Montecristo 5 Puritos Cuban Cigar Review: The Iconic Small Smoke with Big Character
Overview
Few names carry as much weight in the world of cigars as Montecristo. The Montecristo 5 Puritos — also known simply as the Montecristo Puritos — is a petite cigar that distils the legendary Montecristo DNA into a compact, accessible format. Don't let the size fool you: this is a full-flavoured, beautifully constructed Habano that delivers a genuinely satisfying experience in under 30 minutes. It's the cigar equivalent of a perfectly pulled espresso — small, intense, and utterly refined.
Cigar Profile
- Origin: Cuba (Havana)
- Factory: H. Upmann Factory (La Corona)
- Format: Puritos (26 ring gauge × 4⅜" length)
- Wrapper: Cuban Natural
- Strength: Light to Medium
- Smoking Time: 20–30 minutes
Tasting Notes
First Third
The Puritos opens with an elegant, almost delicate character. Expect creamy almonds, sweet hay, and a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale. The draw is effortless — a testament to the precision of Cuban rolling at its finest. There's a subtle honey sweetness on the lips that makes this immediately inviting.
Second Third
Complexity builds as the cigar settles in. Toasted cedar, light cocoa, and a gentle nuttiness emerge alongside a pleasant creaminess that coats the palate. The smoke is cool and smooth — never harsh, never sharp. The burn line is impeccable.
Final Third
The finish brings a satisfying warmth with notes of roasted coffee, dried fruit, and a touch of spice that lingers on the palate long after the last draw. Strength nudges toward medium but remains entirely approachable throughout.
Scores
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Construction & Draw | 9.5/10 |
| 🔥 Burn & Ash | 9/10 |
| 👃 Aroma | 9/10 |
| 👅 Flavour Complexity | 8/10 |
| 💷 Value for Money | 9/10 |
| ⭐ Overall | 88/100 |
Recommended Pairings
🥃 Bourbon Pairing
The Montecristo Puritos is a lighter, more delicate smoke, so the pairing calls for a bourbon that complements rather than overwhelms. We recommend Maker's Mark Original — its soft, wheated mash bill delivers notes of vanilla, caramel, and gentle oak that harmonise beautifully with the cigar's creamy almond and honey profile. The approachable sweetness of Maker's Mark makes it an ideal companion for this elegant little Habano.
Alternative bourbon picks: Larceny Small Batch, Elijah Craig Small Batch, or Four Roses Small Batch.
☕ Non-Alcoholic Pairing
A flat white or cortado made with a medium-roast Colombian or Ethiopian blend is a natural match — the milk softens the coffee's bitterness and echoes the cigar's creamy, nutty character perfectly.
🍯 Snack Pairing
A small dish of salted almonds or a drizzle of raw honey on a mild cheese (think Manchego or a young Comté) will amplify the cigar's nutty sweetness without competing with its more subtle notes.
Suggested Occasion
The Montecristo 5 Puritos is the quintessential morning or mid-morning cigar — light enough to enjoy before lunch without overwhelming the palate for the rest of the day. Its compact 20–30 minute smoking time makes it ideal for a quick break between meetings, a post-breakfast garden smoke, or a pre-round warm-up on the golf course.
It's also one of the finest introductory cigars for someone new to Habanos — the Montecristo name carries prestige, the flavour is approachable, and the short format means there's no commitment anxiety. Hand one to a curious friend and watch them become a convert.
For weddings and celebrations, the Puritos is a brilliant choice for a cigar station or welcome gift — its elegant presentation, iconic band, and manageable size mean guests of all experience levels can enjoy one comfortably. Pair with a miniature of Maker's Mark for a polished, memorable favour.
Final Verdict
The Montecristo 5 Puritos is proof that great things come in small packages. It's refined, consistent, and carries the full prestige of the Montecristo marque in a format that fits any schedule. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado looking for a quick lunchtime smoke or a newcomer taking your first steps into the world of Cuban cigars, the Puritos delivers every time.
Rated 88/100 — Highly Recommended.