Description
The Cohiba Double Corona Limited Edition 2003 VINTAGE represents the absolute zenith of Habanos craftsmanship, a cigar that transcends the ordinary to become a legendary artifact in the world of premium tobacco. As a cornerstone of the 2003 Edición Limitada series, this Prominente vitola is a masterclass in balance, power, and evolution. Measuring a stately 194 mm (7⅝ inches) with a 49 ring gauge, it offers an expansive canvas for the master blenders at the El Laguito factory to showcase the depth of the Vuelta Abajo region. This vintage treasure delivers a medium to full-bodied profile, celebrated by connoisseurs for its profound complexity. From the first draw, the palate is enveloped in a luxurious tapestry of aged cedar, rich leather, and dark cocoa, which matures into a sophisticated crescendo of black pepper and earthy espresso. For the collector seeking an investment-grade experience, the 2003 Double Corona is not merely a cigar; it is a twenty-year journey of refined elegance and Cuban heritage.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 (Collector’s Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Pristine Units | 10 Selected Units |
| Packaging Type | Varnished Boîte Nature (BN) | Varnished Sliding Lid Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term Investment & Humidor Aging | Special Occasions & Elite Gifting |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar-lined for optimal micro-climate | Compact seal for stable maturation |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Double Corona / Prominente |
| Length | 194 mm (7⅝”) |
| Ring Gauge | 49 |
| Wrapper | Aged Cuban Habano (Edición Limitada Dark) |
| Binder | Seco & Ligero from Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Premium Cuban Long-Filler (Triple Fermented) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full, Rich, and Velvety |
| Smoking Time | 75–90 Minutes of Pure Luxury |
| Factory | El Laguito, Havana |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. / Cohiba |
Brand Heritage
The story of Cohiba is inextricably linked to the history of modern Cuba itself. Founded in 1966, it was initially established as a private brand for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials. The cigars were produced under the strictest secrecy at the El Laguito factory, a former mansion in Havana that remains the spiritual home of the brand. It wasn’t until 1982 that Cohiba was released to the commercial market, instantly setting a new global standard for what a luxury cigar should be. The name “Cohiba” itself is derived from the ancient Taino word for tobacco, honoring the indigenous roots of the plant in the Caribbean.
The Limited Edition (Edición Limitada) program, which began in 2000, allowed Cohiba to experiment with rare vitolas and specially aged leaves. The 2003 release is widely considered one of the most successful years in the program’s history. By utilizing wrappers, binders, and fillers that have undergone an extra fermentation process and extended aging, Cohiba created a profile that is darker, richer, and more resilient than the standard production lines. The Double Corona format, known as the Prominente in the factory, is a size reserved for the most skilled torcedores, requiring absolute precision to ensure a perfect draw and an even burn throughout its nearly eight-inch length.
Today, the Cohiba Double Corona 2003 Limited Edition is a symbol of ultimate sophistication. It represents a time when the availability of top-tier leaf and the expertise of the rollers converged to create a “perfect storm” of quality. Favored by global icons, diplomats, and the world’s most discerning collectors, this cigar carries the weight of its heritage in every puff, serving as a reminder of why Cohiba remains the most prestigious name in the tobacco world.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with an effortless draw that immediately reveals the benefits of two decades of aging. The opening notes are dominated by a silky creaminess and fragrant cedar. Unlike younger cigars, the spice here is understated—a gentle white pepper that dances on the periphery of the palate rather than overwhelming it. Subtle hints of roasted coffee beans and a natural tobacco sweetness emerge, setting a refined and inviting tone for the long journey ahead. The aroma is equally captivating, filling the room with a sophisticated essence of toasted nuts and aged wood.
Second Third – The Heart
As the burn progresses into the second third, the body of the cigar intensifies, moving firmly into the medium-full territory. The flavors become more concentrated and layered. Rich leather and damp earth provide a sturdy foundation, while the sweetness transitions from floral to a deeper dark cocoa. The spice profile evolves as well, with the gentle pepper of the opening transforming into a more robust baking spice. The construction of the Double Corona allows for a cool smoke, ensuring that even as the intensity builds, the flavors remain crisp and distinct without any harshness.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third is where the 2003 Limited Edition truly displays its power. The complexity reaches a crescendo, offering a bold mixture of black pepper, charred oak, and intense espresso. The earthy undertones become more pronounced, reminiscent of the mineral-rich soils of the Vuelta Abajo. Despite the increased strength, the cigar maintains its velvety texture, a testament to the quality of the triple-fermented leaves. The sweetness of the cocoa lingers in the background, providing a harmonious balance to the darker, more savory notes that define the end of this masterful smoke.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally long and clean, a hallmark of a truly great vintage Habanos. It leaves a refined aftertaste of toasted leather and bittersweet chocolate on the palate, inviting reflection long after the cigar has been laid to rest in the ashtray. There is no bitterness, only a lingering sense of sophisticated tobacco essence that reinforces the cigar’s premium status.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Aged Cedar, Rich Leather, Cream |
| Secondary Notes | Dark Cocoa, Espresso, Toasted Almonds |
| Tertiary Notes | Black Pepper, Mineral Earth, Baking Spices |
| Finish | Long, Clean, Bittersweet Chocolate |
| Aroma | Robust Tobacco, Cedar, Subtle Floral Undertones |
Aging and Collector Value
The Cohiba Double Corona Limited Edition 2003 is widely regarded as an investment-grade cigar. While many cigars reach their peak at the 10-year mark, the 2003 Limited Edition was built for the long haul. The darker, more oil-rich wrapper leaf used for the EL series provides a protective barrier that allows the internal fillers to mature slowly and gracefully. At 20+ years post-release, these cigars have entered a “transcendent” phase where the initial aggressive strength of youth has mellowed into a profoundly complex and harmonious profile.
For collectors, the value of this vintage lies in its scarcity. The production run was extremely limited, and as boxes are opened and smoked, the remaining stock becomes increasingly rare. To preserve the integrity of this masterpiece, we recommend storage in a Spanish cedar-lined humidor maintained at 65-72% RH and a consistent temperature of 65-70°F. Avoid fluctuations in temperature, as the varnished boîte nature boxes are sensitive to environmental changes. Properly stored, this cigar will continue to develop its velvety elegance for several more decades, making it a cornerstone of any serious collection.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum (Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo) | The molasses and tropical fruit notes of the rum amplify the cigar’s cocoa and natural sweetness. |
| Single Malt Scotch (Peaty Islay Style) | The smoky, medicinal notes of a Lagavulin or Laphroaig provide a striking contrast to the cedar and leather. |
| Vintage Cognac (Hennessy XO) | The rancio and dried fruit characteristics of aged cognac enhance the creamy texture and leather notes. |
| Double Espresso | A concentrated coffee pairing reinforces the espresso and roasted nut flavors found in the middle third. |
| Vintage Port (Late Bottled Vintage) | The dark berry sweetness of the Port balances the black pepper and earthy intensity of the final third. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of ultra-premium Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. We take exhaustive measures to ensure that every Cohiba Double Corona 2003 we offer is a genuine product of Habanos S.A. Each box undergoes a rigorous inspection process by our experts before being admitted to our climate-controlled vault.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – The official warranty seal features a synthetic paper that is destroyed upon removal, with a unique barcode and holographic images that shimmer under light.
- Box Code Verification – We verify the specific factory code and date stamp (KMM JUN03) against Habanos records to ensure the vintage matches the production run.
- Factory Stamp – The bottom of the box features the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Habanos S.A.” heat-pressed stamps, executed with perfect alignment.
- Triple Cap – Each cigar is finished with the traditional Cuban triple cap, a sign of expert rolling that is nearly impossible to replicate with machine-made counterfeits.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our stringent quality standards, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we are committed to preserving the legacy of the world’s finest tobacco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the KMM JUN03 box code?
The box code KMM JUN03 identifies the specific factory and month of production. “KMM” is the code for the El Laguito factory during that period, and “JUN03” indicates a June 2003 production date. For collectors, this code is a vital piece of provenance, confirming that the cigars were rolled at Cohiba’s flagship factory during the peak of the 2003 Limited Edition run.
How long should I expect to smoke a Cohiba Double Corona 2003?
Due to its significant length (194 mm) and substantial ring gauge, this is a slow-burning cigar designed for a long, leisurely experience. You should set aside at least 75 to 90 minutes to fully appreciate the evolution of flavors. Rushing this cigar can cause it to burn hot, which may mask the delicate aged nuances of the tobacco.
Is the strength of this vintage cigar still “Full”?
While the 2003 Limited Edition was originally classified as medium to full, twenty years of aging has refined the nicotine delivery. The strength is now more perceived as a richness of body rather than a harsh punch. It remains a powerful smoke compared to a standard Siglo, but it is now characterized by its “velvety” strength and harmonious balance.
Why is the 2003 Limited Edition considered rarer than other years?
The 2003 series is highly coveted because it featured the Double Corona (Prominente) vitola, which is rarely used for Limited Edition releases. Furthermore, the 2003 crop in the Vuelta Abajo was exceptional, producing wrapper leaves with a unique oil content and elasticity that have allowed these cigars to age better than almost any other Limited Edition release in the last two decades.
