Description
The cedar-lined humidor at that little shop in Miami’s Calle Ocho held treasures I’d never seen before. The proprietor, noticing my curious glances, reached for a small cellophane pack and slid it across the glass counter with a knowing smile. “Try these when you only have fifteen minutes but still want the real Cuban experience,” he said, his accent thick with decades of tobacco wisdom.
What he’d handed me were Montecristo Shorts – machine-made cigarillos that pack the legendary marca’s DNA into a perfectly portable format. I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first. How could something so small deliver the complexity I’d come to expect from Cuban cigars? That afternoon, sitting on a bench overlooking Biscayne Bay, I discovered just how wrong my assumptions were.
These little gems represent something unique in the Cuban cigar world. While most enthusiasts chase after the big-ring monsters that demand hours of commitment, Montecristo Shorts offer an entirely different proposition. They’re crafted with 100% Cuban tobacco from the legendary Vuelta Abajo region, the same leaf that goes into their premium handmade cousins, but engineered for those moments when time is precious but the craving for authentic Cuban flavor isn’t negotiable.
Flavor Profile and Smoking Experience
Don’t let the machine-made construction fool you – these shorts deliver nice flavors and aromas that genuinely reflect the Montecristo character. The opening draws reveal a surprisingly complex blend of leather and cedar, with that distinctive Cuban earthiness I’ve come to associate with quality tobacco from the island. There’s an immediate richness that coats the palate, nothing harsh or aggressive despite the compact format.
The middle portion develops beautifully, introducing subtle spice notes that dance around the core leather profile. I’ve found the smoke to be consistently smooth, with just enough body to satisfy without overwhelming. The construction allows for an even burn that maximizes the short smoking time, extracting every bit of flavor from the premium tobacco blend.
In the final third, which arrives quickly given the cigarillo’s brief length, the flavors concentrate into a satisfying crescendo. The earthiness deepens, and there’s often a pleasant nutty quality that emerges. It’s a decent smoke that finishes clean, leaving you satisfied rather than craving more – though I’ll admit, I often find myself reaching for a second one from the pack.
Construction and Appearance
The Montecristo Short measures exactly 3¼ inches (83mm) with a ring gauge of 26, making it a true small format cigar that fits comfortably between your fingers. The machine construction is immediately apparent but shouldn’t be viewed as a negative. These are precision-made products that prioritize consistency and accessibility over the artisanal appeal of hand-rolled cigars.
The wrapper displays the characteristic medium-brown hue of quality Cuban tobacco, with minimal veining and a smooth texture. While you won’t find the oily sheen of a premium hand-rolled cigar, the leaf quality is evident in the even coloration and absence of blemishes. Each cigarillo is perfectly uniform – a testament to Cuban manufacturing expertise.
The draw is engineered to perfection, providing just enough resistance to slow down the burn while allowing easy smoke production. I’ve never encountered construction issues with these, which speaks to the quality control standards maintained for even their machine made cigar offerings.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 3¼ inches (83mm) |
| Ring Gauge | 26 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Origin | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo tobacco) |
| Construction | Machine-made |
| Packaging | Packs of 10, boxes of 100 |
Who Should Smoke Montecristo Shorts
These cigarillos serve a specific but important role in any cigar enthusiast’s rotation. They’re perfect for newcomers to Cuban cigars who want to experience authentic island tobacco without the intimidation factor of a full-sized cigar. The medium strength won’t overwhelm sensitive palates, while the genuine Cuban character provides an educational smoking experience.
I’ve found them invaluable for time-constrained situations. Business lunch breaks, quick evening smokes on the patio, or those moments when you want a cigar but only have fifteen minutes to spare – this is where Montecristo short are most appreciated. They’re also excellent travel companions, taking up minimal space in luggage while providing genuine Cuban satisfaction on the road.
Experienced smokers often overlook machine-made options, but I’d encourage giving these a chance. They’re not trying to compete with aged Behikes or limited releases. Instead, they fill a unique niche as accessible, consistent, and genuinely flavorful everyday smokes that happen to carry one of Cuba’s most respected brand names.
Drink Pairings and Occasions
The medium body and leather-forward profile of Montecristo Shorts pair beautifully with aged rum, particularly Havana Club 7 Year or Flor de Caña 12 Year. The rum’s sweetness complements the earthiness while the aged character matches the tobacco’s complexity. For whiskey drinkers, I’ve had excellent experiences pairing these with Glenfiddich 15 or any quality bourbon with vanilla notes.
Coffee pairings work exceptionally well, especially Cuban coffee or any dark roast with chocolate undertones. The bitter elements in the coffee enhance the cigar’s leathery qualities while the shared earthiness creates harmony. I often enjoy one with my morning cortadito when time permits.
Wine enthusiasts should consider medium-bodied reds like Tempranillo or Malbec. The tannins won’t overpower the cigar’s subtleties, while the fruit elements provide pleasant contrast to the tobacco’s earthiness. For special occasions, a vintage Port creates an elegant combination that elevates both the cigar and wine.
Storage and Aging Considerations
Like all Cuban tobacco products, Montecristo Shorts benefit from proper storage conditions. Maintain them at 65-72% relative humidity and temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). While some retailers suggest humidor storage isn’t required, I’ve found that proper humidity maintenance significantly improves the smoking experience and prevents the tobacco from drying out.
The cellophane packaging provides some protection, but I always transfer mine to a quality humidor upon purchase. Given their machine construction and intended role as everyday smokes, extensive aging isn’t necessary or particularly beneficial. These are designed to be enjoyed fresh, typically within a year or two of purchase.
For detailed storage guidance, I recommend checking out proven techniques for keeping cigars fresh, which covers the fundamentals of maintaining optimal conditions for Cuban tobacco.
How to Cut and Light Montecristo Shorts
The small diameter of these cigarillos requires a gentle approach to cutting. I prefer using sharp cigar scissors rather than a guillotine cutter, making a clean cut about 1/8 inch from the cap. The narrow ring gauge makes precision important – too aggressive a cut can unravel the wrapper or create draw problems.
Lighting follows standard cigar protocol but requires extra attention due to the size. Use a quality butane lighter or cedar spills, avoiding paper matches or candles that can impart unwanted flavors. Toast the foot evenly, rotating the cigar to ensure uniform ignition. The small circumference means the lighting process happens quickly, so don’t over-char the tobacco.
Take your time with the first few puffs to establish an even burn. The machine construction generally burns consistently, but the short length means any burn issues will significantly impact the overall experience. For comprehensive smoking techniques, mastering Cuban cigar smoking provides excellent detailed guidance.
Authenticity and Where to Buy
Authentic Montecristo Shorts come in distinctive cellophane-wrapped packs of 10, with boxes containing 100 cigars (10 packs total). The packaging should display proper Habanos S.A. markings and Cuban origin indicators. Each cigarillo will have the characteristic Montecristo band, though smaller than those found on premium hand-rolled vitolas.
Purchase only from authorized Habanos distributors to ensure authenticity. The machine-made format actually makes counterfeiting less common than with premium hand-rolled Cubans, but fake products still exist in the market. Genuine ones will display consistent construction, proper packaging, and that unmistakable Cuban tobacco aroma.
When comparing to other Cuban brands, you might encounter Cohiba cigarillos or similar small-format offerings. While each brand has its merits, Montecristo’s reputation for consistency and quality control makes these a reliable choice. Trusted retailers like Cuban Cigars For Sale provide authenticity guarantee and proper storage conditions from purchase to delivery.
Essential Accessories and Storage
Unlike larger cigars that require extensive accessories, Montecristo Shorts need minimal equipment. A quality lighter, sharp cutting tool, and basic humidor setup cover the essentials. Consider a small travel humidor if you frequently enjoy these on the go – their compact size makes them perfect travel companions.
For those interested in the broader context of Cuban cigar production, the journey from plantation to perfection provides fascinating insights into how these tobaccos develop their distinctive character. Understanding the Vuelta Abajo region adds appreciation for the terroir that makes Cuban tobacco unique.
Setting up proper storage doesn’t require significant investment. A basic humidor setup, detailed in Cigar Aficionado’s comprehensive guide, will keep these cigarillos in optimal condition while protecting your investment in authentic Cuban tobacco.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Montecristo Shorts actually take to smoke?
In my experience, they consistently provide 10-15 minutes of smoking time, depending on your smoking pace. If you’re a slow smoker who takes leisurely puffs, you might stretch them to 18-20 minutes. Fast smokers can finish one in under 10 minutes, though you’ll miss some of the flavor development.
Are machine-made Cuban cigars worth buying compared to hand-rolled?
They serve different purposes entirely. Hand-rolled cigars offer artisanal complexity and longer smoking sessions, while machine-made options like these provide consistency, affordability, and convenience. Both have their place in a well-rounded cigar collection. Don’t dismiss these based solely on construction method – the Cuban tobacco quality remains excellent.
Can I age Montecristo Shorts to improve their flavor?
Unlike premium hand-rolled cigars, these don’t benefit significantly from extended aging. They’re designed as fresh-smoking products that deliver their intended flavor profile immediately. Store them properly to maintain freshness, but don’t expect dramatic improvements over time like you’d see with aged premiums.
How do Montecristo Shorts compare to other Cuban cigarillos?
They offer more complexity than most machine-made alternatives while maintaining excellent consistency. Compared to brands like Romeo y Julieta or H. Upmann cigarillos, Montecristo provides a more robust, leather-forward profile. The quality control seems superior to many competitors, with fewer construction issues in my experience.
Are these suitable for beginners to Cuban cigars?
Absolutely. The medium strength won’t overwhelm new smokers, while the short smoking time prevents palate fatigue. The authentic Cuban character provides genuine education about island tobacco without the commitment required for full-sized cigars. They’re also more forgiving if you make rookie mistakes with cutting or lighting technique.
