Monte’s Cigar Shop in Albuquerque isn’t just a place to grab a cigar—it’s a destination where every season brings a fresh excuse to light up and unwind. With the largest humidor in the Southwest stretching over 1,100 square feet and a private lounge that feels like a home away from home, Monte’s offers a sensory playground for cigar lovers. Let’s dive into some seasonal cigar picks from their vast collection, paired with their kitchen’s snacks and bar specials, to make your visits throughout 2025 a full-flavored experience.
Winter: Warmth in Every Puff
As winter chills settle over New Mexico, there’s nothing better than retreating to Monte’s leather-clad lounge with a hearty cigar to warm your soul. A standout choice is the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro, known for its rich, dark wrapper and deep notes of cocoa, coffee, and a hint of spice. This robust smoke, aged to perfection, complements the season’s cozy vibes—think of it as a fireside companion without the fireplace. Pair it with a steaming mug of Monte’s bar-special hot toddy, spiked with bourbon and a twist of lemon, to amplify the warmth. From the kitchen, grab a handful of their smoked almonds; the nutty crunch ties into the cigar’s earthy undertones, making January feel like a luxurious retreat.
Spring: A Fresh and Floral Smoke
Spring arrives with a burst of renewal, and Monte’s humidor has just the thing to match the blooming desert landscape. Reach for the Montecristo White Series, a medium-bodied cigar with a creamy Connecticut Shade wrapper that delivers floral and cedar notes with a touch of sweetness. It’s light enough to enjoy as the days lengthen, yet complex enough to keep you engaged while lounging with a chess game in the lounge. The bar’s spring special, a crisp gin and tonic with a sprig of rosemary, cuts through the cigar’s richness with refreshing zest. Snag some of Monte’s kitchen-made herbed crackers to nibble on—the subtle herbs echo the cigar’s floral hints, turning your smoke into a springtime ritual.
Summer: Cool and Easy Enjoyment
When summer heat blankets Albuquerque, you’ll want a cigar that keeps things cool and relaxed, and Monte’s has you covered with the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story. This petite Cameroon-wrapped gem offers a smooth, nutty profile with a whisper of cinnamon, perfect for a quick smoke that doesn’t overheat you in the sun-soaked Southwest. Head to the bar for their summer special, a chilled mojito with muddled mint and lime, which lifts the cigar’s sweetness into a tropical escape. The kitchen’s offering of cool cucumber salsa with tortilla chips brings a refreshing bite, balancing the cigar’s warmth and making those HD TV game-watching sessions even better.
Fall in New Mexico is a season of vibrant colors and crisp air, calling for a cigar with depth to match the changing leaves. The Davidoff Nicaragua Toro, with its spicy Nicaraguan filler and rosado wrapper, delivers bold pepper and leather notes that feel like autumn in every puff. It’s a full-bodied choice that stands up to the season’s cooler nights, ideal for savoring over a card game in Monte’s hardwood-furnished lounge. The bar rolls out a fall special—think a smoky mezcal old fashioned—that mirrors the cigar’s intensity with its charred oak edge. Pair it with the kitchen’s seasonal treat of spiced pumpkin seeds; their savory kick enhances the cigar’s spice, rounding out a perfect autumn evening.
Monte’s isn’t just about the cigars—it’s the whole package that makes each season special. Their private lounge, with its blend of modern comforts like HD TVs and timeless touches like chess boards, sets the stage for these pairings. The stocked kitchen and bar elevate the experience, turning a simple smoke into a curated moment. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, these seasonal picks tap into Monte’s strengths: a massive selection, a welcoming vibe, and extras that keep you coming back.
So, as 2025 unfolds, let Monte’s guide your cigar journey through the seasons. Winter’s bold Padron with a hot toddy, spring’s Montecristo with a gin twist, summer’s Fuente with a mojito breeze, or fall’s Davidoff with a mezcal glow—each combo is a reason to visit. With their unmatched humidor and lounge perks, Monte’s Cigar Shop proves that the right cigar, paired with the right snack and drink, can turn any season into a celebration of flavor and relaxation.
