Description
The Montecristo Robustos Limited Edition 2006 represents a pinnacle of Habanos craftsmanship, standing as a monumental 2000 Vintage release that continues to captivate the world’s most discerning collectors. As the fifth-anniversary celebration of the prestigious Edición Limitada program, this cigar is more than a mere smoke; it is a historical artifact of the Cuban tobacco industry. Wrapped in a dark, luscious Cuban maduro wrapper that has been meticulously aged for a minimum of two years, this medium to full-bodied masterpiece offers a sensory journey through the heart of the Vuelta Abajo region. Aficionados will immediately recognize the iconic Robusto vitola—a format that balances power and elegance—delivering a complex symphony of earth, cocoa, toasted nuts, and creamy cedar. Whether you are looking to anchor a vintage humidor or seeking a profound 60-minute ritual of reflection, the 2006 Limited Edition offers an unparalleled depth of flavor that only two decades of careful maturation can provide.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Collector Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Units | Arranged in the traditional 8-9-8 or bundled format within the box. |
| Packaging Type | Semi-Boite Nature (SBN) | Natural cedar wood box designed for optimal long-term breathability. |
| Ideal For | Long-term Investment | A cornerstone for vintage Cuban collections and milestone celebrations. |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar-Lined Interior | Naturally regulates moisture and imparts subtle aromatic wood notes. |
| Limited Edition Band | Secondary Gold/Black Band | Features the “Edición Limitada 2006” inscription for authenticity. |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Robusto |
| Length | 124 mm (4 7/8″) |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Maduro (Aged 2 Years) |
| Binder | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Rich and Opulent |
| Smoking Time | 52–88 Minutes |
| Factory | Habanos S.A. (Partagás Factory Class) |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The story of Montecristo is inextricably linked to the very soul of Cuban culture. Founded in 1935 by Alonso Menéndez, the brand takes its name from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. It is said that the lectores (readers) at the factory would recite this tale of vengeance and triumph to the torcedores as they rolled, inspiring a brand that would eventually become the global benchmark for luxury cigars. Following the 1959 revolution, Montecristo solidified its status as one of Habanos’ “Global Brands,” consistently producing the world’s most sought-after vitolas, including the legendary No. 2.
The introduction of the Limited Edition series in 2000 marked a new era for Montecristo. These releases utilize specially selected tobacco leaves that have undergone an extended fermentation and aging process, specifically focusing on the darker maduro wrappers harvested from the top of the tobacco plant. The Montecristo Robustos Limited Edition 2006 was a milestone release, celebrating five years of this elite program. By utilizing the Robusto vitola—a shape first introduced to the Montecristo line in the year 2000—this 2006 vintage combined modern preference for thicker ring gauges with the timeless, sophisticated blending techniques that have made Montecristo the choice of icons like Winston Churchill and literary giants worldwide.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with an alluring pre-light aroma of deep earth, dark chocolate, and subtle spice emanating from the oily, reddish-brown maduro wrapper. Upon lighting, the initial draws introduce a sophisticated balance of toasted nuts, aged cedar, and a gentle white pepper spice. The smoke texture is immediately velvety, coating the palate with a medium-bodied weight that signals the maturity of the 2000 vintage tobacco. The burn is typically razor-sharp, a testament to the master rollers at the Partagás factory.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar transitions into the middle third, the complexity intensifies significantly. The profile shifts toward a more robust cocoa and espresso core, supported by luxurious notes of leather and cream. It is in this stage that the “maduro” influence becomes most apparent, offering a natural sweetness reminiscent of dark stone fruits or molasses, which perfectly offsets the traditional Montecristo woodiness. The strength edges closer to full-bodied, yet remains remarkably smooth due to the nearly two decades of box-aging.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final act of the Montecristo Robustos LE 2006 is a masterclass in intensity without harshness. The flavors of robust earth and toasted almonds take center stage, while a surprising note of honeyed sweetness emerges to provide a clean, refined finish. The spice returns, now more reminiscent of cinnamon and nutmeg, lingering pleasantly on the retrohale. Even as the cigar nears the nub, the construction holds firm, maintaining a cool temperature and a voluminous smoke output.
Finish
The aftertaste is long-lasting and incredibly clean, characterized by a creamy cocoa and nutty earthiness. It leaves a sophisticated “chewy” sensation on the palate, inviting the smoker to savor the memory of the vintage Cuban tobacco long after the cigar has been extinguished.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Dark Cocoa, Rich Earth, Roasted Espresso |
| Secondary Notes | Aged Cedar, Creamy Leather, Toasted Almonds |
| Tertiary Notes | Honey, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Molasses |
| Finish | Velvety, Nutty, Lingering Sweetness |
| Aroma | Sweet Tobacco, Barnyard, Dark Chocolate |
Aging and Collector Value
As a 2006 Vintage, this cigar has already completed its primary maturation phase, making it a “prime” smoke for the current year. However, the unique characteristics of the Montecristo Limited Edition series—specifically the higher sugar content in the maduro wrapper—provide it with exceptional longevity. For collectors, this vitola is a blue-chip investment. When stored in a stable environment (65-72% RH and 65-70°F), the oils within the wrapper continue to break down, further softening any residual tannin and enhancing the creamy, leather-driven notes.
Experts suggest that while this cigar is currently in its peak window, it will remain viable and continue to evolve well into 2030 and beyond. To preserve the integrity of the 2006 vintage, we recommend storage in Spanish cedar-lined humidors. The cedar acts as a natural marriage agent for the tobacco’s oils, ensuring that the Montecristo Robustos Limited Edition 2006 retains its legendary aromatic profile. For those holding full boxes of 25, the value is bolstered by the rarity of the 5th-anniversary LE bands, which are no longer in production.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo | The molasses sweetness of the rum mirrors the maduro wrapper’s cocoa notes. |
| Islay Single Malt Scotch | Peaty, smoky notes provide a bold counterpoint to the cigar’s earthy profile. |
| Hennessy XO Cognac | The fruit and nut complexity of the cognac enhances the cigar’s honeyed finish. |
| Double Espresso | The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the creamy texture for a balanced palate. |
| Vintage Port (LBV) | Dark berry notes complement the spice and wood of the aged Cuban filler. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, provenance is everything. We ensure that every box of Montecristo Robustos Limited Edition 2006 meets the rigorous standards set by Habanos S.A. Our commitment to authenticity is backed by a multi-step verification process that guarantees you are receiving a genuine piece of Cuban history.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box features the official holographic label with a unique serial number, reflective under UV light to prevent tampering.
- Box Code Verification – We verify the factory code and date stamp (e.g., “LUB DIC 06”) to ensure the cigars originate from the correct production window.
- Factory Stamp – The underside of the box carries the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) hot stamps.
- Triple Cap – Every Robusto is finished with a traditional Cuban triple cap, a hallmark of expert torcedores.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our strict quality control standards, we provide a full refund. Trusted by world-class collectors since 2015, we are dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Montecristo Edición Limitada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 2006 Montecristo Robustos different from the standard line?
The Limited Edition 2006 differs from the standard Montecristo line in two primary ways: the wrapper and the vitola. Standard Montecristos typically use a lighter Connecticut-seed wrapper. The 2006 LE uses a dark maduro wrapper aged for two years, which provides a much richer, sweeter, and more intense flavor profile. Furthermore, the Robusto vitola was not a standard production size for Montecristo at the time, making this a rare format for the brand.
How long should I expect to spend smoking this cigar?
Given the 50 ring gauge and 124 mm length, the Montecristo Robustos Limited Edition 2006 typically offers a smoking time of 52 to 88 minutes. Because the tobacco is a 2000 vintage, it is recommended to smoke slowly to appreciate the subtle layers of cocoa, leather, and earth without overheating the aged leaves.
Is this 2006 vintage ready to smoke now, or should I age it further?
This cigar is currently in an optimal smoking window. Having been aged for nearly two decades, the flavors have perfectly integrated, and the strength has mellowed into a sophisticated complexity. While it will continue to hold its quality for many more years if stored correctly, it does not require any additional aging to reach its full potential.
What are the primary tasting notes for the Montecristo LE 2006?
The primary flavor profile is medium to full-bodied, characterized by rich earth, dark cocoa, and roasted nuts. As you progress through the cigar, you will notice secondary notes of creamy cedar, leather, and a honeyed sweetness on the finish. It is significantly more robust and complex than the milder Montecristo Open series or the standard No. 4.
