Even while Cuba’s largest brand, Montecristo, is often criticized for having inconsistencies due to its immense production, the special Montes in the annual Edición Limitada program have received nothing but praise. Last year’s release, the slim and elegant D (6 3/4 by 43), packs a punch with its aged dark wrapper and sweet tobacco filler. It’s sort of a supercharged Especial No. 1, and is more than satisfying with its spicy, almost chocolaty character. Most of the cigars are made in the new H. Upmann factory, which opened in November 2003. It’s one of Cuba’s best factories at the moment—modern and well organized to make the best smokes.

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