Description
When Lightning Strikes: The 2006 Robusto That Changed Everything
I’m probably biased here, but the Montecristo Robustos Limited Edition 2006 is hands-down one of the most underrated releases in the entire Montecristo collection. There. I said it. While everyone was chasing the fancier releases that year, this robusto quietly became what I consider the benchmark for how a limited edition should smoke after proper aging. I picked up a box during a trip to Mexico in 2007 – paid way too much, didn’t care – and I’ve been rationing those last few sticks ever since. Actually, scratch that. I’m down to three. Maybe two, depending on whether my brother-in-law ever admits he took one from my humidor.
What you need to understand about this particular release is that it represents Montecristo at a fascinating crossroads. The brand was already legendary, sure, but 2006 marked a period when the limited edition program was really hitting its stride in terms of tobacco selection and construction quality. This wasn’t just another cigar with fancy packaging – though the packaging was gorgeous. This was the factory saying “watch what we can do when we really lean into this format.”
What Makes This Robusto Special
Montecristo needs no introduction if you’ve spent any time around Cuban cigars. Founded in 1935, it’s named after the Alexandre Dumas novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” – a book that was supposedly read aloud to workers in the factory. The brand built its reputation on consistency and that quintessential Cuban flavor profile that defined what premium cigars should taste like.
But the Robustos Limited Edition 2006 isn’t your grandfather’s Montecristo No. 4. Thing is, this release used tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region that had been aged longer than the standard production cigars. The wrapper leaf came from a specific harvest that showed exceptional promise – darker, oilier, with more character. I’m not usually one to get caught up in the marketing around limited editions, but you can genuinely taste the difference here.
This cigar is built for the experienced smoker who appreciates subtlety and complexity. If you’re looking for a sledgehammer of a smoke, wrong cigar. But if you want to spend 60-75 minutes exploring layers of flavor that keep evolving – and you’ve got the patience to appreciate construction that borders on architectural – then pay attention. The robusto format gives you all the flavor concentration you want without the time commitment of a Churchill, and it’s sized perfectly for an evening session that won’t monopolize your entire night.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Robusto |
| Length | 4.9 inches / 124 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Long Filler |
| Strength | Medium to Medium-Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-75 minutes |
The Smoke Session: Third by Third
Cold draw on one of these gives you a preview of what’s coming – hints of cocoa and this earthy quality that’s almost mushroom-like. Not in a bad way. In that umami, forest floor after rain kind of way. I know that sounds pretentious, but I genuinely don’t know how else to describe it.
First third hits you with cedar right out of the gate. Classic Montecristo territory, but there’s more depth to it than the regular production lines. Behind that cedar, you’ve got white pepper on the retrohale – not aggressive, just present enough to remind you this isn’t a mild smoke. There’s a creaminess to the texture that coats your palate, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll catch subtle notes of almond and maybe dried fruit. The construction during this phase is typically flawless. I’ve smoked maybe fifteen of these over the years, and I can’t remember a single one that needed correction in the first third. The burn line stays razor sharp, and the ash holds for a solid inch before you need to knock it off.
Second third is where this cigar really opens up and shows you what it’s capable of. The flavors get more complex without becoming muddled – you start picking up leather, roasted coffee beans, and this sweet tobacco note that reminds me of quality pipe tobacco. The pepper mellows out a bit but doesn’t disappear completely. What I love about this phase is the balance. Nothing dominates. It’s like listening to a jazz quartet where every instrument gets its moment but nobody’s showboating. The smoke production increases noticeably here, and the draws stay effortless. If the cigar’s been properly stored – and at this point, we’re talking nearly two decades of age on some of these – you might catch hints of dried plum or fig that weren’t there in the first third.
Final third brings everything together with a finish that’s richer and slightly more robust, though it never crosses into harsh territory. The strength builds to what I’d call a solid medium-full, but it’s smooth strength, not raw nicotine punch. That cedar note from the beginning comes back around, but now it’s accompanied by dark chocolate and a pleasant earthiness. The leather notes intensify, and there’s a slight sweetness on the finish that lingers after each draw. I’ll smoke these down to the nub – or at least until my fingers start getting warm. The construction holds up beautifully all the way through, which says something about the craftsmanship. No bitter flavors, no need to purge it. Just a clean, satisfying finish that makes you immediately want another one. Which is a problem when you only have two left.
How This Stacks Up Against the Competition
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Robustos LE 2006 | Medium-Full | 60-75 min | Special occasions, contemplative smoking |
| Montecristo No. 4 | Medium | 45-60 min | Daily smoke, introduction to the brand |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 60-70 min | When you want more power, earthier profile |
What to Drink With It
I’ve paired this cigar with everything from single malt scotch to espresso, and honestly, it’s pretty versatile. But if I’m being honest – and why wouldn’t I be – my go-to pairing is a good añejo rum. Something like Flor de Caña 18 Year or Zacapa 23. The aged rum complements those sweet tobacco notes and doesn’t overpower the more subtle flavors in the second third. The slight vanilla and caramel notes in aged rum create this beautiful interplay with the cigar’s natural sweetness.
That said, I’ve had brilliant sessions pairing this with a peaty Islay scotch – Laphroaig 10 Year specifically. The smoke-on-smoke action might sound like overkill, but the maritime, medicinal qualities of the scotch actually highlight the earthier aspects of the tobacco. It’s not for everyone, though. My buddy Carlos tried this combination and thought I’d lost my mind.
Coffee works surprisingly well too, especially if you’re smoking this earlier in the day. A Cuban coffee or strong espresso cuts through the creaminess and keeps your palate fresh between draws. Time of day? This is an evening cigar for me. After dinner, preferably when you’ve got nowhere to be and nothing urgent demanding your attention. It demands – and deserves – your full focus.
How long should I age the Montecristo Robustos Limited Edition 2006?
Well, they’re already nearly 20 years old at this point, so if you’ve got one, it’s ready to smoke now. I’d argue these hit their peak around the 10-15 year mark, but they’re still smoking beautifully today if they’ve been stored properly. Just make sure your humidity levels have been consistent – these older cigars don’t forgive storage mistakes.
Is this stronger than a regular Montecristo No. 4?
Yeah, noticeably so. The No. 4 sits comfortably in medium territory, while this limited edition pushes into medium-full, especially in the final third. Not a huge jump, but enough that if you’re sensitive to nicotine, you’ll want to smoke this on a full stomach.
What makes limited edition Montecristos different from regular production?
Longer aged tobacco, more selective wrapper leaves, and typically more attention to quality control during production. The limited editions use tobacco that’s been set aside specifically for these releases – usually with more aging time than the standard lines get. You can taste the difference, though whether it’s worth the premium is a personal call.
Can I still find these anywhere?
Good luck, honestly. Limited edition releases from 2006 are mostly long gone from retail. Your best bet is private collectors or auction sites, but you’ll pay a premium and you need to be careful about authenticity and storage history. If someone’s offering you a box at a “great deal,” be skeptical. Very skeptical.
How should I store these if I have some left?
Same as any Cuban – 65-70% humidity, around 65-68°F temperature. At this age, I personally keep mine at the lower end of that humidity range, around 65%, because they smoke better slightly drier. And for crying out loud, don’t store them with flavored cigars or anything else that might contaminate that beautiful aged tobacco character.
What’s the best time to smoke this cigar?
Evening, after a good meal, when you’ve got at least 90 minutes of uninterrupted time. This isn’t a cigar you rush through while checking your phone. Pour yourself something worth sipping, sit somewhere comfortable, and actually pay attention to what you’re smoking. That’s when this cigar really shows you what it can do.
How does this compare to other 2006 limited editions from different brands?
The 2006 releases were generally strong across multiple brands – it was a good year for limited editions. That said, this Montecristo holds its own against anything else from that year. The Cohiba Sublime from 2006 gets more attention, but I’d put this robusto right up there in terms of construction quality and flavor complexity. Personal preference plays a huge role, but don’t sleep on this one just because it doesn’t have the same name recognition.
Final Verdict
The Montecristo Robustos Limited Edition 2006 represents everything a special release should be – distinctive tobacco, impeccable construction, and a smoking experience that justifies the “limited” designation. If you’re fortunate enough to have one in your humidor, stop saving it for some mythical perfect occasion. The perfect occasion is when you’ve got the time and headspace to appreciate what you’re smoking. Light it up, pay attention, and enjoy one of the better robustos to come out of Cuba in the last twenty years. I genuinely wish I’d bought three boxes instead of one. Some cigars you remember. This is one of them.
