Montecristo White Mini 2 7/8″ x 20

From the non-Cuban Montecristo line, the Montecristo White Mini is a Connecticut-wrapped cigarillo, handmade in the Dominican Republic. This is the non-Cuban Montecristo, made by Altadis; the original Cuban brand was named after The Count of Monte Cristo, the novel once read aloud to rollers in the factory.

It blends an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and Dominican filler at a mild to medium body, leading with cream, cedar, blanched almond, and a gentle white-pepper snap. At 2 7/8 by 20, the slim format pushes the wrapper forward and burns a touch faster.

A pale wrapper does not make a weak cigar. Shade leaf is mild on its own, but what sits underneath decides how much strength actually comes through.

Pairs well with coffee, cream ale, or champagne.