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Montecristo is one of the most recognised Cuban cigar brands in the world. Since its introduction in 1935, it has earned a reputation for balanced flavour, consistent craftsmanship and timeless appeal. This guide explores how the brand was founded, where its famous name originated and how Montecristo became one of Habanos S.A.'s flagship cigar marques.
In July 1935, Alonso Menéndez acquired the Particulares factory in Havana, Cuba. Alongside the existing production, he introduced a new cigar brand named Montecristo. The brand quickly gained recognition for its consistent quality and carefully balanced flavour profile, helping it establish a strong reputation both within Cuba and internationally.
The name Montecristo was inspired by Alexandre Dumas' classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo. At the time, cigar rollers commonly listened to books read aloud by a factory lector while they worked, and Dumas' novel became one of the most requested stories. The famous Montecristo emblem featuring six crossed swords surrounding a fleur-de-lis was later created specifically for the British market and remains one of the best-known cigar logos today.
Following Montecristo's early success, Menéndez founded Menéndez, García y Cía. in 1936. A year later the company acquired the H. Upmann factory, where Montecristo production was transferred. During the following decades the brand continued to grow rapidly and became one of Cuba's most successful premium cigar exports.
The British distribution of Montecristo also evolved during this period, eventually becoming part of Hunters & Frankau, which continues to import and distribute Cuban cigars to the United Kingdom today.
Like many historic Cuban cigar brands, Montecristo changed significantly following the Cuban Revolution. The factories and trademarks within Cuba were nationalised in 1960, while members of the Menéndez family later re-established production outside Cuba for the United States market. Cuban Montecristo cigars have continued to be produced by Habanos S.A. for markets where authentic Cuban cigars are available.
Today Montecristo remains one of the world's best-known premium cigar brands and accounts for a significant proportion of Habanos S.A.'s global cigar production. Its reputation has been built on consistent quality, broad appeal and a range that suits both experienced enthusiasts and newer smokers.
Over the years Montecristo has introduced many iconic cigars. Among the best known are the Montecristo No.2, one of the world's most celebrated pirámide cigars, and the Montecristo Edmundo, introduced in 2004 as a larger robusto-style format named after Edmond Dantès, the hero of The Count of Monte Cristo.
The range has continued to expand with the Open Series, Línea 1935, Edición Limitada releases and numerous regional editions, helping Montecristo remain one of the most collected Cuban cigar brands.
If you would like to discover the current Montecristo collection, including the No.2, No.4, Edmundo, Double Edmundo and many other formats, browse our complete range of Montecristo Cigars.
Originally written by Oliver Partington – Updated July 2026.
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