The Montecristo No. 3 is part of the series of numbers of the noble Cuban brand. The whole series has been in continuous production since before the Cuban Revolution (except for the Montecristo No. 6 and the Montecristo No. 7). The Montecristo No. 3 is, like vitola de Galera, a Corona, a size very scarcely used in the entire Cuban portfolio.
After many decades, it was possible to find it packaged in many ways (including the 100-piece Cajon). It is currently sold in 25-count boxes and 5-count packs, and until 2017 it was also sold in 10-count boxes.
It usually appears wrapped in bright Colorado leaves with red reflections, but it is not uncommon to come across examples with Maduro wrappers with brown reflections. To the touch, it is decently smooth, with some hinted veins present. Usually, the construction is good, although sometimes you can find examples with a more or less open draw.
- Country of Origin: Cuba
- Size: 42 x 142 mm (5.6″)
- Wrapper: Cuba
- Binder: Cuba
- Filler: Cuba
- Price: $ N.A. – € 12.50
Montecristo No. 3: with the cigar unlit, the nose perceives an intense scent of earth, followed by less marked notes of leather and woody nuances.
The opening brings a decidedly sapid smoke to the palate while it expresses very marked wood aromas, less evident earthy notes, and nuances of nuts. Strength is medium-light (2/5).
In the central section, the perception of sapidity does not change. The aromas outline a profile of leather, wood, and earth, all of the same intensity. Strength becomes medium (3/5).
In the last third, intense notes of pepper are perceived, followed by wood and earth. Nothing varies in terms of the strength (3/5).
In conclusion, the Montecristo No. 3 is a good representative of the brand. It showcases a simple but not trivial flavor profile and the excellent relationship between strength and aromas. It is a cigar that also ages extraordinarily well, and it lacks a little in evolution. The size is perfect for a morning and an after-dinner smoke if you are not looking for too strong of a cigar.