My Weekend Cigar Review: Montecristo White Series

Video Cigar Review: Montecristo White Series Especial No.3

One Classy Corona

The Grupo de Maestros had a challenge: create a Montecristo cigar that would offer smokers more flavor, exquisite balance, and a creamy smoothness on the palate. What emerged was the Montecristo White Label selection. Released in 2007 the cigars were advertised as slightly stronger and more complex than the original Montecristo blend created in 1935 Cuba by Alonso Menendez and Pepe Garcia.

The line was so well received that the White line became one of the most popular class acts in the Montecristo stable. Montecristo White’s success has not only continued to this day, but a lot of that is due to the line’s ability to satisfy both newer and more experienced cigar smokers.

Cigar Details:

Factory: Tabacalera de Garcia – Santiago, Dominican Republic
Size: 5½” x 44 Corona
Body & Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaraguan
Fillers: Dominican and Nicaraguan

Presented in boxes of 27

Montecristo White Especial No.3 Cigar Review

At first glance, the Montecristo White Especial No. 3 was an attractive Corona with a classic look and feel. The wrapper was even in color, seamlessly rolled, had a textbook triple seam cap, and offered a crisp, hay-like fragrance.

The cold draw was mostly nutty. After lighting, the smoke was also nutty and a tad earthy. At the first inch (where I believe many cigars start to gel), a creamy mix of cedar, nuts, and the slightest note of honey teamed-up.

Shortly after that the smoke was even creamier and the flavors began to balance-out. This is where I thought: “Nice, medium bodied, kickback and relax cigar.”

Now I don't smoke too many Coronas, but I have several compadres who prefer smaller ring gauge cigars for their inherent richness and I was starting to get it. By the time I was into the first third of this No.3, it had settled into a smooth, balanced, medium-bodied smoke with an extra ounce of spice and a pleasing, sweet-spicy aroma.

From that point on, there was little change to the body and strength. As to this Corona’s complexity, the key flavors would sometimes appear in different wavelengths along with an occasional drive-by note of light coffee or caramel.

During the last couple of inches, the cigar increased slightly in strength. I was getting more of an earthy presence, too, most likely from the Nicaraguan fillers. Everything else pretty much stayed the course until I let it go at just over an inch.

Was Montecristo White Weekend Worthy?

Absolutely. This Montecristo White Especial No.3 smoked very well from top to bottom. It also offered much of what I had read in some older reviews of it. The textbook construction aside, that’s pretty respectable for a 17 year run—so far. Its complexity seemed to come from how the flavors shifted gears, not to mention a couple of little surprises like coffee and caramel.

Now just because the Montecristo White Especial No.3 has all the charms of a luxury cigar, I’m certain that it would be just as comfortable between the fingers of the average cigar smoker as it would for the avid enthusiast. I would add that the Montecristo White Especial No.3 should be savored slowly, like a vintage wine to help reveal more subtleties.

All thing considered, the Montecristo White Especial No.3 turned out to be much more than your average “kickback and relax cigar,” which is why I would smoke it again.

Please Note: Gary’s review was based on his experience and that your mileage may vary.