Montecristo, No.4 25's Recipe
Make Montecristo, No.4 25's Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cigar (Montecristo No.4)
Accompaniments (optional)
Method
Cigar (Montecristo No.4)
Inspect and humidify
Remove the Montecristo No.4 from its humidor or packaging. Inspect the wrapper for cracks, soft spots, or mildew. If the cigar feels dry (wrapper slightly brittle, hollow sound when tapped), place it in a humidor or a sealed zip-top bag with a small humidification element for at least 24 hours before smoking to restore proper moisture. Ideal smoking humidity is 65–70% RH.
Cut
Use a sharp cigar cutter to make a clean cut. Aim to remove the cap just above the shoulder of the cigar: position the cutter about 2–3 mm from the end to avoid unraveling. Make a quick decisive cut to produce an even, open draw. If using a punch cutter, center it on the cap and twist to create a small, firm hole.
Toast and light
Hold the foot (open end) of the cigar about 1–2 cm from the flame of a butane torch or long wooden matches (avoid scented matches). Rotate the cigar slowly while applying heat to the foot without touching the flame to the tobacco. Toast the foot until the tobacco edge is evenly darkened and begins to glow slightly. Bring the cigar to your mouth, place the cut end between your lips (do not inhale), and draw while holding the flame just off the foot to fully ignite. Continue rotating for an even burn.
Smoke properly
Puff slowly — roughly one puff every 30–45 seconds — to keep the cigar burning at the right temperature; rapid puffing overheats and harshens the flavors. Hold the smoke in your mouth to taste and then exhale. Rest the cigar in the ashtray; let the ash grow to about 1–1.5 inches before tapping it off gently to avoid disturbing the burn. If the cigar canoe (burns unevenly), rotate it in the air and touch up the uneven side with the lighter to restore an even burn line.
Finish
When you’re done, let the cigar go out in the ashtray; do not crush the butt. The cigar is finished when it no longer produces smoke when gently puffed. Dispose of the remnants safely.
Accompaniments (optional)
Prepare drink
If you choose to enjoy a spirit with the cigar, pour 2 tablespoons (approximately 30 ml) of single-malt Scotch or dark rum into a tasting glass. Sip slowly between puffs — take one or two sips per cigar third (if you divide the cigar mentally into three equal parts) to avoid palate fatigue. Keep a cup of filtered water nearby to cleanse your palate.
Pair snacks
Offer a small piece of dark chocolate and a few roasted almonds to complement the cigar’s cocoa and nutty notes. Consume these between puffs or between thirds to highlight complementary flavor matches.
Tools and safety
Keep an ashtray and your lighter or matches accessible. Use the cutter and lighter only for the cigar. Allow ash to cool before disposing and ensure smoking is done in a ventilated, permitted area.