When Montecristo announced a new line that pays homage to its 1935 founding, the cigar world listened. The Maltés emerged as a standout vitola in that tribute series, offering smokers a taste of Cuban heritage wrapped in modern craftsmanship. Launched in the summer of 2018 as part of a 2017 rollout, this robusto‑sized smoke brings together time‑honored tradition and contemporary design in a package that promises both complexity and elegance.
Legacy in a Leaf: The Birth of the Maltés
Montecristo’s Línea 1935 was conceived as a celebration of the brand’s storied past, with each vitola in the collection intended to echo the spirit of the original 1935 launch. The Maltés, specifically, was engineered to showcase the label’s mastery of flavor while providing a medium‑strength experience that appeals to both seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers. Its creation reflects a deliberate effort to blend historical reverence with the expectations of today’s discerning palate.
Vitola Specifications
- Name: Maltés
- Factory designation: Sobresalientes
- Ring gauge: 53
- Length: 153 mm (about 6 inches)
- Official weight: 15.00 g
- Construction: Handmade
- Production status: Ongoing regular release
Design that Speaks: Packaging and Bands
The presentation of the Maltés mirrors its premium positioning. Each cigar rests inside a brown lacquered boîte nature box, featuring bevel‑edged corners that give the container a refined, tactile quality. The box holds 20 cigars, reinforcing its role as a centerpiece for special occasions or a curated personal collection.
What truly distinguishes this vitola is its triple‑band arrangement. A classic Montecristo primary band anchors the top, while a secondary band bearing the Línea 1935 label sits directly below, instantly signaling the cigar’s place within the commemorative family. The final flourish is a foot‑band that encircles the smoking end, adding a subtle yet unmistakable identifier that distinguishes the Maltés from the rest of the lineup.
Sensory Exploration: The Tasting Profile
Across feedback from eight reviewers, the Montecristo Maltés consistently delivers a medium‑strength smoke with a modest level of complexity. The consensus rating hovers around a respectable three out of five, indicating a balanced experience rather than an overpowering one. Below is a summary of the averaged scores:
- Elegance: 2/5
- Balance: 2/5
- Strength: 3/5
- Complexity: 3/5
- Aftertaste: 2/5
- Overall: 3/5
Flavor Palette
The flavor journey of the Maltés unfolds in layers, revealing a bright interplay of notes that evolve from start to finish. Reviewers most frequently detect a zesty citrus brightness followed by a nutty undertone that provides depth. Additional nuances such as almond, chocolate, cream, and a faint tobacco twang round out the profile, making each draw a subtle exploration of Cuban terroir.
- Citrus
- Nut
- Almond
- Chocolate
- Cream
- Tobacco twang
Verdict: How the Maltés Holds Its Ground
The Montecristo Maltés stands as a compelling entry in the 1935 series. Its medium strength makes it approachable, while the nuanced flavor progression—especially the prominent citrus and nut notes—offers enough intrigue for those who appreciate a refined, lively smoke. Though the ratings for elegance and aftertaste suggest room for improvement, the cigar’s overall balance and historical significance position it as a noteworthy choice for collectors and casual smokers alike. Whether you are commemorating a milestone or simply expanding your humidor, the Maltés invites you to experience a modern interpretation of Montecristo’s enduring legacy.
