MONTECRISTO BRILLANTES YEAR OF THE DRAGON 2024
The Montecristo Brillantes Year of the Dragon 2024 is an official limited-production Habanos release created for the Lunar Year of the Dragon. It introduces the Venerables factory vitola: a compact 128 mm cigar with a substantial 53 ring gauge, created specifically for this release rather than repackaging a regular-production Montecristo.
Each Brillantes is totally handmade with long filler, using wrapper, binder and filler leaves selected from the Vuelta Abajo tobacco-growing zone of Pinar del Río, Cuba.
A DISTINCTIVE MONTECRISTO PRESENTATION
Eighteen Brillantes are arranged inside a numbered, high-gloss red lacquered case decorated with gold dragon artwork—a deliberate departure from Montecristo’s traditional yellow-and-brown presentation.
Every cigar carries the classic Montecristo band alongside a commemorative red Year of the Dragon foot band. The case also incorporates NFC technology, allowing access to digital information about the release.
Collector references and European launch material report a total production of 18,888 numbered cases worldwide.
SMOKING CHARACTER
Habanos classifies Montecristo Brillantes as medium to full in strength, with an estimated smoking time of approximately 40 minutes.
Independent early smoking reports commonly identify wood, cocoa and pepper. These notes are a guide rather than a guarantee: handmade Cuban cigars develop differently according to box age, storage conditions and smoking pace.
Its 53 ring gauge gives a concentrated Montecristo experience without the longer time commitment of a Double Edmundo or Churchill. Habanos recommends pairing it with aged rum or an eight-year whisky.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Montecristo
Release: Year of the Dragon 2024 special release
Market name: Brillantes
Factory vitola: Venerables
Length: 128 mm / 5 inches
Ring gauge: 53
Strength: Medium to full
Origin: Cuba
Tobacco region: Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río
Construction: Totalmente a Mano con Tripa Larga — totally handmade with long filler
Presentation: Numbered red lacquered special case
Quantity: 18 Cuban cigars
Reported production: 18,888 cases worldwide
Smoking time: Approximately 40 minutes
Technology: NFC-enabled case
COLLECTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Montecristo Brillantes is an official Chinese New Year special release, but it is not part of Habanos’ formal Edición Limitada programme.
Its collector appeal comes from the newly created Venerables vitola, restricted production, commemorative bands and the elaborate 18-count presentation. It holds a clear place within the modern Habanos releases marking the Chinese zodiac.
STORAGE GUIDANCE
After delivery, allow the cigars time to rest before assessing draw, burn or flavour. For stable medium- to long-term storage, maintain approximately 65–69% relative humidity at 18–21°C.
Individual box codes and wrapper shades may vary. Please contact Cigars Europe before ordering if a particular box date is essential to your purchase.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Montecristo Brillantes an official Cuban release?
Yes. Habanos S.A. launched Brillantes in Hong Kong in February 2024 to commemorate the Year of the Dragon.
What size is Montecristo Brillantes?
It uses the Venerables factory vitola and measures 128 mm by 53 ring gauge.
How many cigars are included?
Each special case contains 18 Montecristo Brillantes Cuban cigars.
Is this an Edición Limitada?
No. It is a limited-production Chinese New Year special release, separate from the Habanos Edición Limitada series.
Does the case include NFC technology?
Yes. The special case incorporates NFC technology to provide owners with additional digital product information.