Description
Buy Montecristo No 5 – Box Of 10
Buy Montecristo No 5 – Box of 10, There are certain names in the world of Cuban cigars that transcend the category itself. Montecristo is such a name. It is the most recognised marque in Havana’s history, the brand that defined the modern cigar renaissance, and for countless UK smokers, the first Cuban they ever experienced. The Montecristo No 5 is not merely a cigar; it is an introduction, a touchstone, and for many, a lifelong companion.
At uktobacco.co.uk, we are honoured to present the Montecristo No 5 in its classic presentation: a cedar box of 10, each cigar rolled by hand at the legendary Montecristo factory in Havana. For the UK smoker who demands authenticity, heritage, and that unmistakable Montecristo profile, this is the definitive petit formato.
A Legacy Forged in Literature and Revolution
The Montecristo story begins in 1935, born from the ashes of the Particulares factory. Alonso Menéndez, the brand’s founder, acquired the Particulares marque and, with it, the services of a legendary torcedor named José Gener (no relation to the Hoyo founder). Together, they created a new blend using a then-unique approach: a darker, oilier wrapper and a higher proportion of Ligero leaf.
The name ‘Montecristo’ was chosen in homage to Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, a favourite among the factory’s lectores who read to the workers as they rolled. The brand’s crossed swords and fleur-de-lis logo evoke the novel’s themes of adventure, intrigue, and ultimate triumph. Buy Montecristo No 5 – Box of 10
By the 1950s, Montecristo had become Cuba’s best-selling premium cigar. It remains so today—a global icon, the benchmark against which all other Cuban blends are measured.
Construction and Burn Consistency
The Montecristo No 5 is a Perla vitola, measuring 102mm (4 inches) with a 40-ring gauge. This is the smallest format in the Montecristo Línea Clásica, yet it is emphatically not a ‘small cigar’. It is a concentrated expression of the Montecristo house style, delivering the full complexity of its larger siblings in a compact, 30–40 minute session.
The cigar is totalmente a mano, entirely handmade at the Montecristo factory in Havana. The wrapper (capa) is a Colorado-maduro shade, displaying a rich, oily sheen and a distinctive, slightly rough texture. This toothiness is not a flaw; it is a hallmark of premium, well-aged Cuban wrapper leaf, indicating high oil content and concentrated flavour.
The draw is calibrated to classic Cuban standards: light resistance, encouraging a slow, contemplative pace. This resistance is intentional, designed to cool the smoke and layer the flavours as they travel through the long-filler column. The burn is characteristically even, producing a firm, grey-white ash that holds for over an inch.
The No 5 is remarkably forgiving. Its small ring gauge warms up quickly, making it ideal for outdoor smoking in the British climate. Set it down for a minute, and it relights cleanly, without bitterness.
Aroma and Flavour Profile
The Montecristo house style is unmistakable. It is defined by three primary notes: cedar, cocoa, and a distinct earthy leather. The No 5, despite its diminutive size, delivers this signature profile with remarkable intensity.
First Third: Upon lighting, the smoker is greeted with an immediate wave of Spanish cedar. This is not the soft, sweet cedar of Romeo y Julieta; it is drier, more assertive, with a faint resinous quality. Beneath the cedar lies a distinct dark cocoa note—not sweet, not milk chocolate, but the bitter, sophisticated edge of high-cacao dark chocolate. A whisper of white pepper lingers at the edges.
Second Third: As the burn progresses, the cigar transitions. The cedar softens slightly, allowing the cocoa to deepen into a distinct espresso character. The signature Montecristo earthiness emerges—not the heavy, wet earth of Bolivar, but a drier, more mineral note, reminiscent of tanned leather and old wood. Hints of roasted nuts, particularly almond and hazelnut, add complexity.
Final Third: The finale is classic Montecristo. The strength, which has been building steadily throughout, now asserts itself at a confident medium-full. The cedar returns, now toasted rather than raw, intertwined with dark chocolate and a faint, savoury umami character. The smoke remains remarkably clean, with no harshness or ammonia. The finish is long, leaving a lingering memory of cocoa and sweet wood.
This is a cigar of remarkable concentration. In 40 minutes, it delivers a flavour journey that many larger vitolas struggle to achieve in 90.
The UK Smoking Experience
The Montecristo No 5 is, in many respects, the ideal UK cigar. Its 40-ring gauge and 4-inch length are perfectly proportioned for the British climate. It warms up quickly, requires no lengthy commitment, and delivers the full Montecristo experience in a format that respects the realities of outdoor smoking. Buy Montecristo No 5 – Box of 10
For the adult smoker transitioning from fine-cut rolling tobacco or premium cigarillos, the No 5 offers an authentic, uncompromising entry point into the world of Cuban puros. The format is familiar—similar in size to many premium cigarillos—yet the flavour depth is incomparable. This is not a ‘beginner’s cigar’ in the sense of being diluted or simplified; it is a legitimate Montecristo, with all the complexity and authority that entails.
Moreover, the No 5 occupies a unique position in the UK market. It is simultaneously the ‘small Montecristo’ and the ‘everyday Montecristo’—the cigar the enthusiast reaches for when time is short but standards remain high.
Packaging and Freshness
Authenticity is the currency of the premium cigar trade. At uktobacco.co.uk, we source exclusively from Habanos S.A.’s official UK distribution network. The Montecristo No 5 is presented in the classic albanene box—a plain cream-coloured cardboard sleeve housing a varnished Spanish cedar interior. Buy Montecristo No 5 – Box of 10
Each box of 10 is batch-coded and sealed with the Habanos warranty hologram. The Montecristo band—yellow and gold, bearing the iconic crossed swords and fleur-de-lis—is one of the most recognised and most counterfeited in the world. Our stock is verified, traceable, and stored in professional, humidor-controlled conditions prior to dispatch.
Storage and Cellaring Advice
The Montecristo No 5 is delightful fresh. The cedar is vibrant, the cocoa is pronounced, and the signature Montecristo ‘bite’ is present and correct. However, this is also a cigar that rewards rest.
Upon receipt, we recommend resting the box in a seasoned humidor maintained at 65–68% relative humidity and 18°C for a minimum of 30–60 days. This allows the cigars to acclimatise post-transit and harmonises the oils within the filler.
Longer term, the No 5 is a fascinating candidate for cellaring. Unlike larger ring gauges, the Perla vitola ages more quickly, with changes evident within 2–3 years. The cedar softens, the cocoa deepens into dried fruit and honey, and the trademark earthiness becomes more integrated and refined. After 5–7 years, the No 5 enters a state of profound elegance—a miniature masterpiece of Cuban ageing. ...........................................
Why This Cigar Stands Out
The Montecristo No 5 faces competition. The Cohiba Siglo I offers a more refined, floral profile. The Partagás Shorts offer earthy power. The H. Upmann Petit Corona offers creaminess. Yet the No 5 endures because it offers something its rivals cannot: the Montecristo taste. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
It is the most imitated, most referenced, most desired flavour profile in the Cuban catalogue. And the No 5 delivers it in its most concentrated, accessible format. This is not a compromise; it is an essence.
For the UK smoker, the Montecristo No 5 represents a direct line to Havana’s golden age. It is the cigar that has welcomed generations of smokers into the fold, and it remains the standard by which all other petit coronas are measured.
Authentic, intense, and utterly iconic. Secure your box today.
Key Benefits
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Authentic Cuban puro from the legendary Montecristo factory
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The world’s best-selling Cuban cigar brand – global icon
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Signature Montecristo profile: cedar, cocoa, earthy leather
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Medium to medium-full strength – concentrated, satisfying
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Distinctive toothy Colorado-maduro wrapper – high oil content
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40-ring gauge Perla vitola – quick warm-up, ideal for UK climate
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30–40 minute smoking session – perfect for shorter breaks
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100% handmade (totalmente a mano)
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Long-filler Cuban tobacco exclusively from Vuelta Abajo
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Higher proportion of Ligero leaf for increased complexity
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Habanos S.A. certified, UK distribution chain verified
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Freshness preserved in aromatic Spanish cedar box
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Laser-etched batch codes and holographic warranty seal
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Low risk of counterfeiting through trusted UK source
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Excellent entry point to the Montecristo brand
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Forgiving burn; resistant to tunnelling or canoeing
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Compatible with guillotine, punch, or V-cut
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Rewards short-term rest (30–60 days) and long-term cellaring
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Trusted brand heritage since 1935
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Named after Alexandre Dumas’ literary classic
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No artificial flavourings, additives, or sweeteners
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Gift-ready presentation in classic Cuban cedar box
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Immediate dispatch from UK-based humidity-controlled storage
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Consistent flavour profile across all production years
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Ideal pairing with full-bodied Scotch, cognac, or dark espresso
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The benchmark petit formato – imitated but never equalled
FAQs
1. Is this Montecristo No 5 genuine Cuban tobacco?
Yes. The Montecristo No 5 is a 100% Cuban puro, containing long-filler tobacco exclusively from the Vuelta Abajo region. It is handmade at the Montecristo factory in Havana and distributed through Habanos S.A.’s official UK channels. At uktobacco.co.uk, we guarantee authenticity.
2. How fresh is the packaging when delivered?
All Montecristo No 5 boxes are stored in a professional, humidity-controlled cabinet at 65–68% relative humidity and 18°C prior to dispatch. The cigars are sealed in their original Spanish cedar box inside an albanene sleeve, preserving optimal moisture and oil content. We rotate stock regularly to ensure freshness.
3. Is this suitable for hand rolling or rolling machines?
No. The Montecristo No 5 is a handmade, long-filler cigar. It is not a loose tobacco product and is incompatible with hand rolling or cigarette rolling machines. It is intended to be smoked as a complete, pre-rolled Perla cigar.
4. What strength is this cigar?
The Montecristo No 5 is classified as medium to medium-full. It has a higher proportion of Ligero leaf than many other Cuban blends, delivering concentrated flavour and a satisfying nicotine presence despite its small size.
5. How should I store Montecristo No 5 cigars at home?
Store them in a seasoned humidor maintained at 65–68% relative humidity and 18°C. If you do not own a humidor, keep them in the original cedar box inside the albanene sleeve, placed in a cool, dark cupboard away from radiators, direct sunlight, or damp areas. Do not refrigerate.
6. What papers work best with this cut?
This product does not require papers. It is a complete, pre-rolled Perla cigar. Simply cut the cap with a guillotine, punch, or V-cutter, toast the foot gently, and enjoy. No additional paper is needed or recommended.
7. Is this legal to purchase in the UK?
Yes. The Montecristo No 5 is a fully legal tobacco product for adults aged 18 and over. All stock at uktobacco.co.uk is UK duty-paid, HMRC-compliant, and sourced through authorised distribution channels. You will not receive grey market or counterfeit goods.
8. How long does a Montecristo No 5 last?
A Montecristo No 5 provides approximately 30–40 minutes of smoking pleasure, depending on your pace. Its 40-ring gauge and 102mm length offer a concentrated, satisfying session perfect for shorter breaks.
9. What is the difference between Montecristo No 5 and Montecristo No 4?
The Montecristo No 4 is a Mareva vitola (129mm x 42 ring gauge), offering a longer smoking session (45–55 minutes). The No 5 is a Perla (102mm x 40), which is shorter and slightly slimmer. Both share the same house blend, but the No 5 delivers the Montecristo profile in a more concentrated, intense format.
10. Does this cigar contain additives or artificial flavourings?
No. The Montecristo No 5 contains no artificial flavourings, sweeteners, preservatives, or additives. The signature cedar, cocoa, espresso, and leather notes are entirely natural expressions of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco and the Cuban fermentation process, including the higher proportion of Ligero leaf.
11. Can I return cigars if I don’t enjoy them?
Due to hygiene regulations and tobacco licensing laws, we cannot accept returns on cigars once the box seal is broken. If the product arrives damaged or with a manufacturing defect (e.g., cracked wrapper, plugged draw, mould), please contact us within 48 hours with photographs, and we will assess a replacement or refund.
12. Is the Montecristo No 5 suitable for a beginner?
Yes and no. The No 5 is approachable in size and format, making it physically manageable for new smokers. However, its flavour profile is intense and its strength is medium-full. A complete beginner may prefer the milder Montecristo Open Junior or a Romeo y Julieta No 2. That said, many UK smokers did start with the No 5, and it remains a beloved introduction to the Montecristo brand.
13. Why is Montecristo the world’s best-selling Cuban cigar?
Montecristo’s dominance is due to three factors: consistency, accessibility, and brand recognition. The blend is reliable across all vitolas, the brand is available in virtually every market, and the iconic yellow band is instantly recognisable. The No 5, as the smallest and most affordable vitola in the Línea Clásica, serves as the gateway to the entire range.
14. How can I verify my Montecristo No 5 is authentic?
Authentic Montecristo No 5 boxes feature a Habanos S.A. warranty seal with a holographic element and a unique barcode. The cigar band displays the iconic yellow and gold Montecristo logo with the crossed swords and fleur-de-lis, featuring precise embossing and high-quality gold foil. If you have concerns, contact us directly with images of the box and bands. We stand behind the 100% authenticity of all our Cuban imports.
15. Does uktobacco.co.uk offer guaranteed next-day delivery on Montecristo No 5?
We offer various shipping options at checkout. While we dispatch orders promptly from our UK facility, delivery timelines are subject to courier service and are not guaranteed in all postcodes. Age verification is required upon delivery. Please check our shipping policy for real-time estimates.
16. What pairs well with Montecristo No 5?
The bold, cedary, cocoa-forward profile of the No 5 pairs beautifully with full-bodied single malt Scotch (particularly Islay or Sherry cask), aged cognac, dark rum, or a strong Italian espresso. It also complements high-cacao dark chocolate (70%+). Avoid light, floral beverages, which will be overwhelmed by the cigar’s intensity.
