About the Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003
The Montecristo C is a 2003 release from the Edicion Limitada program, the annual series Habanos S.A. reserves for cigars rolled with specially selected, aged leaf. Montecristo, born in Havana in 1935, is the most recognized Cuban marque in the world, and this Corona Gorda format gave the brand a slightly thicker, more generous canvas than its everyday lines. Measuring 5.5 inches with a 46 ring gauge and finished in a darker matured wrapper, the cigar has earned a near legendary reputation among collectors, who often describe it as either one of the finest Edicion Limitadas ever issued or a fascinating study in box variation. Either way, a well kept example from this vintage is a genuine piece of modern Habanos history.
Flavor profile by thirds
The first third tends to open soft and creamy, with cedar leading the way alongside a light floral sweetness that reviewers frequently compare to honey. As the cigar moves into the middle, the body fills out and the classic Montecristo character emerges, layering dark chocolate and a gentle earthiness over that cedar base. By the final third the richness deepens toward espresso and cocoa, with notes of toasted oak and a whisper of warm spice. Time has smoothed the edges considerably, so a properly aged stick smokes long and even without ever turning sharp.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban or Dominican rum, whose caramel and oak echo the cigar’s chocolate core.
- A dark espresso or a cup of strong black coffee to amplify the cocoa and roasted notes.
- A lightly peated single malt or a tawny port for those who prefer a richer companion.
Aging and storage
This is a vintage cigar, and the years have already done much of the heavy lifting. Keep it resting between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity in a seasoned humidor, and it will continue to hold and refine its character. Because boxes from this release are known to vary, gentle long term storage tends to round out the leaf and let the chocolate and cedar marry. Avoid sudden swings in temperature or humidity, give any newly arrived cigars a couple of weeks to settle, and you will be rewarded with a calm, mature smoke.
Who it is for
This release speaks to the collector and the seasoned aficionado more than the newcomer. If you appreciate vintage Cuban tobacco, enjoy tracing how a cigar evolves third by third, and value the story behind a discontinued Edicion Limitada, the Montecristo C belongs in your humidor. Those new to Cuban cigars may prefer to learn the Montecristo profile on the regular line first, then return to this vintage to taste what time can do.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003?
It is a Corona Gorda measuring 5.5 inches in length with a 46 ring gauge, slightly thicker than a standard corona.
How strong is this cigar?
It sits in the medium to full range. Years of aging have softened it, so it reads as smooth and balanced rather than aggressive.
Why is the Montecristo C so collectible?
It was a one time 2003 Edicion Limitada release, has long been discontinued, and carries both vintage age and the prestige of the Montecristo marque, which keeps demand high among serious collectors.
Explore more
Browse all Montecristo cigars, see our Montecristo price guide, or try the Montecristo No.2 and Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.
Marie Reynolds –
Very pleased with this Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars. Montecristo quality shines through with earth and nuts flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Paul Price –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of earth and nuts. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Raymond Morgan –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of almonds and honey, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Richard Howard –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Montecristo Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of wood and leather. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Dennis Wallace –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of cedar and coffee, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Steven Ross –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of cocoa and cream, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Irene Cole –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of cedar and coffee, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Jonathan Baker –
Absolutely love this Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars! Montecristo continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with cocoa and cream, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Mildred Pierce –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of cedar and coffee. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Arthur Knight –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of cedar and coffee throughout the 79 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Debra Warren –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of earth and nuts. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Nancy Martin –
Really enjoyed this Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars. Montecristo consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of wood and leather. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Albert Fisher –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 49 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – earth and nuts. Will definitely order more!
Ann Crawford –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Montecristo Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of earth and nuts. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Howard Lynch –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted earth and nuts with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Frances Hunt –
Absolutely love this Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars! Montecristo continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with earth and nuts, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
William Garcia –
Absolutely love this Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars! Montecristo continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with cedar and coffee, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Roy Torres –
The Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars is a respectable cigar. Nice notes of spice and toast, decent construction. However, I found it a bit one-dimensional compared to other Montecristo offerings. Not bad, but there are better options in this price range.
Victor Harper –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of cedar and coffee. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Teresa Myers –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of spice and toast, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Kenneth Brooks –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Montecristo Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of earth and nuts. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!
Marilyn Stone –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from Montecristo. The Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars has good flavor – spice and toast – but didn’t wow me like other Cubans I’ve had. Construction was fine, burn was mostly even. It’s good, just not exceptional. Worth trying though.
Donald Long –
Incredible cigar! The Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars from Montecristo is absolutely exceptional. Smooth, complex, and beautifully balanced. Got wonderful notes of cedar and coffee throughout the smoke. Lasted about 65 minutes. Already ordering another box!
Willie Ford –
Excellent cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars has a refined flavor profile – lots of cedar and coffee. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 57 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Nicholas Allen –
Absolutely love this Montecristo C Edicion Limitada 2003 VINTAGE Cuban Cigars! Montecristo continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with earth and nuts, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!