Montecristo Churchill Añejados Limited Edition Cuban Cigars: Serious Complexity, but Mixed Results

Credits: Article and images by Ken Gargett @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/09/06/montecristo-churchill-anejados-limited-edition-cuban-cigars-serious-complexity-but-mixed-results/

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In my searching I found that there are retailers around the globe with some of these cigars still available, while the internet cigar auction site Bond Roberts is always a good bet. But be warned, they are still attracting relatively high prices. So, perhaps a touch premature with thoughts of bargains then.

Montecristo Churchill Añejados Cuban Cigars

So it was with somewhat of a heavy heart that I approached the Montecristo Churchill Añejados today (7 inches, 178mm, with a 47 ring gauge). The Churchill vitola is the first time that size has been made under the Montecristo label. There was a noticeable box press to the cigar.

Expectations could have hardly been lower (I would have given better odds on me finding a Sauvignon Blanc that I liked). Sometimes, you should just keep your mouth shut and see how it pans out.

What a stunning cigar. Now, of course, things could never be that simple. My fellow video smoker had a completely opposite experience. His was, indeed underwhelming, at least until the last third. My final score was 95/96; his was 88/89. Elsewhere, I have seen ratings ranging between 83 and 96, and lots in between, so variation is the name of the game.

The cigar felt good in the hand, firm and well-constructed. The draw was also firm but fine. From the start, that Montecristo chocolate was evident. That has been one of the strongest criticisms of the Añejados range, that the cigars do not exhibit much of their Marca’s DNA. No such issues here. Cedar and coffee, cocoa powder, a hint of vanilla and rich chocolatey notes. Delicious. The construction proved immaculate.

Montecristo Churchill Añejados Cuban Cigars

Mine started a little over medium but by the finger-burning nub, had developed into a real powerhouse with serious complexity and a lovely evolution over the journey. What was especially surprising was that it still seemed so young. Had I not known that this was rolled some 15 years previously, I would never have guessed anything like that. Not only that, I still think it has at least 15 years more ahead of it.

In fairness, my friend did not enjoy the same experience, although his kicked in for the last third. Prior to that, under medium weight and not exhibiting the same flavors at all. The two came from the same box, a common concern for Cuban cigars. So, beware, these are not a slam dunk. If you get one like mine, money well spent. If not…
The perils of buying a handmade product.