Montecristo
Brand Notes
StatusMontecristo is a current pre-Revolution brand, established in 1935.
It is classified by Habanos SA as a Global brand and has the largest market share.
Generally
The main range comprises medium to full-strength cigars. The Open series comprises light-strength cigars.
Both use tobacco from the premium Vuelta Abajo region.
There is a non-Cuban brand with the same name.
Standard Production
Only five Standard Production cigars were available pre-1960.
Additional cigars were added from 1969 on. The Open range was released in 2009.
Special Releases
Special Releases commenced in 1999 with the inclusion of Montecristo cigars in the Siglo XXI Humidor.
There have been numerous releases since.
Standard Band A
c1940s to c2003 -- Discontinued
Not embossed
Standard Band B
c2003 to 2006 -- Discontinued
Not embossed
Standard Band C
c2006 to c2012 -- Discontinued
Variable embossing
Standard Band D
2013 on - Current
Similar to Band C, but with gold central and side inserts
Standard Production Packaging
Edmundo
SBN25 - 2004
Especial No.1
SBN25 - early 1970s
Montecristo A
vCab25 - early 1970s
Montecristo B
vHum50 - 1970s
Montecristo B
vHum50 - 2000
Montecristo No.1
SLB50 - to 1970s
Montecristo No.2
B25 - 2000s
Montecristo No.2
B10 - 2000s
Current Production Cigars
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Slide Lid Box of 50 cigars (discontinued c1970s).
Cajón of 100 cigars
Cellophane Wrapped Bundle of 25 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars in cellophane
Slide Lid Box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued c1970s).
Aluminium Pack of 10 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 25 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 50 cigars
Dress Box of 10 cigars (discontinued 2017).
Slide Lid Box of 50 cigars (discontinued c1970s).
Cajón of 100 cigars
Cellophane Wrapped Bundle of 25 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars in cellophane
Slide Lid Box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued c1970s).
Aluminium Pack of 10 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 25 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 50 cigars
Dress Box of 10 cigars (discontinued 2017).
Status:
A pre-1960 release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C, D.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 10 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars (released 2003).
Aluminium Pack of 10 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars (released 2003).
Aluminium Pack of 10 cigars
Status:
A pre-1960 release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Packaging:
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Slide Lid Box of 50 cigars (discontinued c1970s).
Dress Box of 10 cigars in cellophane
Dress Box of 50 cigars
Dress Box of 100 cigars in cellophane
Dress Box of 25 cigars in cellophane
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 50 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 100 cigars
Dress Box of 10 cigars (discontinued 2017).
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Slide Lid Box of 50 cigars (discontinued c1970s).
Dress Box of 10 cigars in cellophane
Dress Box of 50 cigars
Dress Box of 100 cigars in cellophane
Dress Box of 25 cigars in cellophane
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 50 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 100 cigars
Dress Box of 10 cigars (discontinued 2017).
Status:
A pre-1960 release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Packaging:
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars
Dress Box of 10 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Slide Lid Box of 50 cigars (discontinued c1970s).
Dress Box of 50 cigars
Cajón of 100 cigars
Dress Box of 100 cigars in cellophane
Dress Box of 25 cigars in cellophane
Aluminium Pack of 50 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 100 cigars
Slide Lid Box of 25 cigars in aluminium foil (discontinued c1970s).
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars
Dress Box of 10 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Slide Lid Box of 50 cigars (discontinued c1970s).
Dress Box of 50 cigars
Cajón of 100 cigars
Dress Box of 100 cigars in cellophane
Dress Box of 25 cigars in cellophane
Aluminium Pack of 50 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 100 cigars
Slide Lid Box of 25 cigars in aluminium foil (discontinued c1970s).
Status:
A pre-1960 release. Current.
History:
A replica (c1970s) Aluminium Pack of 5 was proposed in late-2009 but never released.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 10 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars (released c2003).
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars in cellophane (discontinued mid-1980s).
Dress Box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued c1980s).
Aluminium Pack of 50 cigars (discontinued c1980s).
Aluminium Pack of 100 cigars (discontinued c1980s).
Slide Lid Box of 25 cigars in an aluminium foil bundle (discontinued c1970s).
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars (released c2003).
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars in cellophane (discontinued mid-1980s).
Dress Box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued c1980s).
Aluminium Pack of 50 cigars (discontinued c1980s).
Aluminium Pack of 100 cigars (discontinued c1980s).
Slide Lid Box of 25 cigars in an aluminium foil bundle (discontinued c1970s).
Status:
A pre-1960 release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars (discontinued 2009).
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued c1980s).
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars (discontinued 2009).
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued c1980s).
Status:
A 1969 release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 100 cigars
Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 100 cigars
Status:
A 1969 release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars (discontinued pre-2000).
Cajón of 100 cigars in cellophane (discontinued c1980s).
Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars (discontinued pre-2000).
Cajón of 100 cigars in cellophane (discontinued c1980s).
Status:
A 1969 release. Current.
Discontinued Tube
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Tubes:
Premium tube introduced ?
Packaging:
Dress Box of 10 cigars in aluminium tubes
Dress Box of 25 cigars in aluminium tubes
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars in aluminium tubes (discontinued c1980s).
Aluminium Pack of 5 cigars in aluminium tubes (discontinued c1980s).
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released c2003, discontinued 2017).
Dress Box of 25 cigars in aluminium tubes
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars in aluminium tubes (discontinued c1980s).
Aluminium Pack of 5 cigars in aluminium tubes (discontinued c1980s).
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released c2003, discontinued 2017).
Status:
A 1970s release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 5 cigars in varnished individual slide lid boxes Varnished Cabinet of 25 cigars (discontinued 2010).
Status:
A 1971 release. Current.
Discontinued Tube
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands A, B, C.
Tubes:
Premium tube introduced c2009.
Packaging:
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars in aluminium tubes
Dress Box of 25 cigars in aluminium tubes
Dress Box of 10 cigars in aluminium tubes (discontinued 2017).
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars in aluminium tubes
Dress Box of 25 cigars in aluminium tubes
Dress Box of 10 cigars in aluminium tubes (discontinued 2017).
Status:
A 1980s release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands B, C.
Packaging:
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released c2008).
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released c2008).
Status:
A 2004 release. Current.
History:
In 2010 a ceramic jar of 25 cigars were produced for W. Europe.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands C.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released c2008).
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released c2008).
Status:
A 2006 release. Current.
Open Eagle Band
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C, with a special Open Eagle band.
Packaging:
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released 2009).
Dress Box of 20 cigars (released c2009).
Dress Box of 20 cigars (released c2009).
Status:
A 2009 release. Current.
History:
The Montecristo Open range was introduced early 2009 as a lighter flavoured blend, supposedly targeted at "sporty outdoor smokers".
A new vitola size was created for this cigar. The range was originally intended to be named Sport, and this cigar was to be called Mónaco.
A new vitola size was created for this cigar. The range was originally intended to be named Sport, and this cigar was to be called Mónaco.
Open Junior Band
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C, with a special Open Junior band.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 20 cigars (released 2009).
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released 2010).
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released 2010).
Status:
A 2009 release. Current.
History:
In the proposed Sport range, this cigar was to be named Swing.
Open Master Band
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C, with a special Open Master band.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 20 cigars (released 2009).
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released 2010).
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released 2010).
Status:
A 2009 release. Current.
History:
In the proposed Sport range, this cigar was also to be named Master.
Open Regata Band
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C, D with a special Open Regata band.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 20 cigars (released 2009).
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released 2011).
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars in aluminium tubes (released 2011).
Status:
A 2009 release. Current.
History:
A new vitola size was created for this cigar. In the proposed Sport range, this cigar was to be named Albatros.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band D.
Packaging:
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars (released 2013).
Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars (released 2013).
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars (released 2013).
Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars (released 2013).
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars (released 2013).
Status:
A 2013 release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band D.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 10 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars (discontinued 2017).
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Cardboard Pack of 3 cigars (discontinued 2017).
Status:
A 2013 release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band D.
Packaging:
Cardboard Pack of 5 cigars in aluminium tubes
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 5 cigars (released 2018).
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Aluminium Pack of 5 cigars (released 2018).
Status:
A 2015 release. Current.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band D, with Línea 1935 second band, and Montecristo foot-band.
Packaging:
Black lacquered Boîte Nature Box of 20 cigars
Status:
A 2017 release. Current. Released mid-2018.
History:
Part of the premium 1935 line, which commemorates the founding of the Montecristo brand.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band D, with Línea 1935 second band, and Montecristo foot-band.
Packaging:
Black lacquered Boîte Nature Box of 20 cigars
Status:
A 2017 release. Current. Released mid-2018.
History:
Part of the premium 1935 line, which commemorates the founding of the Montecristo brand.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band D, with Línea 1935 second band, and Montecristo foot-band.
Packaging:
Black lacquered Boîte Nature Box of 20 cigars
Status:
A 2017 release. Current. Released mid-2018.
History:
Part of the premium 1935 line, which commemorates the founding of the Montecristo brand.
Discontinued Production Cigars
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band A.
Packaging:
Humidor of 50 cigars
Status:
A 1971 release. Discontinued mid-1980s.
History:
While a discontinued production cigar, these humidors are reportedly produced yearly in extremely limited numbers.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band A.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Status:
A 1980 release. Discontinued 1998. A rare cigar.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band A.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Status:
A 1980 release. Discontinued 1998. A rare cigar.
Special Release Cigars
Montecristo No.1 - a current production size
Montecristo No.2 - a current production size
Montecristo No.3 - a current production size
Montecristo No.4 - a current production size
Montecristo No.5 - a current production size
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard bands.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 50 cigars
Status:
A pre-1960 release. Last seen 2003.
History:
While a discontinued production cigar, these humidors are reportedly produced yearly in extremely limited numbers.
Robustos - a new special release size
Millennium Reserve 2000 Band
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Special Millennium Reserve 2000 band.
Packaging:
Ceramic Jar of 25 cigars (10,000 made).
Status:
A 1999 release. Balance of jars released late 2002.
History:
Launched at the 1999 Havana Festival to celebrate the Millennium. Due to the rejection of some defective jars, only a partial release was made. Replacement jars were not available until 2002. The balance of the stored 1999 cigars were packed and released late 2002. They have a box code OSU Nov 2002.
Joyitas - a current production size
Montecristo A - a current production size
Montecristo B - a reinstated production size
Montecristo Especial No.2 - a current production size
Montecristo No.1 - a current production size
Montecristo No.2 - a current production size
Montecristo No.3 - a current production size
Montecristo No.4 - a current production size
Montecristo Tubos - a current production size
Robusto - a new special release size
Siglo XXI Montecristo Tubos
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard Bands A.
Packaging:
Numbered Special Humidor of 2000 cigars comprising 20 brands (21 made).
Status:
A 1999 release.
History:
Free-standing electronic (temperature & humidity controlled) humidor made to commemorate the Millennium. It contains 20 brands and 2,000 cigars.
Robustos - a special release size
Cigars:
Handmade. Wrapper aged 2 years.
Bands:
Standard band A, with an undated Edición Limitada band.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Status:
A 2000 release.
Double Corona - a new special release size
Cigars:
Handmade. Wrapper aged 2 years.
Bands:
Standard band A, with Limited Edition 2001 band.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Status:
A 2001 release. Not available until 2002.
Montecristo No.4 - a current production size
Salomones II - a new special release size
Compay 95 Aniversario Band
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Special Compay 95 Aniversario band.
Packaging:
Numbered Humidor of 95 cigars (95 made).
Status:
A 2002 release.
History:
There was also a single humidor containing 156 Montecristo No.3 cigars, released in 2001 for Compay's 94th Anniversary.
Montecristo No.2 - a current production size
510 Aniversario Band
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band A, with a special 510 Aniversario band.
Packaging:
Numbered Humidor of 100 cigars comprising 5 brands (510 made).
Status:
A 2003 release.
Montecristo C - a new special release size
Cigars:
Handmade. Wrapper aged 2 years.
Bands:
Standard band B, with Edición Limitada 2003 band.
Packaging:
Boîte Nature Box of 25 cigars
Status:
A 2003 release.
Montecristo No.2 - a current production size
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band B, C.
Packaging:
Selection Box of 5 cigars comprising 5 brands
Status:
A 2003 release. Still in production.
Robustos - a special release size
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band B, C.
Packaging:
Selection Box of 5 cigars comprising 5 brands
Status:
A 2003 release. Still in production.
Montecristo A - a current production size
Salomones II - a special release size
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band B.
Packaging:
Numbered Humidor of 100 cigars (700 made).
Status:
A 2004 release.
Maravillas No.1 - a new special release size
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band B.
Packaging:
Numbered Book-shaped Boîte Nature Box of 20 cigars (500 made).
Status:
A 2005 release.
History:
The fifth release of the Habanos Collection Series, and the 70th Anniversary of the Montecristo Brand.
Montecristo D - a new special release size
Cigars:
Handmade. Wrapper aged 2 years.
Bands:
Standard band B, with Edición Limitada 2005 band.
Packaging:
Varnished 8-9-8 Box of 10 cigars
Status:
A 2005 release.
Robusto - a special release size
Cigars:
Handmade. Wrapper aged 2 years.
Bands:
Standard band C, with Edición Limitada 2006 band.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 25 cigars
Status:
A 2006 release.
History:
A re-release of the Robustos Limited Edition 2000.
Edmundo - a current production size
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C.
Packaging:
Leather-bound Travel Humidor of 10 cigars.
Status:
A 2006 release.
History:
The first release of the Duty Free and Travel Retail Series.
Montecristo B - a reinstated production size
Compay Segundo 100 Band
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C, with a special Compay 100 Aniversario band.
Packaging:
Numbered Humidor of 50 cigars (150 made).
Status:
A 2007 release.
History:
Released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Compay Segundo's birth. Replica of the discontinued Montecristo B humidor.
Montecristo No.4 - a current production size
Reserva Band
Cigars:
Handmade. Tobacco is from the 2002 Harvest and is aged a minimum of three years before rolling.
Bands:
Standard band C, with a special Reserva band.
Packaging:
Numbered Black lacquered Boîte Nature Box of 20 cigars (5,000 made).
Status:
A 2007 release.
Sublimes - a new special release size
Cigars:
Handmade. All tobacco aged 2 years.
Bands:
Standard band C, with Edición Limitada 2008 band.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars
Status:
A 2008 release.
Petit Edmundo - a standard production size
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C.
Tubes:
Special double-chamber humidified tube with punch.
Packaging:
Travel Pack of 3 cigars in humidified tubes
Status:
A 2008 release.
Double Corona - a previous special release size
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C.
Packaging:
Numbered Humidor of 50 cigars (350 made).
Status:
A 2009 release.
History:
The fourth release of the Replica Antique Humidor Series.
Edmundo - a current production size
X Festival del Habano Band
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C, with special X Festival del Habano band.
Packaging:
Black lacquered Boîte Nature Box of 10 cigars comprising 9 brands (20,000 made).
Status:
A 2009 release. Boxes date from DIC 08.
History:
This release is a replica of a special commemorative case gifted to attendees of the 10th Habanos Festival in Cuba.
The case contains a selection of standard production cigars released in the previous ten years.
The case contains a selection of standard production cigars released in the previous ten years.
Grand Edmundo - a new special release size
Cigars:
Handmade. All tobacco aged two years.
Bands:
Standard band C, with a Limited Edition 2010 band.
Packaging:
Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars
Status:
A 2010 release.
Maravillas No.1 - an existing special release size
Cigars:
Handmade.
Packaging:
Numbered Book-shaped Boîte Nature Box of 30 cigars (1,000 made).
Status:
A 2011 release.
History:
The 11th release of the Habanos Collection Series. This release is titled "Obras Completas" (the Complete Works).
Montecristo No.2 - a standard production size
Grand Reserve Band
Cigars:
Handmade, using tobacco from the 2005 harvest.
Bands:
Standard band C, with a special Grand Reserve band.
Packaging:
Numbered Black lacquered Boîte Nature Box of 15 cigars (5,000 made).
Status:
A 2011 release.
Montecristo 520 - a new special release size
Cigars:
Handmade, using two-year old aged tobacco.
Bands:
Standard band C, with Edición Limitada 2012 band.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 10 cigars
Status:
A 2012 release.
Petit Robusto - a new special release size.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band C (2012 version), D (2015 version).
Packaging:
Selection Box of 10 cigars comprising 5 brands (5,000 made, released 2012).
Selection Box of 10 cigars comprising 5 brands (15,000 made, released 2015).
Selection Box of 10 cigars comprising 5 brands (15,000 made, released 2015).
Status:
A 2012 release.
Julieta No. 2 - a new special release size.
Cigars:
Handmade, then aged for 5 - 8 years.
Bands:
Standard band C with an Aged Habanos (Añejados) band.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 25 cigars
Status:
A 2014 release.
History:
Released early 2015.
Maravillas No. 2 - a new special release size.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Special Gold Montecristo band, with second 80 Aniversario band.
Packaging:
Dress Box of 20 cigars (30,000 made).
Status:
A 2015 release.
History:
Released mid-2016.
Hermosos No. 1 - a new special release size.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band D, with Edición Limitada 2016 band.
Packaging:
Varnished Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars
Status:
A 2016 release. Released February 2017.
Gran Pirámides - a new special release size.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Unknown.
Packaging:
Numbered Boîte Nature Box of 20 cigars (2,000 made).
Status:
A 2018 release. Released early 2019.
Dobles - an existing regular production size.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Standard band D.
Packaging:
Leather-bound Travel Humidor of 10 cigars.
Status:
A 2018 release. Not yet available.
Montesco - a new special release size.
Cigars:
Handmade.
Bands:
Large band D, with Edición Limitada 2019 band.
Packaging:
Luxury Box of 25 cigars
Status:
A 2019 release. Not yet available.