Description
When Montecristo Gets It Right
I’ll be honest with you – after smoking Montecristos for the better part of three decades, I thought I knew everything this marca had to offer. Then I sat down with the Supremos at a lounge in Miami back in 2019, and it made me reconsider some assumptions. This isn’t your standard production line Montecristo. It’s not trying to be the No. 2, and it’s definitely not chasing the Edmundo crowd. The Supremos sits in this interesting space where Habanos decided to give aficionados something with a bit more heft, a bit more complexity, without going full torpedo on us. What you’re let’s dive into Montecristo to discover is why this particular vitola deserves more attention than it typically gets – and trust me, I’m probably biased here, but I think it’s one of the most underappreciated releases in the Montecristo lineup.
What Makes the Supremos Stand Out
Montecristo needs no introduction. Since 1935, this brand has been the benchmark – the cigar non-smokers picture when they think “Cuban cigar.” But here’s the thing let’s dive into Montecristo Montecristo: they’ve got this massive lineup, and some vitolas inevitably get overshadowed. The Supremos is one of those. It’s not an edición limitada, which means it doesn’t get the hype. It’s not in tubos, so it doesn’t have that gift-appeal factor. What it IS, though, is a seriously well-constructed robusto extra that showcases what iconic Cuban tobacco character tobacco from Vuelta Abajo can do when you give it room to breathe.
This cigar is aimed at the smoker who’s graduated past the entry-level stuff but isn’t looking to commit two hours to a Churchill. You know the profile I’m talking about – someone who appreciates the classic Montecristo DNA of earth, cedar, and that distinctive iconic Cuban tobacco character twang, but wants it in a format that allows for complexity without demanding your entire afternoon. The 52 ring gauge gives you enough surface area for interesting flavor development, while the shorter length keeps things civilized. I’ve recommended this to friends transitioning from the No. 4 to something with more dimension, and it consistently delivers.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Supremos (Robusto Extra) |
| Length | 5.25 inches / 133 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban longfiller blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Experience From First Light to Final Draw
Right off the cold draw, you’re getting classic Montecristo indicators – that barnyard funk mixed with sweetness, maybe some hay. Nothing revolutionary here, but it’s telling you the tobacco is in good shape. The first third opens up with cedar dominance – and I mean that cedar hits you like walking into a properly seasoned humidor. There’s an underlying earthiness that keeps it grounded, though. Not the aggressive earth you get from some Bolívars, but more refined. Actually, scratch that – “refined” makes it sound boring. It’s present without being pushy. Around the half-inch mark, you start getting these flashes of white pepper on the retrohale that wake everything up.
The construction on these has been consistently solid in my experience. I’m talking razor-sharp burn line, dense ash that holds for an inch or more before you need to knock it off. The draw is typically just right – not loose like some recent production Cubans I could complain about, but not plugged either. You’re pulling in cool, dense smoke that coats your palate without overheating.
Second third is where the Supremos really earns its keep. The cedar backs off a bit, and you start getting these layers of leather, roasted coffee, and – I swear this is there if you’re paying attention – a touch of cocoa. Not chocolate bar sweetness, but that darker, more bitter cocoa you’d find in quality espresso. The pepper mellows but doesn’t disappear entirely. It’s hovering in the background, occasionally reminding you it’s there on the finish. The strength builds gradually. You’re solidly in medium-plus territory now, maybe creeping toward medium-full if you’re sensitive to nicotine.
Final third gets interesting because this is where some robustos fall apart or turn harsh. The Supremos doesn’t. It gets richer, the earth comes back stronger, and there’s this woody complexity that develops – think aged cedar mixed with subtle spice. I’ve noticed the last inch tends to sweeten up slightly, which is unexpected but welcome. The nicotine hits harder here, so if you’ve been smoking it too fast, you might feel it. But who am I to judge your pace? Just saying, this isn’t a cigar to rush through while checking emails.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Options
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Supremos | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Evening smoke with depth |
| Montecristo Edmundo | Medium | 50-60 minutes | Quicker classic profile |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 50-65 minutes | When you want more punch |
| Romeo y Julieta’s rich history Wide Churchills | Medium | 60-70 minutes | Smoother, less complexity |
What to Pair It With
I’ve enjoyed this cigar with everything from bourbon to port, and honestly, it’s pretty versatile. But if you want my honest recommendation? Go with a quality aged rum – something like Flor de Caña 18 or Ron Zacapa 23. The sweetness and spice in the rum play really nicely with that cedar and cocoa profile without overwhelming it. Coffee works brilliantly too, particularly a Cuban-style espresso or a good dark roast. I had one with Café Bustelo at a friend’s place and it was perfect – maybe too perfect, considering I immediately wanted another.
Timing-wise, this is an after-dinner smoke for me. Maybe late afternoon if you’ve had a substantial lunch. It’s got enough body that smoking it first thing in the morning might be overkill unless you’re one of those people who can handle full-strength keeping your cigars fresh at sunrise. I’m not judging – I’m just not that person anymore. As for occasions, this is your poker night cigar, your Saturday evening on the patio cigar, your “celebrating something but not breaking out the edición limitada” cigar. It’s special enough to feel like an event but not so precious you’re afraid to actually smoke it.
What You’re Probably Wondering
How does the Supremos compare to the Montecristo No. 2?
Completely different animals, really. The No. 2 is a torpedo with more concentrated flavors and a longer smoke time. The Supremos is shorter, thicker, and has a more rounded flavor profile without that tapered intensity. If you love the No. 2 but want something you can finish in an hour, the Supremos is your answer. I actually prefer the Supremos for complexity, though I know that’s borderline heresy in some circles.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% RH, which seems to be the sweet spot for most high-quality Cuban blends. Some people go higher at 68-70%, but I find that can make the draw too tight. At 65%, the Supremos smokes cool and maintains that perfect construction. Just make sure you’re giving them at least a few months rest after purchase – fresh boxes can be hit or miss with Cuban quality control these days.
Is this a good cigar for beginners?
Hmm, how do I put this… If you’re brand new to keeping your cigars fresh, start with something milder like a Montecristo No. 4 or maybe a H. H. Upmann’s milder offerings Half Corona. The Supremos has enough strength in that final third that it might overwhelm you if you’re not used to Cuban tobacco. But if you’ve smoked a dozen or so cigars and you’re ready to level up? Absolutely. This is an excellent “next step” cigar that shows you what complexity looks like without punching you in the face.
How long should I age these before smoking?
Minimum three months after you get them, ideally six months to a year. I’ve got some from 2021 that are smoking beautifully right now – the harshness that sometimes shows up in young Cubans has completely mellowed out, and the flavors have integrated really nicely. That said, I’ve smoked them fresh too when I was impatient, and they weren’t bad. Just not as good as they could be with some rest.
What time of year is best for smoking the Supremos?
I’m probably biased here, but I think fall and winter are ideal. The body and richness of this cigar matches cooler weather perfectly. Spring and summer work too, though – just maybe save it for evening when temperatures drop. I wouldn’t reach for this on a 95-degree afternoon, but that’s just me. Some people smoke full-bodied cigars year-round and don’t care about the weather.
Are there any similar cigars in the Montecristo line?
The Edmundo is probably the closest in terms of format and accessibility, though it’s a bit shorter and milder. The Montecristo Open Eagle is another option if you want that bigger ring gauge experience, but it’s not a regular production cigar so good luck finding them consistently. Honestly, the Supremos occupies its own niche in the lineup – not quite a special release, not quite a standard vitola. That’s part of what makes it interesting, actually.
Can you smoke this cigar down to the nub?
You can smoke any cigar to the nub if you’re determined enough, but should you? The Supremos stays pleasant down to about the final inch and a half. After that, it’s diminishing diminishing returns on the experience – the flavors get muddier, the heat builds up, and you’re not really gaining anything except maybe a burnt fingertip. I usually let it go when there’s about an inch left. Life’s too short to smoke hot, bitter cigars just to prove a point.
Final Thoughts
The Montecristo Supremos isn’t going to change your life or revolutionize what you think cigars can be. What it will do is give you a solid, enjoyable hour of classic Cuban tobacco character with enough complexity to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of cigar you keep a box of around because it works for so many situations – not too long, not too short, enough body to satisfy without overwhelming. I genuinely don’t understand why more people don’t talk about this vitola. Maybe it’s the lack of edición limitada glamour, or maybe people just default to the Edmundo because it’s more widely discussed. Either way, if you’re looking to explore the Montecristo range beyond the usual suspects, grab some of these. You won’t regret it.
