and filler are all genuine Cuban tobacco. I’ve seen people confuse these with non-Cuban cigarillos, but Puritos from the official Montecristo línea are the real deal.
How long does it take to smoke a Montecristo Puritos?
Typically 15-25 minutes depending on your smoking pace. I’m a pretty slow smoker and I can usually finish one in about 20 minutes. If you’re rushing through it, maybe 15 minutes, but honestly, why rush? The whole point of these is that they give you a complete cigar experience without requiring you to block out an hour. Perfect for a coffee break or between nine holes.
What’s the strength profile – are these good for beginners?
They sit comfortably in the mild to medium range, which makes them excellent for beginners. Not gonna lie, these are actually what I recommend to people just getting into Cuban cigars. They won’t knock you on your ass with nicotine, the flavor profile is approachable, and if someone discovers they don’t like it, they’ve only invested 20 minutes. But experienced smokers shouldn’t write them off – there’s enough complexity here to keep things interesting.
Do Montecristo Puritos need aging or can I smoke them right away?
You can absolutely smoke them fresh – they’re ready to go. But here’s the thing: if you’ve got the patience to let them rest for 3-6 months in your humidor, they do improve. The flavors integrate better and any rough edges smooth out. I keep some for immediate smoking and some that I’m aging. Both approaches work. It’s not like an Edmundo or a No. 2 where aging is almost mandatory for the best experience.
How should I cut and light a Puritos?
Just nip the closed end with a cigar cutter or even bite it off – these aren’t finicky. Some people just poke a hole with a golf tee or toothpick, which actually works fine given the small ring gauge. For lighting, use a torch lighter or match, same as any cigar. The small size means it lights quickly and evenly. I’ve lit these in some pretty windy conditions on the golf course without issue. They’re remarkably forgiving compared to larger vitolas.
Are machine-made Puritos inferior to hand-rolled Montecristos?
Look, they’re different – not inferior. Hand-rolled premium Montecristos offer more complexity and are definitely a “special occasion” type of smoke. But the Puritos aren’t trying to be that. The machine construction actually ensures incredibly consistent quality – you won’t get the occasional plugged draw or uneven burn that can happen even with expensive hand-rolled cigars. For what they are – a quick, reliable, authentic Cuban smoke – they’re excellent. I wouldn’t choose a Puritos over a Montecristo No. 2 for a special celebration, but for a Tuesday afternoon? These are perfect.
What are the main flavor notes in Montecristo Puritos?
The dominant note is cedar – it’s there from start to finish. You’ll get coffee undertones, especially a creamy café con leche quality in the first half. There’s earth and that classic Cuban barnyard character, but it’s subtle. The retrohale brings out some light spice, nothing aggressive. What I love is the clean, almost hay-like sweetness that runs underneath everything. It’s that classic Montecristo profile but dialed back to match the format and strength. Very smooth, very approachable, but with enough going on to keep experienced smokers interested.
Why I Keep Coming Back to These
Alright, so here’s my final take on the Montecristo Puritos. Between you and me, I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t keep these around. Not every cigar session needs to be this grand ritual. Sometimes you just want 20 minutes with a legitimate Cuban cigar, and that’s exactly what these deliver. The flavor is unmistakably Montecristo – that cedar backbone, the coffee notes, the smooth finish. The construction is rock-solid reliable. And the format is just… practical.
I’m probably biased here because I’ve got a soft spot for the whole Puritos category, but even accounting for that bias, these stand out. They’re not pretending to be something they’re not. They’re honest cigars that do their job exceptionally well. Whether you’re new to Cubans and want an approachable entry point, or you’re a seasoned smoker who needs a quick fix between longer smokes, the Montecristo Puritos deserves consideration.
If you’ve been curious about Cuban cigars but intimidated by the time commitment or the strength of some of the more famous vitolas, start here. If you’re a longtime aficionado who’s never given these the time of day, I’m telling you – grab a tin, give them a fair shot. Keep them in your humidor for those moments when life doesn’t give you an hour but you still want a real smoke. You might be surprised how often you reach for them.
