One of the most enduring offerings from Cuba's most celebrated cigar brand, the Montecristo No.5 delivers a classic smoking experience that has stood the test of time. Originally released prior to 1960, this cigar has remained in continuous production for decades, earning its place as a staple in the Montecristo lineup. Known by its factory name "Perlas," this vitola delivers the classic Montecristo experience in a compact format.
Specifications
| Cigar Name | Montecristo No.5 |
| Factory Name | Perlas |
| Ring Gauge | 40 |
| Length | 102 mm (4 inches) |
| Official Weight | 5.91 grams |
| Construction | Handmade |
| Status | Current Regular Production |
| Release Date | Pre-1960 |
Band and Packaging
The Montecristo No.5 features the brand's standard bands A, B, C, and D. Over its long production history, this cigar has been offered in numerous packaging configurations:
- Current Packaging:
- Display box of 25 cigars arranged in 5 cardboard packs of 5 (introduced circa 2003)
- Dress box of 10 cigars
- Dress box of 25 cigars
- Discontinued Packaging:
- Cardboard pack of 5 cigars in cellophane (discontinued mid-1980s)
- Dress box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued circa 1980s)
- Dress box of 50 cigars in 10 aluminium tins of 5 (discontinued circa 1980s)
- Dress box of 100 cigars in 20 aluminium tins of 5 (discontinued circa 1980s)
- Slide lid box of 25 cigars in an aluminium foil bundle (discontinued circa 1970s)
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Based on 72 user reviews, the Montecristo No.5 has earned an overall rating of 3.81 out of 5, with consistent scores across all categories: Elegance (3), Balance (3), Strength (3), Complexity (3), and Aftertaste (3). This profile suggests a well-rounded smoking experience that neither overwhelms nor underwhelms.
The most frequently detected tasting notes reveal a rich, dessert-like character:
- Primary Notes: Coffee (43 mentions), Cocoa (39 mentions), Nut (22 mentions), Chocolate (19 mentions)
- Secondary Notes: Tobacco (12 mentions), Baking Spice (11 mentions), Twang (11 mentions), Leather (9 mentions)
- Tertiary Notes: Citrus (8 mentions), Cream (8 mentions), Monte character (8 mentions), Bitter Chocolate (7 mentions), Cinnamon (7 mentions), Earth (6 mentions), Spice (6 mentions)
- Occasional Notes: Mocha (2), Toast (2), Wood (2), Butter (1), Cedar (1), Fruit (1), Molasses (1), Nutmeg (1), Pepper (1), Spicy (1), Young Harshness/Bitterness (1)
Related Releases
Collectors and enthusiasts may also encounter the Montecristo No.5 Selección Box, a special presentation of this classic vitola.