Leon A.
A Solid Cuban Smoke
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Taste of History Smoking a Piece of Expensive History
The Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001 was among the first cigars to carry the now-legendary Edicion Limitada designation. This grand-format cigar brought the celebrated Montecristo blend into a vitola that showcased the brand's character on an epic scale.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Prominente (Double Corona) |
| Ring Gauge | 49 |
| Length | 194mm (7.6") |
| Factory | H. Upmann, Cuba |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Aged 2+ years) |
| Box Count | Box of 25 |
The 2001 vintage marked a watershed moment for Habanos S.A. The Limited Edition concept — using wrapper leaves aged for a minimum of two additional years — was new and untested in the market. Montecristo, as Cuba's best-selling brand worldwide, was chosen to anchor the inaugural program alongside Cohiba and Partagas. The Double Corona format was selected specifically to give the aged wrapper maximum surface area, allowing smokers to fully appreciate the difference that extended aging makes.
First Light: The generous 49-ring gauge delivers a cool, expansive draw from the first puff. Classic Montecristo notes appear immediately — toasted almonds, subtle sweetness, and a cedary backbone that signals quality.
The Journey: The middle sections are where the Double Corona format truly shines. The aged wrapper contributes a depth and smoothness that evolves continuously. Coffee and cocoa powder notes build gradually, underscored by leather and a gentle white pepper. The burn is unhurried, rewarding patience with layer upon layer of flavor.
The Finale: The final third concentrates the Montecristo character into its most intense expression. Dark chocolate, espresso, and aged wood notes combine in a rich, satisfying crescendo. The retrohale carries a warmth that lingers well after the last draw.
The serious collector and aficionado who understands the significance of first-year Limited Editions. At nearly eight inches, this is a cigar that demands two hours of uninterrupted attention — and rewards every minute.
A 15-year single malt Scotch with sherry cask influence provides the perfect counterpoint to the cigar's depth and complexity.
4 reviews
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Taste of History Smoking a Piece of Expensive History
Finding a 2001 Double Corona in pristine condition feels like discovering buried treasure. Two decades of rest have transformed this limited edition into something genuinely special. First light brings waves of aged cedar and polished leather, followed by a slow-building espresso bitterness that never overwhelms. Midway through, dark chocolate and toasted almond emerge, wrapped in that distinctive Cuban earthiness that collectors chase endlessly. Construction remains flawless despite the years—razor-sharp burn, effortless draw, ash holding firm for inches. Pepper notes appear sparingly, more suggestion than statement, letting the aged tobacco speak for itself. Some might call this the best Cuban cigar for beginners precisely because of its restraint; nothing screams, everything seduces. At $2200, you're buying history as much as smoke. Worth every penny for those who understand what time does to great tobacco. A reference point cigar that belongs in any serious collection.
A Twenty-Year Masterpiece Worth Every Penny Lighting up a legend comes with high expectations, especially with a price tag of $2200. So, what does Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001 taste like? Imagine a symphony where deep, rich espresso and aged leather take the lead. Twenty years of aging have mellowed the spice into a refined black pepper that dances on the retrohale. Hints of dark chocolate and dried fruit weave in and out, providing a complexity that keeps the palate engaged for nearly two hours.
Gifting the Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001 felt like handing someone liquid history. From the first light, cedar and aged leather dominated—mature, refined, utterly commanding. The draw remained effortless throughout, with ash holding firm past two inches. Construction showed why these command collector prices: seamless wrapper, zero touch-ups required. Midway, espresso and dark chocolate emerged, backed by subtle white pepper that never overwhelmed. The finish lingered with cream and damp earth, evolving constantly over two-plus hours. Burn stayed razor-straight despite variable humidity.
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