Montecristo is the most famous and iconic brand in the world of Habanos—often regarded as the benchmark by which all other Cuban cigars are measured. Founded in 1935, the brand was born when Alonso Menéndez purchased the Particulares Factory in Havana, then producers of the Particulares and lesser-known Byron cigars. He renamed the brand Montecristo, inspired by the popular Alexandre Dumas novel The Count of Monte Cristo, which was frequently read aloud to cigar rollers by the factory lector.
In 1936, Menéndez partnered with García to form Menéndez, García y Cía.. A year later, they acquired the struggling H. Upmann Factory and moved Montecristo production there. The brand’s logo was designed by John Hunter Morris and Elkan Co. Ltd., who also became the exclusive distributor in the UK. In 1963, the firm merged with the distributor, forming Hunters & Frankau—still the sole importer of Cuban cigars in the UK today.
Montecristo’s rise to global fame was heavily supported by Alfred Dunhill, whose marketing helped position the brand as the gold standard among Cuban cigars. Among its most iconic cigars are the Montecristo No.2, No.4, and the Edmundo. Originally launched with five numbered vitolas, Montecristo expanded its offerings significantly after 1969. The Open Series, launched in 2009, features milder blends aimed at modern smokers and outdoor lifestyles.
In 1960, the Cuban government nationalized the Montecristo brand, factory, and all related assets under Fidel Castro’s leadership. Despite this shift, the brand flourished through the 1970s and 1980s, maintaining and growing its dominance in global markets. Montecristo cigars were also featured in high-profile special editions—such as the Siglo XXI Humidor launched in 1999.
Montecristo cigars are produced Totally by Hand with Long Filler using only the finest tobaccos from the Vuelta Abajo region. The classic range offers a medium to full-bodied profile, while the Open Line presents a milder strength—perfect for beginners and outdoor enjoyment.
Flavor Profile:
Classic Line – Medium to Full
Open Line – Medium
