Description
The Little Giant of the Montecristo Lineup
Look, I’ve been smoking Cubans since my first trip to Havana back in ’94, and I’ll be honest with you: I used to dismiss short-format cigars completely. Thought they were gimmicks for tourists who didn’t have time for a “real” smoke. Then I tried the Montecristo Shorts during a poker game that was running way longer than expected – needed something quick but didn’t want to compromise on quality. That night changed my entire perspective on what a small cigar could deliver. The Montecristo Shorts isn’t just a scaled-down version of its bigger siblings – it’s a concentrated punch of everything that makes Montecristo legendary, packed into a format that respects your time without disrespecting your palate.
This isn’t some trendy limited edition release or a vintage experiment. This is a workhorse vitola that’s been earning respect in humidors worldwide for decades. Whether you’re stepping out between meetings, enjoying a morning coffee, or – like me – realizing you’ve got about twenty minutes before you need to pick someone up from the airport, the Shorts delivers that unmistakable Montecristo DNA in a surprisingly complete package.
What Makes the Montecristo Shorts Special
Montecristo needs no introduction, really. Since 1935, the brand has been synonymous with Cuban cigar excellence. Named after Alexandre Dumas’ famous novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” – which was apparently read aloud to workers in the factories back in the day – the brand built its reputation on consistency and that distinctive flavor profile that cigar lovers can spot blindfolded.
Here’s the thing about the Shorts though: it’s not trying to be a Montecristo No. 2 or an Edmundo. It knows exactly what it is. The vitola was designed for aficionados who want that classic Montecristo experience but don’t always have forty-five minutes to dedicate to it. And between you and me, there’s something liberating about a cigar you can actually finish without feeling rushed or guilty about putting it down halfway through.
The tobacco comes from Cuba’s legendary Vuelta Abajo region – that volcanic soil producing some of the most sought-after tobacco on the planet. The wrapper is that gorgeous Cuban leaf with just enough tooth to catch the light, usually with a slightly reddish-brown hue that tells you it’s been properly aged. The construction is what you’d expect from Habanos S.A.’s premier marca: tight, professional, consistent. No shortcuts just because it’s a short cigar. Actually, scratch that – I think they might be MORE careful with these because there’s less room for error.
Who should smoke this? Real talk: this is for the experienced smoker who already knows they love Montecristo. If you’ve never had a Cuban before, start with something that’ll give you more time to appreciate the journey. But if you’re the person who reaches for a Montecristo No. 4 on a regular basis and thinks “man, I wish I could get this intensity in half the time,” then congratulations – you’ve found your cigar.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Shorts (Petit Corona) |
| Length | 4.3 inches / 110 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 20-25 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: Every Third Counts
Okay, so you’ve cut it – and yeah, a straight cut works fine, though some folks swear by a V-cut on these smaller ring gauges. The cold draw gives you that preview of what’s coming: hay, maybe a whisper of cocoa, and if you’ve got a good one with some age on it, there’s this underlying sweetness that’s hard to pin down. Cedar for sure, but not that sharp pencil-shaving cedar – more like the inside of a well-maintained humidor.
Light it properly. Don’t rush this part just because it’s a short cigar. Toast that foot evenly, and here’s what hits you right off the bat: leather and earth, but not heavy. It’s approachable. The first third is surprisingly smooth for a Montecristo, especially if you’re used to the more aggressive punch of a No. 2. There’s pepper there – white pepper, not cayenne – dancing around on your palate but never dominating. And the coffee notes start creeping in almost immediately. I’m talking espresso here, not your morning diner brew. That dark, slightly bitter but totally satisfying flavor that makes you want to keep drawing.
Now the second third – and this is where it gets interesting because honestly, some short cigars just don’t have a second act. They hit one note and coast to the finish. Not this one. No joke, around the halfway point, the strength builds noticeably. Not aggressively, but you definitely feel it stepping up. The cedar comes forward more, mixing with that coffee and creating this woody-roasted complexity that reminds me why I fell in love with Cuban cigars in the first place. The cream comes in too – that signature Montecristo smoothness that balances out the spicier elements. Retrohale if you can handle it, because that’s where you’ll catch the full aromatic profile: nuts, maybe toasted almonds, with that persistent cedar backbone.
Final third is where you decide if you’re a Shorts person or not. Because it gets full. Not overpowering, but definitely fuller than where it started. The leather comes back stronger, there’s more earth, and sometimes – depending on how fast you’ve been smoking it – you might get a touch of sweetness that I can only describe as molasses-adjacent. The burn should be pretty much perfect throughout if you’ve been treating it right, though I’ll admit these can get a bit warm if you puff too aggressively. The ash holds solid to about an inch, then wants to drop. It’s a light gray ash – sign of good combustion and quality tobacco.
Construction quality? Look, it’s a Montecristo. I’ve smoked probably fifty of these over the years, and I can count on one hand the number that had issues. Maybe one with a slightly tight draw, which honestly could’ve been my cut. The wrapper stays put, the burn line stays relatively even without constant touch-ups, and you don’t get that harsh ammonia note that tells you the tobacco was rushed to market. These are aged properly before they leave Cuba, and it shows.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Options
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Shorts | Medium-Full | 20-25 min | Quick smoke with full complexity |
| Partagás Shorts | Full | 20-30 min | When you want something bolder |
| Cohiba Siglo I | Medium | 25-30 min | More refined, lighter experience |
| Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas | Medium | 25-30 min | Smoother, less demanding smoke |
Thing is, each of these brings something different. The Partagás Shorts hits harder – if you want to feel like you just smoked a full-sized Robusto in half the time, go Partagás. The Cohiba Siglo I is more elegant, more delicate – better for mornings or if you’re not ready for something assertive. Romeo Petit Coronas are smoother, easier, less challenging. But the Montecristo Shorts? It’s the sweet spot. Enough complexity to keep you interested, enough strength to satisfy, but balanced enough that you’re not overwhelmed. I’m probably biased here – Montecristo was the first Cuban marca I really connected with – but I genuinely think the Shorts is the most complete small-format Cuban you can buy.
What to Pair It With
Coffee. I mean, obviously coffee. An espresso specifically – that bitter-sweet intensity matches perfectly with what this cigar’s doing, especially in that first and second third. I’ve had these with everything from Cuban cortaditos to Italian ristrettos, and it just works. The coffee brings out the chocolate notes, the cigar enhances the coffee’s complexity. It’s symbiotic.
Whisky works too, but pick carefully. You don’t want something too aggressive that’ll fight with the tobacco. A Highland Scotch like Glenmorangie or Dalwhinnie – something with honey and vanilla notes – complements rather than competes. I’ve also done these with aged rum, specifically Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico, and that pairing is downright dangerous. The rum’s sweetness plays beautifully against the cigar’s earthier elements.
When should you smoke it? Morning with coffee is probably my favorite – it’s substantial enough to be satisfying but won’t wreck you before lunch. Mid-afternoon break at the office (if you’ve got a spot outside, obviously). After dinner when you want a cigar but don’t want to commit to an hour-plus smoke session. Or – and hear me out – right before a bigger cigar when you’re having one of those marathon sessions at the lounge. Use it as your warm-up act. Sounds crazy, but it actually works to prep your palate.
Common Questions About Montecristo Shorts
How long should I age Montecristo Shorts before smoking?
Honestly? They’re smokeable right out of the box, assuming they’ve been stored properly. But if you can wait six months to a year, you’ll notice the flavors meld together more harmoniously. The pepper mellows slightly, and this honeyed sweetness emerges that just isn’t there when they’re young. I’ve got a box from 2019 that I’m working through now, and they’re absolutely singing. That said, I’ve also smoked them fresh and been perfectly happy. Don’t let aging anxiety stop you from lighting one up today.
Are Montecristo Shorts too strong for a morning cigar?
Not at all. I mean, I smoke them in the morning all the time, usually with breakfast or right after. They start medium-bodied, which is totally manageable on an empty stomach if you’re an experienced smoker. Just don’t smoke it on a completely empty stomach if you’re not used to Cubans – have your coffee and maybe something to eat. The strength builds toward the end, but by then you’re twenty minutes in and should be fine. Compare this to a Partagás Serie D No. 4 in the morning – now THAT’S a mistake I’ve only made once.
How do Montecristo Shorts compare to the No. 4?
The No. 4 is longer and will give you about forty minutes of smoke time versus twenty-five for the Shorts. Flavor-wise, they’re definitely related – same family DNA – but the Shorts actually punches above its weight in terms of intensity. The shorter length means you’re getting a more concentrated version of that Montecristo profile. Less time for the flavors to evolve gradually, so everything hits a bit more directly. The No. 4 is more of a journey; the Shorts is more of a statement. I love both, but for different reasons and situations. If I had to pick only one to stock? Man, that’s tough. Probably the No. 4 for versatility, but the Shorts would be a close second.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Montecristo Shorts?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, which is slightly lower than the traditional 70% that some people swear by. Here’s why: at 65%, the burn is more consistent, and you avoid that spongy feeling that over-humidified cigars can get. Temperature matters too – keep it around 65-68°F if you can. These smaller ring gauge cigars are actually more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than bigger ones, so consistency is key. If you’re storing them long-term for aging, 62-65% is the sweet spot. And please, for the love of everything holy, don’t store them in the same humidor as flavored or infused cigars. That cedar wrapper will absorb those aromas faster than you’d think.
Can beginners smoke Montecristo Shorts, or is it too advanced?
I’m going to be honest with you: it’s not the best beginner cigar, but it’s not the worst either. The medium strength at the start is approachable, but that build-up to medium-full in the final third might catch a newer smoker off guard. If you’re brand new to cigars period, I’d suggest starting with something milder – maybe a Romeo y Julieta or a lighter Connecticut-wrapped cigar – just to understand what you like. But if you’ve smoked a handful of cigars already and want to explore Cuban tobacco, this isn’t a bad entry point into Montecristo. It’s more forgiving than a No. 2, that’s for sure. Just smoke slowly, have water or coffee nearby, and don’t try to power through it. Listen to what the cigar’s telling you.
Do Montecristo Shorts come in limited edition or vintage releases?
The Shorts is a regular production vitola, not a limited edition. And honestly, that’s part of its charm – it’s consistently available, and the quality stays reliable year after year. Now, you might find vintage boxes from specific years at auctions or specialty shops, and yeah, those older boxes can be spectacular. I had a 2010 the other day that was just phenomenal – all that aging had transformed it into something even smoother and more refined. But you don’t need to hunt down vintage boxes to enjoy these. Fresh production is excellent. The consistency of regular production actually works in your favor here – you know what you’re getting, and Habanos S.A. keeps the quality standards high because it’s a core offering.
What’s the best way to cut and light a Montecristo Shorts?
Straight cut works perfectly fine – just don’t cut too much off. You want to open it up without cutting into the shoulder where it’ll unravel. Maybe an eighth of an inch, max. Some people prefer a V-cut on these smaller ring gauges because it gives you a more concentrated draw, and I won’t argue with that – it’s personal preference. Punch cut? Eh, you can, but I find it restricts the draw too much on a 42 ring gauge. For lighting, use a torch lighter or cedar spill – just toast the foot evenly without charring it black. Rotate it slowly, get that whole surface glowing, then take your first draw. The quality of your light affects the entire smoke, so don’t rush this part even though it’s a quick cigar. And whatever you do, don’t use a zippo or match with sulfur – you’ll taste it the whole way through.
Final Thoughts: Small Format, Big Impact
I’ll be blunt: the Montecristo Shorts changed how I think about short-format cigars. Before this, I saw them as compromises – something you settled for when you couldn’t smoke a “real” cigar. But that’s completely wrong. The Shorts isn’t a compromise; it’s a deliberate, expertly crafted smoke that delivers everything you want from Montecristo in a format that fits modern life.
The construction is flawless, the flavor progression is genuine and engaging, and that signature Montecristo character shines through from first puff to last. Whether you’re killing twenty minutes before a meeting, enjoying a morning ritual, or just want something satisfying without the time commitment, this delivers. And I know this sounds dramatic, but it’s honestly one of the most complete small cigars you can buy – Cuban or otherwise.
If you’re a Montecristo fan who hasn’t tried the Shorts yet, what are you waiting for? And if you’re looking to explore what short-format Cuban cigars can really do when they’re done right, this is your starting point. Stock your humidor, keep a few on hand for those spontaneous moments, and discover why this unassuming little vitola has earned its place in the legendary Montecristo lineup.
