Montecristo Open J Tubo Cuban Cigar Review: The Gentleman's On-the-Go Habano
Overview
The Montecristo Open J Tubo is one of the most practical and pleasurable cigars in the entire Habanos catalogue. Part of the Montecristo Open range — a line designed specifically for the modern, active smoker who demands quality without compromise — the Open J is presented in an elegant aluminium tubo that protects the cigar perfectly and makes it the ideal companion for travel, gifting, and spontaneous smoking occasions. The Open range was introduced in 2007 as a more accessible, slightly lighter expression of the Montecristo character, and the Open J has become its most popular and enduring vitola. This is a cigar that combines the legendary Montecristo DNA with a format and presentation that fits seamlessly into contemporary life.
Cigar Profile
- Origin: Cuba (Havana)
- Factory: H. Upmann Factory (La Corona)
- Format: Hermoso No. 4 / Corona Extra (48 ring gauge × 5⅜" length)
- Wrapper: Cuban Colorado Claro (smooth, even)
- Strength: Medium
- Smoking Time: 50–65 minutes
- Presentation: Individual aluminium tubo
Tasting Notes
First Third
The Open J opens with a smooth, approachable confidence that is immediately reassuring. The cold draw from the tubo-fresh cigar offers light cream, toasted cedar, and a gentle floral sweetness. Once lit, the first third delivers a clean, well-defined profile of creamy almonds, fresh hay, white pepper, and a subtle honey note on the finish. The draw is open and generous — the wider ring gauge of the Open J compared to the classic Montecristo vitolas gives it a cooler, more relaxed smoking experience from the outset.
Second Third
The mid-section is where the Open J reveals its Montecristo heritage most clearly. Toasted cedar, roasted coffee, light cocoa, and a developing earthy complexity build steadily over a creamy base. There's a satisfying balance between sweetness and spice — the white pepper on the retrohale intensifies slightly, while a natural dried fruit sweetness provides a counterpoint. The burn is even and reliable, the ash holding in firm, pale columns.
Final Third
The final third brings a pleasing warmth and depth: dark coffee, leather, toasted oak, and a lingering spiced cedar finish that stays on the palate long after the last draw. Strength remains medium throughout — the Open J never pushes into challenging territory, making it one of the most consistently enjoyable and accessible cigars in this series.
Scores
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Construction & Draw | 9/10 |
| 🔥 Burn & Ash | 9/10 |
| 👃 Aroma | 8.5/10 |
| 👅 Flavour Complexity | 8.5/10 |
| 💷 Value for Money | 9/10 |
| ⭐ Overall | 88/100 |
Bonus point: The aluminium tubo presentation adds exceptional practicality and gifting appeal that no score can fully capture.
Recommended Pairings
🥃 Bourbon Pairing
The Montecristo Open J is a medium-bodied, well-balanced cigar with a creamy, cedar-forward profile — and it pairs beautifully with a bourbon of equal balance and approachability. Our top pick is Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select — the benchmark Kentucky straight bourbon that delivers a harmonious blend of dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, and gentle spice. Its medium body and refined character complement the Open J's own smooth, layered profile without ever competing for dominance. This is a pairing that works as well at a garden party as it does in a private members' club.
Alternative bourbon picks: Elijah Craig Small Batch, Four Roses Single Barrel, or Maker's Mark 46.
🍷 Wine Pairing (Bonus)
The Open J's cedar and dried fruit notes make it a natural companion for a well-structured Rioja Reserva or a medium-bodied Malbec from Mendoza. Both wines have the fruit depth and oak character to complement the cigar without overwhelming its more delicate notes.
☕ Non-Alcoholic Pairing
A medium-roast Colombian filter coffee — served as a long black or Americano — is the natural everyday companion for the Open J. Its balanced acidity and caramel sweetness echo the cigar's own profile beautifully. For something more indulgent, a café con leche or flat white made with a quality espresso blend works equally well.
🍫 Snack Pairing
Roasted cashews or honey-glazed almonds are a natural match for the Open J's nutty, creamy mid-section. A square of milk chocolate (60–70% cacao) or a few slices of mild Gouda will also complement the cigar's sweeter notes without overpowering them.
Suggested Occasion
The Montecristo Open J Tubo is, above all else, the perfect cigar for life on the move. The aluminium tubo keeps the cigar in pristine condition whether it's in your jacket pocket, your travel bag, or your desk drawer — ready to be enjoyed at a moment's notice. It's the ideal companion for a post-meeting reward, a weekend city break, a round of golf, or a long train journey with a good view and a measure of Woodford Reserve.
Its medium strength and 50–65 minute smoking time make it equally well-suited to a relaxed weekend afternoon or a post-dinner smoke with friends. It's approachable enough for relative newcomers to premium cigars, yet complex enough to satisfy the experienced aficionado looking for a reliable, high-quality everyday smoke.
For weddings and celebrations, the Open J Tubo is one of the finest gifting options in the Habanos range. The individual tubo presentation is elegant, practical, and immediately impressive — a single tubo makes a beautiful place setting gift or favour, while a set of three or five tubos presented in a gift box alongside a bottle of Woodford Reserve makes a truly memorable wedding or groomsmen gift. The Montecristo name does the rest.
Final Verdict
The Montecristo Open J Tubo is the most versatile and practical cigar in our review series — a beautifully balanced, consistently excellent Habano that fits every occasion and suits every level of experience. The tubo presentation elevates it further, making it as impressive to give as it is to smoke. If you could only keep one cigar in your pocket at all times, this would be it.
Rated 88/100 — Highly Recommended. The Ultimate Everyday Luxury Habano.