Following its announcement at the Habanos Festival XXIII in 2023—and as I mentioned last month on the blog—the Montecristo Open Slam has officially landed in the UK.

It is now available at Havana Cigar Specialists and selected hospitality venues across the country.

The latest addition to Montecristo’s Open Series

According to a recent update by UK distributor Hunters & Frankau…

“Established in 1935, Montecristo is the world’s most popular Havana cigar house and, for many Havana smokers, forms the benchmark against which all other brands are measured.

The Open Series debuted in 2009 with four vitolas, offering a lighter, medium-bodied flavour profile. The new Open Slam brings that total to five.

Today, the Montecristo portfolio is divided into three líneas: the Classic (medium to full), the 1935 (full), and the Open (medium).”

It seems that the name “Slam” likely pays homage to the Grand Slam, which represents the achievement of winning all four major championships in golf, especially considering the golfing theme of the Open Series. But hey, I’m no golf expert! 😬😄

The details

• Vitola: Idílicos
• Ring Gauge: 52
• Length: 5 5/8” (142mm)
• Strength: Medium
• Country of Origin: Cuba

From festival debut to UK shelves

The Montecristo Open Slam was announced in Havana, Cuba at the annual Habanos Festival in February 2023 – more than two years ago.

Footage from the Montecristo launch night was shared by Ajay and Rekha of No. 6 Cavendish cigars at the time.

Followed by an unboxing video.

Interestingly, the cigar band design appears to have evolved since the cigar’s initial presentation at the Habanos Festival.

Early images—such as one shared on cigar auction site Bond Roberts—showed a band more in line with the traditional Open Series. The new UK version, however, has adopted a brighter, bolder yellow reminiscent of the Montecristo Wide Edmundo.

UK trade and retail launch

Hunters & Frankau officially showcased the Open Slam at the recent Ignite Show & Conference, the UK’s leading cigar trade event, on Sunday 18th May 2025. A presentation by Ana Lopez took place.

Ana talked through the history of the Montecristo brand to members of the Association of Independent Tobacco Specialists (A.I.T.S.), before inviting them outside to preview the latest addition to the range.

Retail tastings and events

City of London Cigars – Spitalfields hosted a public sampling event on Tuesday 27th May 2025 led by Hunters & Frankau’s Sean Croley. Pairing the cigar with Hine Cigar Reserve for a comparative tasting.

Cigars Unlimited also hosted a public sampling event, which I attended, just last night, Saturday 31st May 2025. The shop brings together a truly eclectic mix of cigar enthusiasts and connoisseurs, with an introduction from co-owner Leon and an overview of the release by Ana Lopez.

This event paired the cigar with Ron Santiago de Cuba rum, which complemented the cigar’s profile well.

More from yesterday’s sampling event:

My review

I’ve had the chance to sample this cigar twice as part of recent tastings, and this was my initial thoughts from the first tasting a couple of weeks back:

• The cigar delivered a familiar profile in line with the Open Series—approachable and medium-bodied.
• Flavour-wise, I picked up predominantly nutty notes that stayed consistent throughout the smoke.
• The ash was particularly dark, which stood out visually.
• It didn’t evolve dramatically over the course of the smoke, but it was enjoyable and well-constructed.

With a bit of aging, I believe this cigar will mature nicely. That said, the Montecristo Wide Edmundo (see my review of that one here) still holds the top spot for me—but comparisons aside, I’m grateful to have had the chance to sample this addition to the Montecristo family.

My rating: 8 out of 10 (Keep in mind that reviews are subjective; my experience may differ from yours.)

Looking ahead

Montecristo fans have more to look forward to later this year:

• Montecristo Cigar Book – A book dedicated to the history and legacy of the brand, by Hunters & Frankau.
• Montecristo Elba – Edición Limitada 2025 – A new limited release (54 ring gauge, 5 3/4″ / 146mm), inspired by the Italian island of Elba—famous for its connection to The Count of Monte Cristo.

Watch this space for more infos!

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This blog covers cigars from a cultural and historical interest perspective. All reviews reflect personal experiences and are not endorsements or encouragement to smoke. Smoking carries serious health risks.