Description
Why the Double Edmundo Might Be the Best Montecristo You’re Not Smoking
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’96, and I’ll be honest with you – I’ve watched the Montecristo lineup evolve in ways that sometimes felt unnecessary. But the Double Edmundo? This is one of those additions that actually made sense. It’s like Habanos S.A. finally listened to what aficionados had been asking for: a longer, thicker vitola that gives you all that classic Montecristo character but with more room to breathe and develop. And I know some purists will say the brand peaked decades ago, but here’s the thing – this particular vitola captures something special that reminds me why I fell in love with Montecristos in the first place.
What you’re about to read isn’t some polished marketing pitch. It’s what I’ve learned from smoking dozens of these over the past several years, pairing them with everything from single malt to espresso, and comparing them to pretty much every other robusto extra in my humidor. Between you and me, I think this cigar deserves way more attention than it gets.
What Makes the Double Edmundo Stand Out in the Montecristo Family
The Montecristo brand needs no introduction, really – it’s been the gold standard since 1935, named after the Alexandre Dumas novel that Cuban cigar rollers apparently loved hearing during their work. Thing is, the lineup has gotten crowded over the decades. You’ve got your No. 2s, your No. 4s, your Especiales, and then they started adding these newer vitolas that honestly felt like they were just throwing sizes at the wall to see what stuck.
But the Double Edmundo, introduced in 2004 if memory serves – maybe 2003? Doesn’t matter – this one actually fills a gap. It’s essentially a Robusto Extra format, giving you that 6.1 x 50 experience that’s become increasingly popular. And here’s what gets me: it takes that medium-bodied Montecristo profile we all know and gives it enough length to really showcase the complexity that the shorter vitolas sometimes rush through. You’re getting tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, the same primo stuff that goes into the legendary vitolas, but the larger ring gauge means more filler leaves working together.
This isn’t a cigar for someone looking to make a statement or show off some limited edition band. The Double Edmundo is for the smoker who appreciates when everything just works – the construction, the burn, the flavor progression. It’s refined without being boring, accessible without being simple. If the Montecristo No. 2 is a perfectly tailored suit, the Double Edmundo is that same suit but with enough room to actually sit down and relax in it.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Double Edmundo (Robusto Extra) |
| Length | 6.1 inches / 155 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo region) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend from Vuelta Abajo |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – What You’re Actually Getting
Okay, so let me walk you through what happens when you actually light one of these up. And I’m not talking about those generic “notes of leather and earth” descriptions that could apply to half the cigars from Cuba – I mean what it’s really like.
The first thing you notice on the cold draw is this creamy, almost sweet cedar aroma. It reminds me of walking into a proper humidor, that exact smell. There’s a subtle spice there too, but it’s not aggressive – more like a promise of what’s coming. The wrapper on these is typically gorgeous when you get a fresh box, that classic Montecristo colorado shade with just a bit of tooth to it. The construction is where Habanos S.A. has really stepped up their game in recent years; I remember when quality control was hit or miss, but these days the Double Edmundo consistently shows excellent craftsmanship.
Light it up, and the first third opens with this beautiful creamy smoke that coats your palate. You’re getting cedar right away – no surprise there – but it’s accompanied by this mild coffee note that’s more like a café con leche than espresso. The strength sits comfortably in that medium territory where experienced smokers won’t feel bored, but someone relatively new to Cubans won’t get overwhelmed. The burn line stays pretty even if you’re not rushing it, and the ash holds for a solid inch or more before you need to tap it. That white-gray ash is a good sign you’re working with quality tobacco.
Here’s where it gets interesting – and I know this sounds dramatic, but it’s true. The second third is where the Double Edmundo really justifies its size. Around the halfway point, maybe a bit before, you start getting this pepper development that adds complexity without dominating. The creamy texture stays, which is actually kind of remarkable. You’re also picking up some cocoa notes, or maybe it’s more accurate to say a general nuttiness with hints of chocolate. Wait, let me back up – it’s not like biting into a candy bar. It’s subtler than that. More like the aroma of roasted nuts with a distant sweetness.
The retrohale during this phase is where you really appreciate the Vuelta Abajo tobacco. Through the nose, you get more of that white pepper I mentioned, plus this earthy complexity that reminds you you’re smoking Cuban leaf, not something from Nicaragua or the Dominican Republic – and I say that with all respect to those countries, but Cuban terroir is just different. The smoke stays cool even as you get deeper into the cigar, which is a testament to the construction.
Final third is where some cigars fall apart, literally or figuratively. Not gonna lie, I’ve had Double Edmundos where the last two inches got a bit bitter if I smoked too fast – my own fault. But when you pace yourself, what happens is the pepper amps up a bit more, the coffee notes get richer and darker, and you get this nice crescendo without it turning harsh. Some people relight multiple times in the final third; I usually don’t need to if the humidity was right in my humidor. That’s another thing – these are pretty forgiving if you store them at around 65-68% humidity. Much higher and they can get mushy.
How It Stacks Up Against Similar Vitolas
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Double Edmundo | Medium to Medium-Full | 75-90 minutes | Aficionados wanting classic Montecristo character with extended complexity |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full to Full | 50-65 minutes | Those preferring bolder, earthier profiles in a shorter format |
| Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 | Mild to Medium | 60-75 minutes | Smokers seeking a gentler, more delicate Cuban experience |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills | Medium | 80-95 minutes | Similar elegance but with more floral notes and lighter body |
Real talk: if you’re trying to decide between the Double Edmundo and the Partagás Serie D No. 4, it comes down to how much punch you want. The Partagás is earthier, stronger, and finishes faster. The Montecristo gives you refinement and a longer, more contemplative smoke. I reach for the Partagás when I want something assertive; I grab the Double Edmundo when I want to actually savor the experience and not feel like I just got punched in the taste buds – in a good way, though. The Partagás punch is good. You know what I’m talking about, right?
Perfect Pairings and When to Smoke It
Here’s where I probably have some unpopular opinions, but hear me out. Everyone always says pair Cuban cigars with rum or whiskey, and sure, that works. But I’ve found the Double Edmundo absolutely sings with a good aged rum – specifically something like Havana Club 7 Year or Ron Zacapa 23. That slight sweetness and complexity in the rum complements the creamy smoke without overwhelming it.
Coffee pairings are trickier. A bold espresso can compete too much with the cigar, especially in that first third when the flavors are still developing. I actually prefer a cappuccino or even a Cuban cortadito if you can get one. The milk tempers the coffee’s aggression and mirrors that creaminess in the smoke. For whiskey drinkers – and I know there are a lot of you – I’d go with something on the smoother side. A Highland Scotch like Glenmorangie or even a good Irish whiskey works better than a peaty Islay that’ll just fight with the tobacco.
Time of day matters more than people think. This isn’t a first-thing-in-the-morning cigar unless you’ve got a serious tolerance. I save these for late afternoon or evening, ideally when I’ve got at least 90 minutes to kill and nowhere else to be. It’s a weekend cigar for me, or maybe a Friday evening after a long week. The strength builds enough by the end that you don’t want to smoke it on an empty stomach, trust me on that one – learned that lesson the hard way.
Storage and Aging Considerations
Okay, so we need to talk about aging these, because it actually matters. Fresh Double Edmundos – and by fresh I mean less than a year from the box date – can sometimes taste a bit young. You’ll get the core flavors, but there’s a certain harshness or green quality that aging smooths out. I’ve had boxes from 2015 that are smoking beautifully now, with all that ammonia long gone and the flavors married together in a way that younger sticks just can’t match.
Thing is, you don’t need to age them for a decade to enjoy them. I’d say minimum six months in your humidor at proper humidity – around 65% is my sweet spot – and they’ll be in a good place. Two to three years? Even better. The pepper mellows slightly, the cream becomes even silkier, and you start getting these honey notes that aren’t present in younger cigars. I’m probably biased here because I tend to buy boxes and forget about them for a while, but I genuinely think the Double Edmundo is a vitola that rewards patience.
One more thing about storage: these seem more sensitive to humidity swings than some other Montecristos I’ve kept. Maybe it’s the ring gauge, I’m not entirely sure. But keep them stable. Boveda packs work great if you’re not using a traditional humidification system. And for the love of all that’s holy, let them rest after shipping. I know you’re excited when that box arrives, but give them at least two weeks to recover from the journey.
Who Should Smoke the Double Edmundo?
Look, I’m just going to say it – this isn’t a beginner’s cigar, not really. Sure, someone new to cigars could smoke it and probably enjoy it, but they’d be missing layers of complexity that you only appreciate once you’ve developed your palate. This is for the smoker who’s tried the Montecristo No. 4 and thought “that’s great, but I wish it lasted longer.” It’s for the person who finds the Montecristo No. 2 a bit too full and the Edmundo (the regular one) just a touch too short.
It’s also – and I know some aficionados will disagree with me here – a better introduction to the Montecristo brand than the No. 2 for modern smokers. The No. 2 is iconic, don’t get me wrong, but that torpedo format and concentrated strength can be a lot. The Double Edmundo gives you the brand’s DNA in a more approachable package. I’ve actually converted several friends to Montecristo by starting them on the Double Edmundo rather than throwing them into the deep end with a No. 2.
If you’re the type who enjoys sitting on your patio or at a lounge, not checking your phone every five minutes, actually tasting what you’re smoking – this is your cigar. If you’re looking for something to quickly puff on while you’re doing something else, get a petit corona or a short robusto. The Double Edmundo demands and deserves your attention.
Common Questions About the Montecristo Double Edmundo
How strong is the Montecristo Double Edmundo compared to other Montecristos?
The Double Edmundo sits in the medium to medium-full range, which puts it slightly stronger than the No. 4 but noticeably milder than the No. 2. The larger ring gauge actually distributes the strength more evenly throughout the smoke, so you don’t get those intense nicotine spikes that can happen with smaller vitolas. If you’ve smoked Montecristo Edmundos before, the Double is similar in strength profile but with more length to develop additional complexity. I’d say it’s perfectly positioned for someone who wants substance without overwhelming power.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing Double Edmundos?
Between you and me, I keep mine at 65% relative humidity, and they smoke beautifully. The 50 ring gauge seems to perform best in that slightly drier range compared to the traditional 70% that older cigar wisdom recommended. Any higher than 68% and I’ve found they can get a bit spongy and the draw becomes too loose. Below 62% and you risk the wrapper cracking, especially if you’re in a dry climate. Temperature-wise, aim for around 65-68°F if you can control it. The Double Edmundo is pretty forgiving, but it does seem to respond better to consistent conditions than some other vitolas I’ve stored.
Should I age Double Edmundos, or are they good to smoke fresh?
Here’s the thing – you can smoke them fresh and they’ll be enjoyable, but you’ll be missing out on what they become with age. Fresh boxes sometimes have that young, slightly harsh quality that aging smooths out completely. I’d recommend a minimum of six months rest after you receive them, ideally closer to a year. After two to three years, they really hit their stride with enhanced creaminess and these honey notes that develop. I’ve got some from 2016 in my humidor right now that are absolutely singing. That said, if you can’t wait, let them rest at least a month after shipping and you’ll still have a good experience – just know they’ll get even better if you’re patient.
How does the Double Edmundo compare to the regular Edmundo?
The regular Edmundo is 5.2 inches by 52 ring gauge, so you’re getting about an inch more length in the Double but a slightly slimmer ring gauge. That extra length really matters – it gives the flavors more time and space to develop and transition. The regular Edmundo is an excellent smoke, don’t get me wrong, but it’s more concentrated and finishes faster at around 55-70 minutes. The Double Edmundo gives you that extended second act where the complexity really builds. Think of the regular Edmundo as a short story and the Double as a novella – same author, same style, but the longer format allows for more character development. If you love the regular Edmundo but wish it lasted longer, the Double is exactly what you’re looking for.
What flavor notes should I expect from a Double Edmundo?
The core profile is that classic Montecristo character – creamy cedar and coffee, but the Double Edmundo format lets it express more nuance. In the first third, you’re getting predominantly cream and cedar with mild coffee undertones, almost like a latte. Second third introduces white pepper and some cocoa or nutty notes that add complexity without overwhelming the palate. The final third amps up the pepper and the coffee gets darker and richer, almost espresso-like. Throughout the smoke, there’s this underlying creaminess that makes it incredibly smooth. With age, you’ll also pick up honey notes and the pepper mellows into a more refined spice. The retrohale is where you really taste the Vuelta Abajo terroir – earthy, complex, distinctly Cuban. It’s sophisticated but not inaccessible, which is the sweet spot for a Montecristo.
Is the Double Edmundo a limited edition or regular production?
The Double Edmundo is part of the regular Montecristo production lineup, not a limited edition. It was added to the permanent range back in the early 2000s and has been consistently available since then – though “consistently” with Cuban cigars is always relative to production capacity and distribution. You’re not paying the premium or hunting for the scarcity that comes with limited releases, which actually makes it better value in my opinion. You can buy a box, smoke a few, age the rest, and come back for more without worrying about it disappearing. That said, specific box codes and vintage years can vary in quality and character, so some aficionados do seek out particular production dates that smoked especially well.
What time of day is best for smoking a Double Edmundo?
I wouldn’t recommend it first thing in the morning unless you’ve got a serious tolerance and a full stomach. The strength builds enough by the final third that it can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. Late afternoon or evening is ideal – I usually reach for mine around 5 or 6 PM on a weekend when I’ve got nowhere to be for the next 90 minutes. It’s substantial enough for an after-dinner smoke but not so powerful that it’ll wreck you. Some folks pair it with lunch on a lazy Sunday, which works if you’ve eaten well. The key is making sure you’ve got the time to really experience it without rushing. This isn’t a cigar you want to smoke while multitasking – it deserves your attention, and honestly, the ritual of slowing down and focusing on it is half the appeal.
My Final Take on the Double Edmundo
Look, I’ve probably smoked more Cuban cigars than is strictly healthy over the past three decades, and the Montecristo Double Edmundo has earned a permanent spot in my regular rotation. It’s not the most exciting cigar in the world – it’s not trying to be. What it does is deliver that quintessential Montecristo experience in a format that gives it room to breathe and develop.
Is it perfect? No cigar is perfect. Some boxes are better than others, quality control from Habanos still has its moments, and you really do need to give these some rest time to shine. But when you get a good one, properly aged and stored, with 90 minutes to kill and a good drink beside you – man, it’s just a satisfying smoke from start to finish.
If you’re already a Montecristo fan, you need to try the Double Edmundo if you haven’t. If you’re exploring Cuban cigars and want something that represents the brand well without being too intimidating, this is a solid choice. And if you’re the type who appreciates consistency, craftsmanship, and those classic Cuban flavors without fireworks or gimmicks – well, this might just become your new regular smoke.
Stop overthinking it. Grab a few, let them rest in your humidor for a while, and see for yourself what all the quiet appreciation is about. Between you and me, the Double Edmundo might not be the most talked-about Montecristo, but it’s one of the best ones to actually smoke.
