Description
Why the Double Edmundo Deserves More Respect
I’ll be blunt: the Montecristo Double Edmundo doesn’t get nearly enough attention, and I’ve never quite understood why. Maybe it’s because the Edmundo line already had such a strong reputation that this bigger brother felt redundant to some people. But sitting here with one in my hand – and I’ve smoked probably fifty of these over the years – I can tell you this vitola brings something genuinely different to the table. This isn’t just “more of the same but longer.” The extra tobacco in this format changes the entire smoking experience, and if you’ve only tried the regular Edmundo, you’re missing out on what might be the most underrated stick in the Montecristo lineup. We’re going to walk through everything that makes this cigar special, from its construction to its flavor evolution, and I’m going to share exactly why I keep coming back to this particular vitola when I want something substantial without going full-on robustness.
What Makes This Cigar Stand Out in the Montecristo Family
Montecristo needs no introduction – it’s the brand that made traditional Cuban cigars famous worldwide. Since 1935, they’ve been setting the standard for what a Habano should taste like. The Double Edmundo came along much later, introduced in 2013 as part of the brand’s exploration of larger ring gauges. Now, I know some purists rolled their eyes at the bigger formats when they first appeared, but hear me out.
The Double Edmundo uses tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region – the same legendary growing area that supplies all premium Montecristos. What sets this particular vitola apart is how that tobacco expresses itself in this specific size. You’re getting a medium to medium-full strength profile that builds gradually, wrapped in a beautiful premium Cuban tobacco wrapper that’s got this gorgeous oily sheen when it’s been aged properly. This cigar is designed for the experienced smoker who appreciates nuance but also wants enough body to keep things interesting for ninety minutes or more. It’s not a firecracker, and it’s not trying to be. What it does do – and does brilliantly – is deliver that classic Montecristo character with more depth and complexity than you’d find in the smaller vitolas.
The construction on these has been consistently excellent in my experience. We’re talking a box-pressed format that’s become signature to the Edmundo line, which gives you this really satisfying feel in the hand. The box-press also creates these wonderfully cool, concentrated draws that seem to amplify the flavors.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Double Edmundo |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 155 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 90-110 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – From Light to Nub
Right off the cold draw, you’re getting hints of what’s coming – there’s this mild cedar note, maybe some hay, and if the cigar has been resting properly in your humidor, you might catch a subtle sweetness. Not sugar sweetness, more like… hmm, how do I put this… like aged tobacco that’s developed this natural honey characteristic over time.
The first third starts off smoother than you might expect for a Montecristo. I remember the first time I lit one of these – it was at a lounge in Miami, probably 2015 or so – and I was genuinely surprised by how creamy the initial flavors were. You get this beautiful interplay between earth and leather notes, with just enough spice to remind you that you’re smoking a premium Cuban tobacco, not some mild Connecticut shade wrapper. The burn line stays remarkably even if you’ve let the cigar acclimate properly. And the ash – oh man – it holds on for a good two inches before you need to think learn more about our team tapping it. That dense, gray ash that tells you the tobacco was well-fermented and the construction is solid.
Moving into the second third, things start getting more interesting. This is where the Double Edmundo really differentiates itself from its smaller siblings. The strength picks up noticeably – not aggressively, but you’re aware of it. The leather notes intensify, and you start getting these waves of spice on the retrohale. If you’re not retrohaling this cigar, you’re honestly missing half-inch of cigar the experience. There’s this peppery quality that comes through your nose that doesn’t show up as strongly on the palate. The creamy texture from the first third is still there, but now it’s got more backbone. Some coffee notes start creeping in too, maybe a bit of dark chocolate if I’m being generous. Actually, scratch that – it’s more like cocoa powder than chocolate bar. Subtle but definitely there.
The final third is where you need to slow down and pay attention. I’ve seen people smoke these too fast toward the end and miss what makes this cigar special. When you take your time, you get this wonderful concentration of flavors – earth, leather, a touch of woodiness that’s almost like tobacco barn smell, and this underlying smooth sweetness that balances everything out. The strength is at its peak here, solidly medium-full, but it never crosses into harshness if you’re pacing yourself properly. The cigar stays cool, the draw remains consistent, and you can take it down surprisingly far before it gets bitter. I usually call it quits when there’s learn more about our team an inch and a half-inch of cigar left, but I’ve got a buddy who insists on smoking them till his fingers burn. To each their own.
How It Compares to Other Options
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Double Edmundo | Medium to Medium-Full | 90-110 minutes | Leisurely evenings when you want complexity without overwhelming strength |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium | 60-75 minutes | Classic torpedo experience, lighter and quicker |
| Cohiba Siglo VI | Medium-Full | 90-100 minutes | When you want similar length but more refinement and are willing to pay for it |
What to Drink With This Cigar
I’ve paired the Double Edmundo with everything from coffee to single malt, and honestly, it’s pretty versatile. My go-to is a good aged rum – something like Flor de Caña 18 or Ron Zacapa 23. The sweetness and complexity in aged rum just works beautifully with the earthy, creamy profile of this cigar. The rum brings out those subtle sweet notes in the tobacco while the cigar makes the rum taste richer.
If you’re more of a whisky person, try it with a Highland scotch – something like Dalwhinnie 15 or Glenfiddich 18. Nothing too peaty or you’ll overwhelm the cigar. I’ve also had great experiences with Spanish red wine, particularly Rioja reservas. There’s something about the leather notes in aged Tempranillo that mirrors what’s happening in the cigar.
Time of day matters with this one. This isn’t a morning smoke unless you’ve built up serious tolerance. I typically reach for these in the late afternoon or evening, ideally after a good meal when I’ve got time to really settle in. Weekend afternoons on the patio, poker nights, those long conversations that go nowhere but everywhere at the same time – that’s when the Double Edmundo shines.
How long should I age Montecristo Double Edmundos before smoking?
They’re smokeable right out of the box if they’re fresh from a reputable source, but I’d give them at least six months in your humidor if you can wait. A year or two really smooths them out and lets those flavors marry together. I’ve got some from 2016 that are smoking like absolute dreams right now – the spice has mellowed and this incredible creamy complexity has developed.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these proper storage techniques?
I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, maybe 66% tops. Any higher and I find the draw gets too loose and the burn can get wonky. traditional Cuban cigars generally prefer slightly lower humidity than New World proper storage techniques in my experience. Temperature-wise, aim for somewhere between 65-70°F if you can manage it.
Is the Double Edmundo stronger than the regular Edmundo?
Yeah, noticeably so. The extra length and tobacco volume definitely bumps up the strength, especially in that final third. The regular Edmundo sits more solidly in medium territory, while this one pushes into medium-full. If you’re sensitive to nicotine, make sure you’ve eaten something substantial before lighting up.
How does the box-press affect the smoking experience?
The box-press isn’t just aesthetic – it actually concentrates the smoke slightly and seems to cool it down compared to round cigars. You get this focused stream of flavor that’s really satisfying. Some people find the squared shape more comfortable to hold too, though that’s totally personal preference. The one downside is you need to be more careful about resting it in an ashtray since it can roll differently than round cigars.
Can beginners smoke the Double Edmundo or is it too strong?
I wouldn’t recommend it as your first Cuban cigar, honestly. The length alone is intimidating if you’re not used to longer smoking times, and the nicotine content in that final third could knock you sideways if you’re new to cigars. Start with something like a Montecristo No. 4 or even a No. 5, get comfortable with the brand’s flavor profile, then work your way up to this one.
What’s the difference between the Double Edmundo and the Edmundo besides size?
Beyond the obvious length difference, the Double Edmundo develops more complexity over its longer smoking time. You get a more gradual build in strength and more distinct thirds. The Edmundo is excellent but more straightforward – what you get in the first third is pretty much what you’re getting throughout. The Double Edmundo takes you on more of a journey, if that doesn’t sound too pretentious.
Should I remove the band before smoking?
Wait until you’re about halfway through. The heat from smoking will loosen the glue naturally and the band will slide right off without risking damage to the wrapper. I’ve seen people tear beautiful cigars trying to remove bands too early. There’s no rush – the band isn’t hurting anything while you smoke.
Final Thoughts on This Overlooked Gem
The Montecristo Double Edmundo represents everything I love about Cuban cigars when they’re done right – complexity without confusion, strength without aggression, and that unmistakable Habano character that you just can’t find anywhere else. It’s not trying to reinvent anything or make bold statements. It’s just a really well-constructed cigar using exceptional tobacco, rolled in a size that lets all those flavors develop fully over a proper smoking session.
If you’ve been sleeping on this vitola because you assumed it was just a bigger Edmundo, do yourself a favor and pick up a few. Let them rest in your humidor for a bit, then set aside a free evening when you’ve got nowhere to be. Pour something good, find a comfortable chair, and give this cigar the attention it deserves. I think you’ll understand why I keep coming back to it.
