Description
The afternoon light filtered through the lounge windows as I reached for what looked like an majestic looking cigar resting in the humidor. The weight surprised me – substantial, purposeful – as if it held the gravity of two decades within its carefully aged wrapper. That familiar earthy aroma rose immediately, complex and inviting, carrying whispers of molasses and vanilla that promised something special ahead.
This wasn’t just another smoke. The Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001 had been waiting patiently, and honestly, so had I. There’s something about these limited releases that demands your full attention, your complete presence in the moment.
Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Three Acts
The first third opened with burnt toast and bitter chocolate – bold, unapologetic flavors that set the tone immediately. I’ve found that many cigars ease you in gently, but this one announces itself from the first draw. The wrapper aromas I’d noticed earlier translated beautifully to the palate, with that molasses sweetness providing a subtle counterpoint to the more assertive notes.
As I moved into the middle third, the draw opened up considerably. Smoke production increased, and those initial flavors became more vivid, more defined. The burnt toast remained, but now it was joined by deeper chocolate notes – still on the bitter side, which I actually appreciated. It’s an honest flavor profile, one that doesn’t try to please everyone but rewards those who appreciate complexity.
The final third introduced earthy elements that grounded the entire experience. Those complex earthy and woody characters really came alive here, with coffee and cedar joining the chocolate and toast. The strength never overwhelmed – staying comfortably in that mild to medium range – but the flavors deepened and evolved right until the final puff.
Construction and Appearance
The Cuban wrapper showed its two years of aging beautifully. Smooth to the touch, with just enough oil to catch the light, it had that distinctive look that separates truly premium cigars from the rest. The construction was flawless – no soft spots, no irregularities in the roll.
What struck me most was the attention to detail in the banding. The standard Montecristo band sits alongside the additional Limited Edition 2001 band, and they’ve managed to balance both without creating visual clutter. It’s a small thing, but it shows the care that went into every aspect of this release.
The handmade construction revealed itself in the burn – even, consistent, requiring only minimal touch-ups throughout the session. The ash held well, forming those satisfying gray towers that signal quality tobacco and expert rolling.
Technical Specifications
| Length | 7 5/8 inches (194mm) |
| Ring Gauge | 49 |
| Vitola Name | Prominentes |
| Weight | 17.86g |
| Strength | Mild to Medium |
| Smoking Time | 80-100 minutes |
| Wrapper Origin | Cuban (2 years aged) |
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
This isn’t a beginner’s cigar, not because of strength – it’s actually quite approachable in that regard – but because of its subtlety. Experienced smokers who appreciate the nuanced differences between a good cigar and a great one will find the most value here. It’s perfect for those special occasions when you want something with provenance, with story.
I’d recommend this for evening smoking, when you have the full 80-100 minutes to dedicate to the experience. It’s not a quick smoke, and it shouldn’t be rushed. The flavors evolve slowly, revealing themselves to patient smokers who understand that great cigars operate on their own timeline.
Collectors will obviously gravitate toward this limited release, but don’t let it sit too long. While it has aging potential, it’s smoking beautifully now, and there’s something to be said for experiencing it as the makers intended.
Perfect Pairings
The chocolate and coffee notes make this a natural partner for aged spirits. I’ve had excellent experiences pairing it with Zacapa 23 rum – the rum’s vanilla and caramel notes complement those molasses aromas beautifully. For whiskey drinkers, a peated Islay Scotch like Lagavulin 16 creates an interesting contrast, with the smoke and earth tones playing off each other.
Coffee works wonderfully here too. A rich Colombian or Jamaican Blue Mountain brings out the cigar’s natural coffee notes without overwhelming them. The key is balance – you want the pairing to enhance, not mask, those complex earthy flavors.
Wine enthusiasts should consider a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. The tannins and dark fruit complement the chocolate notes, while the wine’s structure matches the cigar’s substantial character. Port works beautifully too, especially a vintage Tawny that echoes the molasses sweetness.
Proper Storage and Care
Given the investment in a limited edition like this, proper storage is crucial. Maintain your humidor at 68-70% humidity and 65-68°F temperature. These parameters will preserve the wrapper’s oils and maintain that smooth draw I mentioned earlier.
This cigar has excellent aging potential. The Cuban wrapper and careful construction mean it can develop even more complexity over time. I’ve seen similar releases improve dramatically with 5-10 years of additional aging, though it’s smoking exceptionally well now.
If you’re planning to age these, rotate them quarterly and monitor humidity closely. The larger ring gauge makes them slightly more susceptible to humidity fluctuations than smaller cigars. For detailed humidor setup, proper humidor management becomes essential with cigars of this caliber.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
The 49 ring gauge calls for a quality straight cut – don’t go too deep, maybe 1/8 inch maximum. The construction is solid enough to handle a punch cut if that’s your preference, but I found the straight cut provided better airflow for the full smoking experience.
For lighting, take your time. Toast the foot evenly, rotating slowly to ensure uniform ignition. The aged wrapper deserves gentle treatment – harsh flames can compromise those subtle flavor notes that develop over decades. A butane torch on low setting or cedar spills work beautifully.
Let it rest for 30 seconds after lighting before your first draw. This allows the tobaccos to settle into their rhythm and gives you that smooth draw that makes the difference between a good smoke and a memorable one.
Identifying Authentic Products
With limited editions, authenticity becomes crucial. Genuine Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001 cigars will have both the standard Montecristo band and the additional Limited Edition 2001 band. The printing should be crisp, colors vibrant, with no bleeding or smudging.
Check the box codes and construction quality. Original releases came in boxes of 25, and the box itself should show appropriate aging and Cuban factory markings. The cigars should feel substantial – that 17.86g weight I mentioned – and the wrapper should have a natural, oily sheen.
Be wary of perfect-looking cigars claiming to be from 2001. Legitimate aged cigars will show some signs of time – slight color variation, perhaps minor wrapper imperfections that don’t affect smoking quality. Reputable dealers will provide provenance documentation and stand behind their authenticity guarantees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001 last in proper storage?
With proper humidor conditions (68-70% humidity, 65-68°F), these cigars can continue developing complexity for decades. The Cuban wrapper and construction quality make them excellent candidates for long-term aging, though they’re smoking beautifully now.
Is this cigar too strong for intermediate smokers?
Not at all. The mild to medium strength makes it approachable for intermediate smokers, though the complexity and 80-100 minute smoking time require patience and attention to fully appreciate. It’s more about time commitment than strength tolerance.
What makes this different from regular Montecristo Double Corona cigars?
The Limited Edition 2001 features specially selected tobaccos and extended aging – the wrapper alone was aged for two years before rolling. The flavor profile shows more complexity and depth than standard production runs, with those distinctive burnt toast and molasses characteristics.
Can I find these cigars easily, or are they truly rare?
These are genuinely limited – only an unknown number of 25-count boxes were produced, and they were only available until 2002. Finding authentic examples requires working with specialized dealers who focus on aged and limited Cuban cigars.
Should I smoke this now or age it further?
That depends on your preferences. It’s smoking exceptionally well now, showing all the complexity and character you’d want. However, it also has significant aging potential – another 5-10 years could develop even more nuanced flavors. If you have multiple cigars, consider smoking one now and aging the others.
