Description
The Montecristo Double Edmundo stands as a towering achievement in the world of Habanos, representing the modern pinnacle of the legendary Montecristo lineage. Introduced to global acclaim at the 15th Habanos Festival in 2013, this Dobles vitola offers an elongated, luxurious evolution of the classic Edmundo profile. Measuring 155 mm (6.1 inches) with a substantial 50 ring gauge, it is a cigar designed for the patient connoisseur who demands a leisurely, medium to full-bodied smoking experience. Crafted entirely by hand using long-filler tobacco (tripa larga, totalmente a mano) from the prestigious Vuelta Abajo region, the Double Edmundo is celebrated for its impeccable balance and progressive complexity. From the first draw, it reveals a sophisticated symphony of creamy cedar, rich cocoa, and subtle cherry, underpinned by the signature “twang” that only the finest Cuban puros can provide. Whether you are adding to a curated collection or seeking the perfect companion for a milestone celebration, the Double Edmundo delivers an unrivaled ritual of indulgence and refinement.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Habanos | 10 Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Classic Semi Boîte Nature (SBN) Cedar Box | Elegant SBN Cedar Display Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term cellaring and investment | Trial, gifting, or frequent rotation |
| Humidity Protection | Natural cedar lining for optimal aging | Compact storage with cedar aromatic seal |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Dobles (Double Robusto / Robusto Extra) |
| Length | 155 mm (6.1 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Colorado (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo – Tripa Larga) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full and Creamy |
| Smoking Time | 75–120 Minutes |
| Factory | Habanos S.A. (Partagás Factory Heritage) |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Montecristo is inextricably linked to the history of luxury itself. Founded in 1935 by Alonso Menéndez, the brand was inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, which was a favorite among the lectores (readers) who entertained the cigar rollers on the factory floor. What began as the “H. Upmann Montecristo Selection” quickly evolved into a standalone powerhouse, eventually becoming the most popular Cuban cigar brand in the world, accounting for nearly half of all Habanos exports. The iconic logo—six crossed swords forming a triangle around a fleur-de-lis—remains a universal symbol of prestige and consistent quality.
The Double Edmundo is a relatively recent addition to this storied history, launched as part of the Linea Edmundo, which pays homage to Edmundo Dantès, the protagonist of Dumas’ masterpiece. While the original Edmundo and Petit Edmundo established the line’s reputation for rich, chocolatey profiles, the Double Edmundo was engineered to provide a longer, more contemplative smoking duration. By utilizing the premier tobaccos of the Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río, Montecristo has ensured that the Double Edmundo maintains the brand’s legendary consistency while offering a modern vitola that appeals to the contemporary preference for larger ring gauges and extended smoking times.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon ignition, the Montecristo Double Edmundo greets the palate with an immediate sense of refinement. The initial draws are characterized by a creamy texture that carries notes of aromatic cedar and toasted peanuts. There is a faint, sophisticated sweetness reminiscent of dark cherry and shortbread, which provides a beautiful counterpoint to the traditional Cuban “earthiness.” The smoke production is voluminous, and the aroma is dominated by hay and aged wood. The strength begins at a solid medium, allowing the intricate nuances of the Vuelta Abajo leaf to shine without overwhelming the senses.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar progresses into the middle third, the complexity deepens significantly. The cedar notes evolve into a sturdier oak profile, while the sweetness transitions from fruit to rich milk chocolate and cocoa. This is the “sweet spot” of the Double Edmundo, where the balance between strength and flavor is most harmonious. Subtle hints of leather and roasted coffee beans begin to emerge, and the retrohale introduces a delicate touch of white pepper. The construction remains exemplary, with a razor-sharp burn and a sturdy ash that speaks to the skill of the master torcedores.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final act of the Double Edmundo is where its medium to full-bodied nature truly manifests. The flavors intensify, moving toward dark chocolate and heavy cocoa. The tobacco becomes more forward, offering a powerful and spicy character that is warming rather than harsh. Notes of earth and toasted caramel linger on the tongue, and the creaminess from the first third remains as a supporting element, ensuring the finish is smooth. This is a “sticky” and resinous finale that demands a slow pace to fully appreciate the depth of the blend.
Finish
The finish is remarkably long and satisfying. It leaves a persistent aftertaste of spicy tobacco, leather, and cocoa. Even after the cigar is put down, the palate is treated to a clean yet rich sensation, a testament to the high-quality aging of the filler leaves used in this specific vitola.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Cedar, Rich Cocoa, Toasted Oak |
| Secondary Notes | Leather, Roasted Peanuts, Dark Cherry |
| Tertiary Notes | White Pepper, Caramel, Earthy Twang |
| Finish | Long, spicy, and warming with lingering cocoa |
| Aroma | Aged hay, cedar, and sweet spice |
Aging and Collector Value
The Montecristo Double Edmundo is widely regarded by aficionados as a “marathon” cigar, not just in its smoking time, but in its aging potential. When young, the Double Edmundo can be somewhat “sticky” and vibrant with spice; however, with proper cellaring, these elements integrate into a silky, multifaceted masterpiece. We recommend a minimum of 2 to 5 years of aging to allow the tannins to soften and the cocoa notes to become more prominent. Collectors often find that at the five-year mark, the Double Edmundo achieves a level of elegance that rivals the brand’s more expensive limited editions.
For optimal storage, maintain your humidor at a steady 65-70% Relative Humidity (RH) and a temperature of 18-21°C (65-70°F). Because of its 50 ring gauge and 155mm length, the Double Edmundo benefits from a stable environment where the humidity can penetrate the deep layers of the long-filler tobacco. As it ages, the wrapper will take on an oilier sheen, and the cold draw will develop a more pronounced scent of sweet barnyard and cedar.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness of an 11-year-old rum amplifies the cigar’s cocoa and cherry notes. |
| Speyside Single Malt | The honeyed, floral profile of a Speyside scotch complements the cedar and oak without overpowering the smoke. |
| XO Cognac | The rich fruit and spice of a premium Cognac mirror the leather and caramel undertones of the final third. |
| Strong Black Coffee | An espresso or ristretto enhances the roasted coffee and earthy characteristics of the blend. |
| Tawny Port | The nuttiness and dried fruit flavors of an aged Port provide a perfect contrast to the white pepper spice. |
| Stout or Porter | The chocolate and malt notes of a dark beer harmonize beautifully with the creamy cocoa profile. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is the cornerstone of trust. Every Montecristo Double Edmundo we offer undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets the exacting standards of Habanos S.A. Our commitment to excellence ensures that you receive only the finest, genuine Cuban puros.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that is virtually impossible to forge.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of each box is hot-stamped with the factory code and the date of packaging, allowing for full traceability of the cigar’s origin.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, which signify the highest tier of Cuban craftsmanship.
- Triple Cap – Each Double Edmundo is finished with a traditional Cuban triple cap, a mark of a master torcedor and a key indicator of authenticity.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we prioritize the integrity of your collection above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Montecristo Edmundo and the Double Edmundo?
The primary difference lies in the dimensions and the resulting smoking experience. While both share the same blend DNA, the Double Edmundo is longer (155mm vs 135mm) and features a slightly different vitola (Dobles). This extra length allows for a more gradual development of flavors and a longer smoking time, often lasting 30 to 45 minutes longer than the standard Edmundo. The Double Edmundo is often perceived as having a slightly more refined and “creamy” start due to the increased air filtration through the longer tobacco column.
Is the Montecristo Double Edmundo suitable for a beginner?
Because it is a medium to full-bodied cigar with significant complexity and a long smoking time, it is generally recommended for intermediate to experienced smokers. A beginner might find the final third’s tobacco strength and the 2-hour commitment a bit overwhelming. However, for a novice looking to explore the “pinnacle” of Cuban flavors, it is an excellent choice provided they smoke slowly and have a sugary drink or a full meal beforehand.
How long should I age my Montecristo Double Edmundo?
While these cigars are enjoyable “off the truck,” they truly transform with time. We recommend a minimum of 2 years of humidor aging to let the flavors settle. For those seeking the peak of elegance, 5 to 7 years is considered the “golden era” for the Double Edmundo, where the cocoa notes become incredibly rich and the spice mellows into a smooth, velvety finish.
Does the Double Edmundo use the same tobacco as the Montecristo No. 2?
Both cigars utilize premium tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, but the blends are distinct. The Montecristo No. 2 (a Piramides vitola) is known for its bold, spicy, and legendary “Montecristo punch.” The Double Edmundo, part of the Linea Edmundo, was blended to be slightly more contemporary, focusing on creaminess, chocolate, and wood. While they share the brand’s signature DNA, the Double Edmundo offers a smoother, more progressive transition of flavors compared to the more aggressive No. 2.
