Montecristo Fragata: The new Cuban cigar exclusive to travelers
The Fragata introduces a brand new vitola to the Montecristo portfolio
Posted by Sol de Cuba, 11/10/2026
Habanos S.A. unveiled the Montecristo Fragata in Cannes—a cigar crafted specifically for Duty-Free and Travel Retail channels, particularly airports and other points of sale linked to international travel. Habanos possesses extensive experience in this segment, having developed nearly twenty products exclusive to travelers.
The launch took place on September 29 during the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, one of the sector’s premier international events.
Unlike other editions that merely alter the packaging or presentation, the Fragata introduces a brand new vitola to the Montecristo portfolio, according to Habanos’ official website.
The Montecristo Fragata features the “Duke” factory vitola, measuring 140 millimeters in length with a 54 ring gauge. This format—equivalent to 5.5 inches—has previously been used by other Cuban brands, such as Partagás (Serie E No. 2), Bolívar, and Punch, in various special editions.
The cigar is entirely handmade using long-filler tobacco sourced from Vuelta Abajo in Pinar del Río. All its leaves—wrapper, binder, and filler—are Cuban. According to Habanos, the blend maintains the traditional Montecristo profile, offering medium-to-full strength.
The origin of the name “Fragata”
The name refers to a fast sailing ship and alludes to the novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas—the work that gave the brand its name. In the story, Edmond Dantès—the novel’s protagonist—owns a yacht with a speed comparable to that of a frigate; this detail links the literary world of Montecristo to the travel-oriented nature of this new release.
The Montecristo Fragata is sold in a travel humidor with a 20-cigar capacity. Each cigar features the traditional Montecristo band as well as a second band at the foot, decorated in red and gold with the name “Fragata” and the brand’s signature fleur-de-lis.
This launch follows closely on the heels of Montecristo’s 90th-anniversary celebrations. Founded in Havana in 1935, the brand has expanded its portfolio over time with lines such as Edmundo, Open, and Línea 1935.
