The Montecristo A is the only Gran Corona still in production in the Habanos S.A. portfolio. Produced since 1971, it still holds the record of the longest Cuban cigar among the products in the standard portfolio. This product, which requires large and perfect leaves, is not always available.
It is currently sold in a single painted coffin, inside a five-count box. Until 2010 it was also available in a painted box of 25 cigars.
The cigar is dressed in a bright Colorado wrapper with red reflections. To the touch it is smooth, with a few small accentuated veins present. The filling is uniform, and the draw is good—excellent overall construction.
- Country of Origin: Cuba
- Size: 47 x 235 mm (9.25″)
- Wrapper: Cuba
- Binder: Cuba
- Filler: Cuba
- Price: $ N.A. – € 45
Montecristo A: a strong scent of aged wood is perceived in the cold draw, enriched by lighter shades of leather and earth.
The start is very slow, in line with the length of the cigar. The smoke is quite sapid on the palate, while the aromas return intense notes of wood enriched by walnut and bark. Strength is light (1/5).
In the central section, the sapidity is joined with an acid nuance. The evolution brings hints of green pepper, fresh wood, and a touch of almonds. Strength becomes medium-light (2/5).
The flavor profile changes in the last third and is now based around spices and nuts, followed by less marked notes of wet earth and roasted coffee. Strength remains medium-light (2/5).
The Montecristo A is a perfect cigar if you have a lot of free time on your hands. It returns a flavor profile that is in line with the brand. Strength is always under control. The only “flaw”, if it can be defined as such, is that in such a long cigar, although the aromas follow one another in an interesting way, the fruition can be a bit monotonous at times. Due to the significant amount of tobacco, it is a cigar to be smoked when it has matured for several years. After 8 years, in our opinion, it is perfect.