Some might think that only large cigars, such as mighty Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas or fat Montecristo No. 2s, are ideal for aging. This tasting shows just how wonderful small and thin cigars can become when left alone in humidors-only one cigar in the group has a ring gauge thicker than 43. The diminutive Montecristo No. 3, a modest corona measuring 5 5/8 inches long by 42 ring, blossomed into an amazing cigar thanks to 38 years of patience. The 1971 vintage smoke had brilliant flavor, earning it a classic rating of 96 points. Two other cigars joined our list of classic smokes, a 21-year-old Cohiba Lancero (note the vintage band) and a 19-year-old Partagas de Partagas No. 1. The Trinidad Fundadore is from the first commercial release of the brand.
![]()
Montecristo No. 3 (1971)
96
What a beautiful well-aged cigar with cedar, nuts and dried flowers in the aromas that follow through to tobacco and tea leaves on the palate. Very perfumed and fresh. It seems to almost smoke itself.--James Suckling
![]()
Cohiba Lancero (1988)
95
An elegant lancero shape. It has a beautiful wrapper and a perfect construction topped off by the signature pigtail head. Although it finishes a bit dry on the palate, due to the long aging, the flavors are smooth and well balanced with a light leathery note and a core of dark coffee beans.--Gordon Mott
![]()
Partagas de Partagas no. 1 (1990)
95
A classic lonsdale. This 19-year-old cigar is still packed with a range of leather flavors, backed up by solid cocoa bean notes. There is a rich texture on the palate, and a long finish of great tobacco flavors.--Gordon Mott
![]()
Hoyo de Monterrey le Hoyo Dex Dieux (1993)
94
From a cabinet of 50, this cigar is in perfect balance right now, with a smooth texture. It has an interesting coffee-with-cream character, but there's also an earthy note of dark red fruit on the mid-palate. It is medium bodied, and it has a decent, medium-length finish.--Gordon Mott
![]()
Trinidad Fundadore (1998)
93
This lancero has a gorgeous brown wrapper. It has intense coffee and rich tobacco flavors with wonderful aromas as well. The flavor is rich and sweet on the finish. This was the first release of this cigar on the market.--James Suckling
![]()
Don Arturo Gran AniverXario (2001)
92
These cigars, released in 2008, have been aging at the Fuente factory since 2001, when they were rolled. They're very strong and complex, with heavy cedar flavors, sweetness, a roasty, toasty quality and coffee and some leather on the palate. A powerhouse with exceptional balance.--David Savona
Enditem
