What is the Montecristo No.5 ring gauge and length in millimeters?

The Montecristo No.5 measures 102mm (4 inches) in length with a 40 ring gauge. This petite corona vitola makes it the smallest regular production cigar in the Montecristo line. Its compact dimensions deliver a concentrated 25-35 minute smoking experience, ideal for time-constrained enthusiasts seeking the brand's signature medium-to-full body profile in a shorter format.

How does the Montecristo No.5 compare to the No.4 in flavor and strength?

Both share Montecristo's core blend of Vuelta Abajo tobaccos, but the No.5 intensifies faster due to its smaller ring gauge. While the No.4 (129mm x 42) offers gradual evolution over 45-60 minutes, the No.5 delivers immediate cocoa and cedar notes with pronounced black pepper through the nose. The reduced wrapper-to-filler ratio creates a more direct, assertive character despite identical tobacco composition.

When was the Montecristo No.5 released and is it still in production?

The No.5 debuted in 1971 alongside the No.3 and No.4, completing Alonso Menéndez's original numbered series vision. It remains in continuous production at the H. Upmann factory in Havana, though availability fluctuates globally. Unlike limited editions, it carries no secondary band and maintains consistent pricing within the marca's standard portfolio, typically retailing 20-30% below the No.4.

What is the Montecristo No.5 ring gauge and length in millimeters?

The Montecristo No.5 measures 102mm (4 inches) in length with a 40 ring gauge. This petite corona vitola makes it the smallest regular production cigar in the Montecristo line. Its compact dimensions deliver a concentrated 25-35 minute smoking experience, ideal for time-constrained enthusiasts seeking the brand's signature medium-to-full body profile in a shorter format.

How does the Montecristo No.5 compare to the No.4 in flavor and strength?

Both share Montecristo's core blend of Vuelta Abajo tobaccos, but the No.5 intensifies faster due to its smaller ring gauge. While the No.4 (129mm x 42) offers gradual evolution over 45-60 minutes, the No.5 delivers immediate cocoa and cedar notes with pronounced black pepper through the nose. The reduced wrapper-to-filler ratio creates a more direct, assertive character despite identical tobacco composition.

When was the Montecristo No.5 released and is it still in production?

The No.5 debuted in 1971 alongside the No.3 and No.4, completing Alonso Menéndez's original numbered series vision. It remains in continuous production at the H. Upmann factory in Havana, though availability fluctuates globally. Unlike limited editions, it carries no secondary band and maintains consistent pricing within the marca's standard portfolio, typically retailing 20-30% below the No.4.

Cigar Information

Montecristo Montecristo No.5

Montecristo No.5

The Montecristo No.5 represents one of the most enduring offerings from Cuba's most celebrated cigar brand. 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.

Questions & Answers

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