First rolled as one of the most distinctive limited releases in the brand's storied history, the Montecristo Robustos Reserva del Milenio remains an extraordinary find for collectors. Created as part of the prestigious Millennium Reserve Series, this cigar was crafted to commemorate the turn of the millennium—a milestone that Habanos S.A. marked with exceptional care and attention to detail.
A Millennium Celebration
Unveiled at the 1999 Havana Festival, this special release was designed to honor the arrival of the new millennium. Montecristo, already Cuba's most recognized cigar brand worldwide, was the natural choice for such a commemorative edition. The Reserva del Milenio represented a new special release size for the marca, bringing the classic Robustos format into an exclusive collector's presentation.
Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola Name | Robustos |
| Factory Name | Robustos |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Length | 124 mm (4⅞″) |
| Official Weight | 11.66 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
Presentation and Packaging
What truly sets the Reserva del Milenio apart is its distinctive presentation. Each ceramic jar houses 25 cigars, making it both a smoking experience and a collector's piece. The production was strictly limited to 10,000 jars worldwide, ensuring exclusivity from the moment of release.
The cigars feature a special Millennium Reserve 2000 band, distinguishing them from standard Montecristo production and marking their significance as a commemorative release.
Release Timeline and Distribution
The initial launch occurred on January 1, 1999, coinciding with the Havana Festival celebration. However, the complete distribution did not proceed as originally planned. Quality control issues arose when some ceramic jars were found to be defective and were rejected before reaching the market.
This created an unusual situation where only a partial release was possible in 1999. The remaining cigars—already rolled and aging from the original production—were stored until suitable replacement jars could be manufactured. The balance of these 1999-vintage cigars finally reached the market in late 2002, bearing the box code OSU November 2002.
This extended release timeline has created an interesting scenario for collectors: while all cigars originate from 1999 production, some jars carry the later 2002 packaging date, adding another layer of distinction to this already unique release.
Related Releases
- Montecristo Robustos Selección Robustos
- Montecristo Robustos Edición Limitada
For enthusiasts seeking to explore the full range of Montecristo offerings, the Reserva del Milenio represents a particularly special chapter—one that combines commemorative significance, limited availability, and the timeless appeal of one of Cuba's most celebrated brands.