Montecristo · Especial
CubanAficionadosMontecristo Especial No. 1
Montecristo's elegant Laguito No. 1 — a long, slender 7.5-inch Cuban that shares the Cohiba Lancero format, all cedar and cream.
The short answer
The Montecristo Especial No. 1 is a balanced, medium-bodied smoke — a Cuban laguito no. 1 (lancero) with a Cuban wrapper. Expect cedar, cream, and grass.
Flavor profile
Earthy · Creamy · Herbal · Roast · Spice
The verdict
The Montecristo Especial No. 1 is a balanced, medium-bodied smoke from Montecristo's Especial line. It's a Cuban laguito no. 1 (lancero) wrapped in Cuban at 7.5 in × 38.
On the palate, expect cedar, cream, and grass, leaning earthy. Plan on roughly 65 minutes from light to nub.
It pairs naturally with coffee, champagne, and aged rum. If you're newer to cigars, this is a safe, enjoyable pick.
The Montecristo Especial No. 1 is a long, slender beauty: 7.5 inches with a thin 38 ring gauge. It shares its Laguito No. 1 shape — the Lancero — with the legendary Cohiba Lanceros, and it was introduced back in 1971 as a more refined, elegant expression of the Montecristo blend.
What it tastes like
The narrow ring gauge means lots of wrapper and a slow, cool burn, which puts the spotlight on subtlety rather than power. Expect a medium-bodied smoke heavy on cedar and cream, with grassy, hay-like notes, soft coffee, and just a whisper of spice. It's elegant and nuanced — a connoisseur's cigar more than a big flavor bomb.
Who it's for
A long, thin Lancero like this is best appreciated by experienced smokers who enjoy slowing down and reading the small shifts in flavor. It takes patience and a careful, unhurried pace to smoke well. Pair it with coffee, Champagne, or a light aged rum.
If you love the classic Havana style, our Cuban vs Nicaraguan piece is a fun read on how it stacks up against bolder modern blends. Track your session and rate it in the Casa DNC app so you remember how this one smoked.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Montecristo Especial No. 1 — frequently asked
- Is the Montecristo Especial No. 1 a good cigar for beginners?
- It's a good next step. Medium-bodied cigars are fine once you've enjoyed a few milder ones and want more flavor and depth.
- How strong is the Montecristo Especial No. 1?
- The Montecristo Especial No. 1 is Medium-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Montecristo Especial No. 1 taste like?
- Expect cedar, cream, and grass, leaning earthy. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What pairs well with the Montecristo Especial No. 1?
- It pairs well with coffee, champagne, and aged rum. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Montecristo Especial No. 1?
- Plan on about 65 minutes for the laguito no. 1 (lancero) — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
More cigars like this
Montecristo
MediumMontecristo Especial No. 2
The shorter sibling of the Especial No. 1 — a slim, elegant 6-inch Cuban panetela with cedar, cream and refined Havana subtlety.
Montecristo
MediumMontecristo No. 5
Montecristo's smallest classic — the No. 5 Perla is a quick 4-inch Cuban with cocoa, coffee and vanilla, ideal for a short break.
Montecristo
MediumMontecristo Open Eagle
The flagship of Montecristo's milder Open line — a thick, smooth 5.9-inch Cuban built to be approachable and easygoing.
Montecristo Especial No. 1 head-to-head
See how Montecristo Especial No. 1 stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.