Description
The amber glow of late afternoon filtered through my study window as I reached for the small tin nestled between volumes of Hemingway and García Márquez. Twenty minutes before dinner – just enough time for something quick but satisfying. The Montecristo Puritos felt perfectly proportioned in my palm, its machine-rolled precision evident even through the cellophane wrapper.
I’ve spent countless evenings with these Cuban cigarillos, and honestly, they’ve become my go-to when time is short but the craving for quality tobacco runs deep. There’s something remarkably civilized about a cigar that delivers authentic Cuban character without demanding hours of your evening.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 109-115mm (4.2-4.5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 26-29 (most commonly 27) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Construction | Machine-made in Cuba |
In my experience, the most consistent measurements I’ve encountered are 109mm length with a 27 ring gauge, though slight variations exist depending on the specific box. These delicious Cuban cigarillos maintain remarkable consistency for machine-made cigars.
Construction and Appearance
The wrapper presents a beautiful dark brown hue with subtle chocolate undertones. Running my fingers along the surface reveals a smooth, almost silky texture that speaks to quality Cuban tobacco processing. Unlike some machine-made options that feel industrial, the Puritos maintains an organic feel.
Construction is impressively uniform. Each cigar weighs approximately 3 grams, and I’ve rarely encountered any with soft spots or obvious imperfections. The pre-cut cap eliminates guesswork – you can light immediately without additional preparation.
What strikes me most is how these small machine made cigars showcase Cuba’s tobacco craftsmanship even in abbreviated format. The iconic mini Montecristo band sits perfectly proportioned, never overwhelming the cigar’s diminutive frame.
Flavor Profile by Thirds
Opening Third
The initial draw delivers creamy cedar notes with subtle sweetness. There’s a delicate citrus zest that brightens the palate – almost like orange peel touched with exotic spice. Wood notes provide the foundation, but they’re refined rather than harsh.
This opening section exemplifies why Montecristo puritos are such an ideal choice for morning smoking. The flavors wake up your palate without overwhelming it.
Middle Third
Coffee beans emerge prominently in the middle section, accompanied by lingering citrus and the development of mild spice. There’s a pleasant burnt wood character that adds depth without turning bitter. Nuts make an appearance – almonds, I think – creating a very smooth transition from the lighter opening.
The medium body becomes more apparent here, building naturally from the creamy introduction.
Final Third
Leather and spices dominate the conclusion, with smooth woody notes providing continuity. A touch of honey sweetness balances the stronger elements, while toasted tobacco rounds out the experience. The strength peaks here without becoming harsh – a testament to Montecristo’s perfectly balanced blend.
Even as these full-flavored cigars reach their conclusion, they maintain smoothness that keeps you engaged until the final puff.
Drink Pairings
Coffee stands as the undisputed champion pairing. The complementary coffee bean notes in the middle third create perfect harmony with a quality Cuban espresso or even a robust American breakfast blend.
For evening enjoyment, I’ve found success with aged rum – particularly Havana Club 7 Year or Ron Zacapa 23. The rum’s sweetness plays beautifully against the cigar’s spice notes.
Wine enthusiasts shouldn’t overlook a quality Tempranillo or Malbec. The leather notes in the final third pair exceptionally well with these medium to full-bodied reds.
Single malt Scotch works too, though I’d recommend something Highland rather than Islay – the peat would overwhelm these more delicate flavors.
Who This Cigar Is For
The Montecristo Puritos serves multiple smoking populations brilliantly. Beginners will appreciate the approachable strength progression and shorter time commitment. You can explore Cuban tobacco character without dedicating an entire evening.
Experienced smokers shouldn’t dismiss these as “beginner cigars,” though. The complexity and authentic Cuban terroir from the Vuelta Abajo region provides genuine satisfaction when time constraints prevent enjoying larger formats.
They’re perfect for business lunches, quick breaks between meetings, or those moments when you want quality tobacco without the ceremony of lighting a Churchill or Robusto.
Morning smokers will find these particularly appealing. The flavor progression works beautifully with coffee, and the 20-minute commitment fits most schedules.
Cutting and Lighting
Here’s where the Puritos shines for convenience – no cutting required. The machine-made construction includes a pre-cut cap, eliminating any guesswork or potential errors.
For lighting, I prefer a quality butane torch over matches. The smaller ring gauge means less surface area to ignite, so precision matters. Hold the flame slightly away from the foot and rotate slowly until you achieve an even light across the entire circumference.
Don’t rush this process despite the cigar’s size. Proper lighting ensures even burn throughout the smoking experience. Mastering the lighting technique pays dividends in flavor consistency.
Once lit, these mainstream cigars require minimal attention. The machine construction promotes even burning with rare need for touch-ups.
Storage Requirements
Proper storage remains critical despite the Puritos’ smaller size. Maintain 65-72% relative humidity and temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). These parameters preserve the tobacco’s oils and prevent wrapper cracking.
I store mine in a dedicated small humidor with 68% RH – slightly higher than some prefer, but it works well for these particular cigars. Proper preservation techniques ensure consistent flavor development.
The individual cellophane wrapping provides some protection, but don’t rely on it exclusively. Proper humidor storage remains essential for optimal enjoyment.
Unlike larger Cuban cigars that benefit from extended aging, Puritos are ready to smoke immediately. However, six months of proper storage can mellow any harsh edges and integrate flavors more completely.
For detailed humidor setup guidance, Cigar Aficionado’s comprehensive guide provides excellent technical specifications.
Authenticity and Purchasing
Identifying authentic Montecristo Puritos requires attention to specific details. Genuine cigars feature proper Habanos packaging codes (typically CB-UW-C/L-12,13-n-25), mini Montecristo bands, and individual cellophane wrapping.
The authentic guarantee comes through authorized sellers only. Boxes of 5, 25, or 50 should display proper holographic seals and consistent construction quality. Each cigar should weigh approximately 3 grams with uniform dark brown wrapper color.
Fake indicators include poor construction quality, inconsistent band placement, off-putting odors, or significantly different weights. The Cuban origin marking should be clear and properly positioned.
When considering any Cuban cigar purchase, whether Montecristo Puritos or alternatives like Alec Bradley mainstream cigars, working with established, reputable dealers provides the best authenticity guarantee.
LCDH (La Casa del Habano) authorized retailers maintain strict quality standards and proper storage conditions. This significantly reduces the risk of purchasing counterfeit products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Montecristo Puritos take to smoke?
Most smokers finish a Puritos in 15-20 minutes with normal pacing. Slower smokers might extend this to 25-30 minutes, while quick smokers can complete one in 10-15 minutes. The length makes them perfect for short breaks or morning coffee pairings.
Are these suitable for beginners to Cuban cigars?
Absolutely. The medium strength builds gradually, and the shorter smoking time prevents overwhelming newcomers. The flavor complexity provides a genuine introduction to Cuban tobacco character without the commitment required by larger formats.
Can I age Montecristo Puritos like larger Cuban cigars?
While they can be aged, Puritos are designed for immediate enjoyment. Six months of proper storage can integrate flavors, but extended aging (years) provides diminishing returns compared to premium hand-rolled Cubans. They’re excellent fresh from purchase.
What’s the difference between Puritos and petit coronas?
Puritos are machine-made with pre-cut caps and smaller dimensions (109mm vs. 129mm for most petit coronas). Petit coronas are hand-rolled with more complex construction. Both offer shorter smoking times, but petit coronas typically provide more nuanced flavor development.
How do these compare to other small Cuban cigarillos?
The Montecristo brand reputation translates well to this smaller format. Compared to other Cuban cigarillos, Puritos offer more consistent construction and cleaner flavor progression. The wood and spice notes are more refined than many competitors, justifying the premium price point.
This review reflects my personal experience with multiple boxes over several years. Individual cigars may vary slightly, but the overall character remains remarkably consistent for machine-made Cuban products.
