A name etched in smoke, heritage, and evolution.

Among Cuba’s most celebrated cigar houses, Montecristo remains a benchmark of excellence; a name synonymous with heritage, precision, and artistry. With nearly a century of legacy behind it, every new release from Montecristo arrives with expectation. This year’s launch of the Montecristo Open Slam is no exception. Priced at £45, positioned within the brand’s sport‑inspired Open series, and crafted for outdoor enjoyment, the Open Slam stands as one of the most anticipated Cuban cigars of the season.

But the question remains: is it worth the £45 price tag?
And more importantly, what does it offer the modern smoker seeking both elegance and reliability?

This article distils expert impressions, construction analysis, smoke performance, flavour evolution, and the broader context behind this newest Montecristo; designed as an authoritative guide for the curious newcomer and the seasoned aficionado alike.

A Brief Lineage: Montecristo’s Legacy in Motion

Montecristo, founded in 1935, may be younger than other Cuban houses, but its influence is profound. Inspired by The Count of Monte Cristo, the brand was born in Havana’s famed rolling rooms — “las galeras” — where literature was read aloud to the rollers. The name represents story, craft, and aspiration.

Today, Montecristo sits just below Cohiba in Cuba’s prestige hierarchy. Every release carries lineage; but the Open Series represents something different: a modern reinterpretation of Montecristo for smokers who live, move, and enjoy cigars in more dynamic environments.

• Open Master

• Open Regata

• Open Eagle

• And now, the Open Slam

Each is designed for smokers who enjoy cigars outdoors, on the golf course, at events, or during social occasions where flavour meets accessibility.

The Open Slam: Vitola, Design & First Impression

The Open Slam arrives dressed in Montecristo’s new two‑band identity:

• the classic gold-and-brown Montecristo band,

• and a fresh green-and-gold secondary band displaying “SLAM”.

The aesthetic draws from sporting culture — tennis, golf, competitive outdoor leisure — echoing the “open” theme.

Vitola & Format

• Length: 150 mm

• Ring Gauge: 54

• Format: Toro‑style “Halés”

This is a substantial cigar; weighty in hand, visually confident, and built to deliver a medium‑bodied profile suitable for longer, unhurried smoking sessions.

Although some wrappers present slight visual imperfections — thicker veins, rougher textures — this is not uncommon in Cuban puros, particularly those positioned for open‑air smoking. What matters most is construction, burn integrity, and flavour development.

Construction & Draw: Where Cuban Craftsmanship Matters Most

A cigar can be beautiful on the outside and disappointing on the burn. The opposite is also true and in the case of the Open Slam, construction surpasses aesthetic irregularities.

Key Construction Notes

• Draw: consistently open, comfortable, and smoke-rich

• Smoke output: creamy yet light, never dense or heavy

• Burn line: predominantly even, with minor correctable deviations

• Ash: solid, cohesive, and slow‑forming

• Internal structure: filler distribution is symmetrical, demonstrating proper bunching

A well-constructed Cuban cigar should:

1. Stay lit during conversation

2. Burn slowly and coolly

3. Produce clean smoke without bitterness

4. Draw evenly with no blockage

The Open Slam achieves this; a reassuring sign of quality control and thoughtful rolling.

Flavour Profile: A Medium-Bodied Study in Balance

Montecristo's signature lies in its ability to deliver complexity without aggression. The Open Slam honours this lineage.

Initial Third

• Light nuttiness

• Soft cedar

• Gentle earthy undertones

• Tingling on the tongue (not harsh, simply lively)
  
  

At this stage, the cigar is approachable; ideal for both newcomers and intermediate smokers.

Middle Third

• Almond and roasted nut

• Woodiness becomes more pronounced

• Subtle creaminess introduced

• Occasional hints of chocolate bitterness (pleasant and balanced)

The profile develops without becoming heavy or overwhelming. This is not a linear cigar, it evolves with subtlety, offering a curated experience rather than a flat one.

Final Third

• Flavour intensifies slightly (still medium-bodied)

• Creamy smoke persists

• No ammonia, no bitterness, no harshness

• Retrohale remains clean and accessible

The absence of ammonia — often present in rushed production — suggests good fermentation and possible pre-release ageing.

Where the Open Slam Excels

1. Approachability

Its medium profile and clean palette make it ideal for both seasoned smokers and those exploring Cuban cigars for the first time.

2. Versatility

Designed for outdoor settings, the Open Slam suits golf, events, leisurely afternoons, and social gatherings.

3. Quality Construction

A cigar’s worth lies in its burn and draw. The Open Slam performs consistently well.

4. Price-to-Value Balance

At £45, it enters a competitive category, but for a Cuban puro with this level of craftsmanship, accessibility, and brand heritage, the price aligns with expectation.

Pairings: Enhancing the Experience

The Open Slam pairs exceptionally with:

• Espresso or Americano – amplifies the nutty notes

• Aged rum – complements the underlying sweetness

• Medium-bodied whiskies – brings out the woody character

• Dark chocolate (70%) – echoes the cigar’s subtle cocoa edge

A good pairing should echo, not overpower. The Open Slam thrives in harmony.

The Industry Context: A New Era for Cuban Cigars

The video highlights an important detail: the Open Slam debuted at a UK trade event; one of the few opportunities for distributors, retailers, and creators to experience global releases firsthand.

Montecristo is investing in the next generation of smokers, creators, and industry voices; a sign that the brand is evolving in tandem with modern cigar culture. For many, including reviewers, the reception reflects a more open, collaborative, and energetic cigar community.

Is the Montecristo Open Slam Worth £45?

For Montecristo loyalists:

Absolutely! It offers a fresh profile while maintaining the brand’s signature elegance.

For newcomers to Cuban cigars:

A perfect introduction: balanced, well-built, flavourful, and not overpowering.

For collectors:

Early releases often age beautifully; this cigar’s clean fermentation suggests strong ageing potential.

For casual smokers:

It may feel like a splurge, but it is a luxurious, well-crafted smoke worthy of special moments.

Verdict:
Yes. It delivers value through construction, flavour evolution, smoke quality, and heritage.

Where to Buy Montecristo Open Slam (Authentically)

Toro Puro offers a curated selection of Montecristo cigars sourced directly and stored under controlled conditions.

• 100% authentic Cuban stock

• Stored at optimal 65–70% humidity

• Temperature‑controlled environments

• Insured, discreet delivery UK‑wide

👉 Explore Montecristo Cigars at Toro Puro →

Final Thoughts

The Montecristo Open Slam is a celebration of modern cigar culture; accessible, elegant, and confidently Cuban.
It respects tradition, embraces evolution, and delivers exactly what a £45 Montecristo should: a refined experience with depth, character, and craft.

For those who appreciate cigars that balance structure with subtlety, the Open Slam is a compelling addition to any humidor.