In this first part of the Altadis IPCPR booth tour, we focus on the new Montecristos for 2016. Our tour guide is Yasemin Ozoncul, Marketing Director for Altadis USA. We get started with the Montecristo Pilotico Pepe Mendez and the story of Dominican Pilotico tobacco, which made its debut with last year’s limited edition Montecristo 80th. Briefly, it’s an expensive and exclusive tobacco strain that produces small leaves which aren’t suitable for wrapper and binder, but ideal for filler. The cigar comes in three sizes: Robusto, Toro and, of course, No. 2. Prices will range from $15.60 to $17.60, plus applicable local taxes. The box itself is elaborate, fashioned to look like small, vintage luggage, or maleta.

Yasemin also shows us the Grupo De Maestros Private Batch II for Montecristo, which features an 2013 Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper, 2012 Nicaraguan binder and 2009 Dominican Piloto and 2011 Nicaraguan fillers. Only 250 100-count boxes were created.

Next on the agenda is Montecristo Artisan Series Batch 1, while a limited edition, it is not nearly as limited as the Private Batch II. 40,000 of these are going into the market. To achieve maximum consistency in the cigars, only a single buncher and roller were used to create all the cigars. It comes in a single size, a 6 x 54 Toro and retails for $18.

Additionally we take a quick look at a limited production run (1500) of Montecristo No. 2 cigar jars. Something to keep in mind when buying a gift for that Montecristo fan. They’re going to need someplace special to keep all these limited edition Montecristos.

IPCPR Coverage Sponsored By
Drew Estate