Montecristo (Altadis) Archives - Developing Palates - Cigar, Beer and Spirit Reviews and Ratings

Personal Cigar Review: Montecristo Classic No. 2

The Montecristo Classic No. 2 had a nice flavor profile through the first two thirds, focused around toasted cedar and earth, but the supporting notes all did a good job of balancing the profile. It took a step down in the final third as the balance went off a bit due to the earth, leather and strength. This is a nice Connecticut shade offering that offers a lower strength profile. It's fairly expensive, but if you are OK with this price range and enjoy this profile, it's well worth a try and isn't just a cigar playing off the Cuban name.

Aaron Loomis, October 2, 2026

Personal Cigar Review: Montecristo White Series Rothchilde

The Montecristo White Series Rothchilde started well, with a full combination of flavors, but took a step down in the second third as the pepper mellowed and some wood bitterness joined in. It took another step down in the final third as the wood bitterness ramped up and the toast became very heavy. Overall, a cigar that started with promise, but degraded through each third. The price is pretty high for the offering, but regardless of that, just based on flavor profile, not something I'd really see myself coming back to.

Aaron Loomis, July 10, 2026

Team Cigar Review: Montecristo 90th Anniversary No. 2

I enjoyed the Montecristo 90th Anniversary No. 2. It smoked like a Montecristo and Plasencia, and that is not a bad thing overall. I thought the blend lacked some transitioning, but it has a nice overall complexity and depth. The strength and body paired well with the cigar, and the construction was flawless. Nice flavors of toasted nuts, leather, earth, cream and tobacco. I would love to come back to this cigar, but I struggle with the pricing for the profile.

Seth Geise, December 31, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Montecristo M Toro

This Montecristo M Toro is a pricey cigar, which is not fun, but it’s a high-quality Montecristo. It’s the best Montecristo I have smoked in some time. Right now I would buy this over a Cuban Montecristo, and those are probably similar in price. In some ways, it captures some of the qualities that a Cuban Montecristo delivers when it is on point. Not entirely, but that coffee, tobacco and cream quality for sure. It also delivered quality Connecticut profiles. Cedar, cream and pepper spices.

Seth Geise, March 31, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Montecristo FSG Toro

I liked the Montecristo FSG Toro. I found it to be a balanced cigar with an enjoyable flavor profile. A profile to my liking at least. It delivered that FSG quality, but it was not too much with strength. The dry earth and mineral spices were really enjoyable throughout. Definitely a cigar I would come back to in the future.

Seth Geise, December 27, 2023

Team Cigar Review: Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edición Diamante No. 2

Not gonna lie, I was ready to type about how this is the same AJ chef and therefore the same story as per usual. But I am wrong. Very wrong. This Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edición Diamante No. 2 was delicious, capturing not just AJ earthiness, but it was much more than that, delivering great notes of chocolate, minerals and sweetness. Very pricey indeed, but definitely worth trying.

Jiunn Liu, October 18, 2023

Team Cigar Review: Montecristo Espada Signature Limited Edition Valiente

The Montecristo Espada Signature Limited Edition Valiente was a pleasure to smoke from first draw to the very last draw. Altadis USA made the right decision in going to Plasencia for this blend. A well balanced blend showing sweet and creamy toasted nuts, lots of great earthiness and well mannered minerals. Keep this collaboration coming!

Jiunn Liu, August 24, 2022

Cigar News: Montecristo Volume 2: The Rendezvous Announced

This latest addition,the Montecristo Volume 2: The Rendezvous, takes its name from a chapter in the second volume of the Dumas book in which the Count of Montecristo meets Albert de Morcerf, the son of his mortal enemy. The Count uses treasure and transformation to generate awe and inspiration from de Morcerf.

Aaron Loomis, January 6, 2022

Team Cigar Review: Montecristo Epic Vintage 12 Blue Toro

The Montecristo Epic Vintage 12 Blue Toro kept me interested and engaged through the first and second thirds, with at times intense flavors that managed to find a balance and harmonize. The last third was a bit of a disappointment with a largely wood driven profile that didn't offend, but didn't provide anything special

John McTavish, October 20, 2021

Cigar News: Montecristo Cincuenta JR 50th Announced

As part of its year-long 50th anniversary celebration, JR Cigar is paying homage to the most iconic cigar brand in the industry with the release of the Montecristo Cincuenta JR 50th offered in the Torpedo vitola.

Aaron Loomis, April 1, 2021