The Montecristo Carmen celebrates 250 years of cigar heritage with exceptional craftsmanship, a rare vitola, and newfound accessibility for aficionados.
Hello dear reader,
Occasionally, a cigar transcends its purpose as a smoke, becoming a tale to tell, a celebration of artistry, and a tribute to history. I am sure I now have the attention of collectors. Drum roll…curtains rise…enter The Montecristo Carmen, released to honor the 250th anniversary of the Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville, is one such cigar. Originally launched in 2020 and available in 2022 it was presented in an exclusive and extravagant humidor, the Montecristo Carmen was nearly unattainable for most collectors. In 2024, with its new release in 10-count boxes, this gem has become a little more accessible, offering us all a chance to savor its magic.
But the story of the Montecristo Carmen isn’t just about its exclusivity or price, it is about what it represents. It’s a bridge between the rich traditions of cigars and the modern demand for exceptional quality and storytelling. Let’s explore the history that makes this cigar a true collectors masterpiece.
A Tribute to the Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville
To understand the Montecristo Carmen, one must first appreciate the significance of its inspiration. The Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville, established in 1774, is believed to be Europe’s first tobacco factory. This iconic structure not only revolutionized tobacco production but also became a cornerstone of cigar-making history. Its grand halls once buzzed with the artistry and labor of skilled workers, laying the foundation for what would become some of the
world’s most celebrated cigars.
The name "Carmen" itself is a nod to Bizet’s famous opera, which is set in Seville and embodies the passion and drama of its surroundings. This connection between art, history, and tobacco elevates the Montecristo Carmen to a cultural homage wrapped in layers of meaning and flavor. Perhaps creating a culturally rich narrative feels effortless when it’s backed by centuries of tradition and expertise.
When the Montecristo Carmen was first introduced, it came in an S.T. Dupont humidor containing 100 cigars. These humidors were works of art themselves, obviously, crafted with intricate designs to celebrate the Royal Tobacco Factory. However, their exclusivity was matched by their price, upward of $33,000 making them a dream item for collectors but out of reach for most aficionados.
Fast forward two years, and Tabacalera S.L.U., the Spanish Habanos distributor, has reintroduced the Montecristo Carmen in 10-count boxes. While the new packaging may not be as extravagant, it remains elegant, featuring historical nods to Seville and Montecristo’s signature refinement. The retail price of $1,100 per box is still steep, but it’s far more attainable than the original humidor release. In reality you will never find a box at the price anymore.
This journey from an unattainable dream to an accessible treasure reflects Montecristo’s ability to evolve while honoring its legacy. Great cigars which were created to enrich the collectors walk in humidors should go beyond exclusivity, they should embody history and craftsmanship. I think that Carmen fits the bill perfectly.
Vitola de Galera - Paco
The Montecristo Carmen features a vitola known as Paco in Cuban cigar factories—a format rarely produced, i only know 5 or 6 other cigars in this vitola. Measuring 49x180, it’s a vitola that commands attention. The length and gauge strike a balance that allows the blend to unfold gradually, creating a luxurious smoking experience that lasts. For Montecristo, this size is as much a statement as it is a celebration. I feel it brings hommage to the Montecristo A.
As I think about the Montecristo Carmen ,reflecting on its journey, the Montecristo Carmen’s initial release seemed natural for Habanos, creating a mythical, unattainable cigar that tells a wonderful story as only cigars can. Now, with its recent release, the chance to experience its rich history and wonderful blend is something I eagerly anticipate as I too will hunt down a box.
For me, the Montecristo Carmen represents a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a glimpse into the future of cigar culture.
The 2024 release of the Montecristo Carmen in 10-count boxes is a rare moment. I think we won’t see the same practice with the Partagas Tropicales or the Montecristo Crepuscule. With only 2,500 numbered boxes produced, it’s still a collector’s item, but one that more aficionados can now experience. The Carmen’s journey from an exclusive humidor to a more widely available box is beneficial in my opinion and I hope this won’t be a one off type of situation. For those lucky enough to secure a box, it’s an opportunity to savor a blend that embodies the very best of Montecristo and Cuban cigar heritage.
For me the Montecristo Carmen is a significant release that went under the radar. It combines Cuban cigar high end exclusivity with a more accessible format for aficionados. Its availability in 10-count boxes got enthusiasts' hopes up, I am sure. Will our beloved island keep us in mind with its next exclusive release? Only time will tell.
Wishing you rich flavors and good company, until we meet again.