Montecristo No 4 Review

The Montecristo No 4 is probably the most familiar Cuban cigar in the world. It is small, medium in strength and easy to find, so many smokers meet it early. This review checks its specifications, sets out the profile most smokers report and weighs its classic appeal against its known weak spots.

The Montecristo No 4 at a glance

Montecristo was founded in Havana in 1935 by Alonso Menéndez, who named it after Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Two years later, production moved to the H. Upmann factory. The numbered sizes made the brand famous, and the No. 4 became its best seller.

The No. 4 is a Mareva, the classic petit corona. It measures 129 mm, or about 5 1/16 inches, with a 42 ring gauge. For many years, it was described as the best-selling Cuban cigar of all. Today, the Partagás Serie D No. 4 is often said to have overtaken it. Our cigar sizes guide explains where the Mareva sits among other formats.

Construction and draw

A good No. 4 looks neat and slim, with a smooth colorado wrapper and a tidy triple cap. Because the ring gauge is thin, the draw should feel firm but easy.

However, this is a cigar made in very large numbers. As a result, reports of variation are common. Some boxes are perfect. Others show a tight draw or a slightly soft cigar. The burn is usually straight, although thin cigars can run hot if you puff hard.

First third

Expect a classic Cuban opening. Most smokers report cedar, light earth and toast, with a mild cocoa sweetness behind it. Some also describe a soft floral or herbal note. The strength starts at mild to medium.

Second third

Next, the cigar gains body. Coffee, toasted nuts and a gentle spice are the most common notes. Meanwhile, a creamy texture often appears. This is usually the most balanced part of the smoke.

Final third

Towards the end, the profile darkens. Leather, earth and a light pepper take over, and the strength reaches a solid medium. Because the cigar is thin, it can turn bitter if smoked too quickly. A slower pace keeps the sweetness alive.

How it compares

The H. Upmann Half Corona offers a similar creamy Cuban style in a shorter format. It is easier for a quick break, but less complex. The No. 4 gives you more development for an extra 15 or 20 minutes.

Compared with the Cohiba Robusto, the No. 4 is lighter, simpler and far cheaper. The Cohiba is richer and more polished. Still, many smokers prefer the No. 4 as an everyday Cuban.

Smoking it in Malaysia

Thin cigars dry out fast in air-conditioned rooms. Keep the No. 4 at about 65–69% RH and away from heat. Our cigar humidity guide explains how to hold that range in the tropics.

For pairing, a teh tarik or a kopi-o suits the cedar and cocoa notes well. Alternatively, a light rum or a gentle Speyside whisky works in the evening. Remember that Act 852 limits where you can smoke, so check our guide on where to smoke cigars in Malaysia.

Verdict

At its best, the Montecristo No. 4 is a textbook Cuban petit corona. It is balanced and classic, with cedar, cocoa and coffee in under an hour. Its size makes it practical, and its medium strength suits many palates.

On the other hand, the huge production brings uneven boxes, and the thin format punishes fast smoking. It is also a frequent target for counterfeits, so read our counterfeit cigars guide first. It suits smokers who want a classic Cuban without a long commitment. As always, remember the health risks of any cigar.