Montecristo Robustos Limited Edition 2006 – 2000 VINTAGE

Description

The Montecristo Robusto Edición Limitada 2006 represents a pivotal moment in Cuban cigar history. Originally released in 2000 as part of the inaugural Edición Limitada program, this Robusto proved so successful that Habanos S.A. reissued it in 2006 to celebrate the program’s fifth anniversary. The darker wrapper—grown specifically for limited edition releases and aged minimum two years—delivers more intensity than standard Montecristo production. Now approaching two decades of age, surviving examples have developed complexity that only time creates. This is Montecristo amplified, refined by years in the humidor.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The EL 2006 opens with authority. Dark cocoa and cedar announce themselves immediately—classic Montecristo signatures intensified by the aged wrapper. Leather appears early, rich and sophisticated. The pre-light draw offers dried hay and fig sweetness, promises the tobacco keeps once lit. Pepper emerges on the retrohale, present but controlled. Earth notes establish the foundation while cream smooths the delivery. The body arrives at solid medium-full from the first draws; this is not a cigar that builds gradually. The darker wrapper adds kick that standard production Montecristos don’t possess.

Mid-Section: The heart rewards patience. That signature Cuban twang emerges—sourdough acidity that balances richness perfectly. Coffee transforms from roasted to espresso intensity. Almond evolves into toasted walnut, the nut notes deepening with each draw. Honey sweetness appears, counterpoint to the building earth. The burn runs true, ash holding firm in light grey columns. Aged examples show remarkable smoothness; the two decades have integrated flavors that younger cigars present separately. This middle section demonstrates why the EL 2006 earned its reissue—complexity at the highest level.

Final Third: The conclusion intensifies without harshness. Earth and leather dominate, the cigar showing full body while maintaining refinement. Coffee notes persist, now darker and more intense. The pepper returns with purpose, a pleasant tingle that confirms strength without aggression. Wood notes become more pronounced—oak joining cedar. The finish extends remarkably, flavors lingering long after each draw. Properly aged examples never turn bitter; they end as they began, powerful and sophisticated.

Flavor Profile

The Edición Limitada Program

Habanos S.A. launched the Edición Limitada program in 2000, requiring all tobaccos to be aged minimum two years before rolling. The darker wrappers distinguish these releases visually while signaling increased intensity. The Montecristo Robusto was part of the debut class alongside the Cohiba Pirámides and Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares. Its success led to the 2006 reissue celebrating the program’s fifth anniversary. Today, the EL program remains Cuba’s showcase for special releases, with each year bringing new vitolas unavailable in standard production. The 2006 Robusto exemplifies what the program achieves: familiar brands elevated through extended aging and careful wrapper selection.

Perfect Pairings

• Cognac: VSOP or XO—the cigar’s complexity deserves refined spirit.
• Single Malt: Sherried Scotch—dried fruit notes complement the tobacco.
• Espresso: Double shot—reinforcing the cigar’s coffee core.
• Dark Rum: Aged añejo with caramel notes to balance the intensity.

Ideal For

The Montecristo Robusto EL 2006 suits collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate aged Cuban tobacco. Surviving boxes represent genuine vintage—nearly two decades of maturation that cannot be replicated. At 45-60 minutes, the Robusto format provides substantial experience without marathon commitment. This is an evening cigar for reflection, for occasions when quality matters more than speed. Those fortunate enough to find boxes should purchase without hesitation; aged Edición Limitadas only become scarcer and more valuable. For Montecristo devotees, the EL 2006 demonstrates the brand at elevated intensity—familiar character amplified by time and careful tobacco selection.

Vintage Note: These cigars have aged magnificently. If you find examples with proper storage history, expect integrated flavors, softened edges, and complexity that younger cigars cannot match. True vintage Cuban tobacco at prices that reflect its rarity.