The Montecristo Open Master is a smooth, gently evolving Cuban cigar that delivers flavour without heaviness, making it an excellent choice for relaxed, everyday enjoyment. From first light, the profile opens with clean woody tones and dry cedar, setting a classic Cuban foundation. A faint touch of white pepper adds just enough brightness to lift the palate without introducing sharpness.
The draw begins slightly tight, but as the cigar settles, the flavours start to open up and round out. Alongside the wood and cedar, a soft cocoa creaminess comes through, bringing balance and a subtle richness to the early stages. Strength remains firmly in the light-to-medium range, allowing the flavours to develop comfortably rather than aggressively.
As the cigar progresses, the profile evolves into a gentle honeyed sweetness, supported by creamy textures and hints of dried fruit, particularly raisins. This mid-section is especially enjoyable, with the sweetness and creaminess working together to create a smooth, moreish character that keeps drawing you back puff after puff.
Toward the finish, the cigar closes with warm, biscuity notes that feel comforting and well rounded, leaving a clean, pleasant aftertaste. It’s the kind of cigar that finishes all too soon, leaving you wanting just one more draw.
Pairing suggestions
The Montecristo Open Master pairs particularly well with drinks that complement its creamy sweetness. A flat white or cappuccino enhances the cocoa and biscuit notes toward the end of the cigar. For something stronger, a soft, honeyed rum works beautifully alongside the mid-smoke sweetness, while a gentle, rounded whisky with minimal smoke allows the cigar’s subtle evolution to remain the focus.
Overall, the Montecristo Open Master is a refined, approachable Cuban cigar that rewards slow smoking and attention. Smooth, lightly sweet, and highly moreish, it’s an excellent option for daytime smoking or when you want flavour without intensity.
After six years of service, Smoking jacket continues to be the best place to find Nee World Cigars in London. Wide selection, appropriately stored at a fair price.