Montecristo Cigars

       Montecristo cigars were started by the founders, Alonzo Menendez and Pepe Garcia in 1935 with just 5 sizes…Montecristo, first known as H. Upmann Montecristo Selection and sold through Dunhill in New York, was a prestigious sideline to test Mendendez’s leaf skills and Garcia’s knowledge of production… The name change to Montecristo was inspired by a British firm, John Hunter, which was appointed as the British agent. the rival company Frankau handled Upmann and wanted Montecristo to stand on it’s own…After Castro came into power the Menendez and Garcia families moved to the Canary Islands and Monte’s continuity was provided by a local legendary figure, Jose Manuel Gonzales, known as “Masinguila”…. He is considered in Havana, to this day, as one of the hardest taskmasters for the rollers he supervises and is generally credited with much of the consistancy in quality and wonderful blending that is characteristic of this brand.