Description
The Montecristo That Almost Got Away
I’ll be honest – when Habanos S.A. introduced the Edmundo back in 2004, I thought they’d lost their minds. Another robusto-style vitola? From Montecristo? Thing is, I was dead wrong. This cigar quickly became the one I reach for when I want that classic Montecristo profile but need something with a bit more… personality. It’s got this energy to it that the No. 2 doesn’t have, and it smokes cleaner than the No. 4 ever did for me. If you’re an aficionado looking for that sweet spot between tradition and boldness, the Edmundo deserves serious consideration. Cuba knocked it out of the park with this one, and I’m going to walk you through exactly why this has earned a permanent spot in my humidor.
What Makes the Edmundo Special
Montecristo needs no introduction – it’s the brand that probably got half of us into Cuban cigars in the first place. Since 1935, they’ve been the gold standard. But the Edmundo? This wasn’t just another release to fill out the catalog.
Named after the Count of Monte Cristo himself – Edmond Dantès – this vitola was designed to bridge a gap. The folks at Habanos wanted something that could deliver the full Montecristo experience in about an hour. Not the quick smoke of a No. 4, not the marathon session of a No. 2. Something right in that perfect window when you’ve got time but not all afternoon. The tobacco comes from Vuelta Abajo, which honestly is the only region in Cuba that matters when we’re talking premium cigars. These leaves are aged properly – and you can taste it from the first puff.
Who’s this for? Intermediate to advanced smokers, mostly. If you’re just starting out with Cubans, maybe work your way up to this one. But if you’ve already fallen in love with the island’s tobacco and want to explore what Montecristo can really do when they’re firing on all cylinders, the Edmundo is your ticket. It’s also become incredibly popular with younger aficionados who want that classic profile without feeling like they’re smoking their grandfather’s cigar. Not gonna lie, that bugs some purists, but I think it’s fantastic.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Edmundo |
| Length | 5.3 inches / 135 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
How This Cigar Actually Smokes
The cold draw on a well-aged Edmundo – and please, age these if you can – gives you this beautiful preview of cocoa and hay. Sometimes there’s a hint of dried fruit that I swear reminds me of the raisins my wife puts in her oatmeal. The wrapper should feel slightly oily, not dry, and you want to see that classic Montecristo sheen.
First third hits you faster than you’d expect. That’s the thing with the Edmundo – it doesn’t waste time with pleasantries. You get cedar immediately, backed by this earthy core that screams Cuban tobacco. There’s a creaminess to the smoke that coats your palate, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll catch some white pepper on the retrohale. Not aggressive pepper, mind you. Just enough to remind you this isn’t a mild smoke. The burn is typically dead-even if you’ve stored it properly, and the ash holds for a solid inch and a half before you need to think about knocking it off.
Second third is where the Edmundo really shows its cards. The flavors start layering in a way that – I don’t know how else to put this – feels deliberate. You get leather joining the cedar, and this interesting toasted almond note appears that wasn’t there before. Some coffee, too, but more like espresso than the breakfast blend stuff. The strength ramps up here, moving solidly into medium-full territory. I remember smoking one of these during a poker game last year, and I had to actually pause and focus on the cigar because the complexity demanded attention. My buddy thought I was bluffing. I had a full house and wasn’t even looking at my cards.
Final third can go one of two ways depending on your pace. Smoke it too fast and it’ll turn bitter on you – that’s true of most Cuban cigars, honestly. But if you’ve been patient, this is where you get rewarded with these deep, almost chocolatey notes mixed with that earthiness that’s been there all along. The leather intensifies. Sometimes I get a touch of nuttiness that wasn’t as pronounced earlier. The retrohale gets richer, spicier, and if you’ve got one that’s been properly aged – we’re talking three to five years minimum – there’s this honeyed sweetness that shows up right at the end. It’s subtle, but it’s there. The construction typically stays solid all the way to the nub, though I’ve had a few that got a bit soft in the final inch. Happens with Cuban cigars sometimes. You learn to live with it.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Edmundo | Medium-Full | 60-75 min | Evening smoke with focus time |
| Montecristo No. 2 | Medium | 90+ min | Long celebration or special occasion |
| Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill | Medium | 65-80 min | More approachable, social smoking |
What to Drink (and When to Smoke It)
This cigar pairs beautifully with aged rum – specifically something like a 15-year Havana Club if you can get your hands on it. The sweetness in the rum plays perfectly against that earthy tobacco. I’ve also had great experiences pairing it with a good Scotch – think Glenfiddich 18 or Macallan 12. Nothing too peaty or it’ll overpower the cigar. Coffee works too, especially a strong Cuban espresso if you’re smoking it in the afternoon.
Best occasions? Evening smoke, definitely. This isn’t a morning cigar unless you’ve got a serious tolerance. I love these after a good meal, maybe an hour or so after dinner when your palate has cleared but you’re still in that relaxed, satisfied mood. They’re also excellent for those times when you’re smoking alone and actually want to focus on the cigar – not just have something burning while you chat. Golf course? Too distracting. Reading on the patio? Perfect. The tubos version is great for travel, by the way, though I prefer the regular box presentation when I’m smoking at home.
How does the Edmundo compare to the Montecristo No. 4?
The Edmundo is bigger, bolder, and smokes longer – about 60-75 minutes versus 40-50 for the No. 4. It’s also got more complexity and strength, sitting in medium-full territory while the No. 4 tends to stay firmly medium. Think of the Edmundo as the No. 4’s more mature older brother. Same family resemblance, but the Edmundo has been to college and seen some things.
Should I buy these in tubos or regular boxes?
Tubos are convenient for travel and offer individual protection, but they can trap moisture if you’re not careful. I prefer regular cabinet boxes for aging since the cigars can breathe better. That said, if you’re buying singles or need portable protection, the tubos are excellent. They’re the same great cigar either way – just a packaging preference really.
How long should I age Montecristo Edmundos?
At minimum, give them six months if they’re fresh. But honestly? These really shine with three to five years on them. The flavors integrate better, that ammonia edge that young Cubans sometimes have completely disappears, and you get this smoothness that’s just not there when they’re young. I’ve smoked ten-year-old Edmundos that were absolutely transcendent. Your patience will be rewarded.
What’s the ideal humidity level for storing these?
I keep mine at 65% humidity and around 65-68°F. Some people go higher, but I find Cuban cigars in general smoke better when stored slightly drier than Nicaraguan puros. Too humid and they get plugged or burn unevenly. The Edmundo’s ring gauge means it can handle slight humidity variations better than thinner vitolas, but don’t push it above 70%.
Is the Edmundo too strong for someone new to Cuban cigars?
Probably, yeah. If you’re just starting out with Cubans, I’d point you toward the No. 4 or maybe a Romeo y Julieta Churchill first. The Edmundo won’t destroy you, but it’s got enough strength and complexity that you might miss what makes it special if you’re still developing your palate. Come back to it after you’ve smoked your way through some milder options.
Why are some Edmundos tighter or looser than others?
Welcome to Cuban cigars, my friend. Quality control isn’t always perfect, and hand-rolling means variation is part of the deal. The Edmundo’s 52 ring gauge can sometimes lead to overfilling if the torcedor isn’t careful. Always do a pre-light draw test – if it’s too tight, a draw tool can help. If it’s too loose, well, you’re probably going to have a fast, hot smoke. It’s the gamble we take with Cubans.
What makes Vuelta Abajo tobacco special for this cigar?
Vuelta Abajo is the Bordeaux of tobacco regions – the soil, climate, and generations of growing expertise create tobacco that just tastes different. Richer, more complex, with this earthy character you can’t replicate anywhere else. The Edmundo uses tobacco from this region exclusively, which is why it has that unmistakable Cuban profile. You’re tasting terroir, basically, just like wine people talk about. It matters.
Final Thoughts From the Smoking Lounge
The Montecristo Edmundo represents everything I love about Cuban cigars when they’re done right – traditional craftsmanship, top-shelf tobacco from Vuelta Abajo, and that perfect balance between accessibility and complexity. It’s not trying to be the strongest cigar in your humidor or the most exotic. It’s just confidently excellent at what it does. For the aficionado who wants a reliable, sophisticated smoke that delivers every single time, this is it. If you’ve been curious about this vitola, stop wondering and grab some. Age them properly, pair them with something worthy, and take your time. This is a cigar that rewards attention and patience.
