Montecristo
CubanExperienced smokersMontecristo No. 1
Montecristo's classic Cuban Lonsdale — a long, elegant 42-ring smoke that's all cedar, coffee and refined Havana character.
The short answer
The Montecristo No. 1 is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Cuban lonsdale (cervantes) with a Cuban wrapper. Expect cedar, coffee, and earth.
Flavor profile
Earthy · Roast · Creamy · Spice
The verdict
The Montecristo No. 1 is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from Montecristo. It's a Cuban lonsdale (cervantes) wrapped in Cuban at 6.5 in × 42.
On the palate, expect cedar, coffee, and earth, leaning earthy. Plan on roughly 60 minutes from light to nub.
It pairs naturally with coffee, aged rum, and after lunch. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The Montecristo No. 1 is the brand's take on the Lonsdale: long, slim, and elegant. At 6.5 inches with a 42 ring gauge (the Cuban factory name is Cervantes), it's a format built for slow, leisurely smoking, and it shows off the classic Montecristo blend without the punch of the thicker vitolas.
What it tastes like
Expect a medium-to-full smoke with the signature Montecristo profile: cedar and coffee up front, a creamy core, and gentle earth and spice through the finish. The thinner ring gauge means more wrapper relative to filler, which makes the smoke a touch brighter and more refined than the chunkier Edmundos.
Who it's for
This is a cigar for someone who already enjoys Cuban tobacco and wants a longer, more contemplative session. It's not a beginner stick, but it's far from punishing — think of it as the "everyday elegant" Montecristo. Smoke it slowly with a coffee or an aged rum, ideally after a meal.
If you're weighing the classic Havana style against the bolder modern blends from Central America, our Cuban vs Nicaraguan breakdown is a good place to start. And whatever you light up, you can log it and rate it in the Casa DNC app to keep track of what your palate actually loves.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Montecristo No. 1 — frequently asked
- Is the Montecristo No. 1 a good cigar for beginners?
- Ease into it. The fuller body can be a lot for a first-timer, so it's better once you've built up a little tolerance.
- How strong is the Montecristo No. 1?
- The Montecristo No. 1 is Medium-Full-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 No. 1 taste like?
- Expect cedar, coffee, and earth, leaning earthy. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What pairs well with the Montecristo No. 1?
- It pairs well with coffee, aged rum, and after lunch. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium-full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Montecristo No. 1?
- Plan on about 60 minutes for the lonsdale (cervantes) — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Montecristo No. 1 head-to-head
See how Montecristo No. 1 stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.