About the Montecristo D EL 2005
The Montecristo D Edición Limitada 2005 belongs to Habanos’ most collectible tier, the annual Edición Limitada program reserved for vitolas dressed in specially aged, darker wrappers. Montecristo remains Cuba’s flagship marca, born in 1935 and named for the Dumas novel that captivated the cigar rollers of the era. This release wears the factory name Dalias, a slim Lonsdale measuring 170 mm by a 43 ring gauge, and was presented in varnished 8-9-8 boxes of ten. The wrapper leaf was matured for roughly two years before rolling, giving the D the depth and poise that limited edition collectors prize.
Flavor profile by thirds
This is a medium to full smoke that opens with a spicy, almost chocolaty character and a generous coating of cream across the palate. Through the first third you meet hazelnut and a rich espresso note that lingers on the back of the draw, framed by the signature Habanos earthiness reviewers often describe as fermented loam. The middle picks up nutmeg and a thread of sweet tobacco, while the body firms up toward the band. By the final third the cigar settles into a deeper, woody and coffee-forward register, holding its composure when smoked patiently.
Pairings
- Aged Cuban or Dominican rum, whose molasses sweetness echoes the cigar’s cocoa and cream.
- A short, intense espresso or Cuban cafecito to mirror the natural coffee notes.
- A lightly peated single malt Scotch, which lifts the nutmeg and earthy undertones.
Aging and storage
As a discontinued 2005 Edición Limitada, properly stored examples have had years to marry and round out, and they continue to reward patience. Keep the D at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in a seasoned humidor. Slow, gentle aging softens any youthful edge, deepens the chocolate and coffee tones, and preserves the construction. Avoid sudden swings in temperature or humidity, since aged Limited Edition wrappers are delicate.
Who it is for
This cigar suits the collector and the seasoned smoker who appreciates a slimmer ring gauge that still carries weight. The Lonsdale format burns cooler and more elegantly than a fat robusto, making it a fine choice for an unhurried evening when you want nuance rather than sheer power. Newcomers may find the medium to full body and earthy core demanding, so it rewards a palate already comfortable with traditional Habanos flavor.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Montecristo D EL 2005?
It is a Lonsdale, factory name Dalias, measuring 170 mm (about 6.6 inches) by a 43 ring gauge, packaged in 8-9-8 boxes of ten.
How strong is the Montecristo D Edición Limitada 2005?
It sits in the medium to full range, with spicy, chocolaty and earthy flavors that build gradually rather than overwhelming the palate.
Is this cigar still in production?
No. It was a one-time 2005 Edición Limitada release and is now discontinued, which is part of why it appeals to 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.
Harold Wells –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 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.
Deborah Stewart –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 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!
Shirley Neal –
Good cigar but expected a bit more for the price. The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 delivered on flavor (spice and toast) and construction, but lacked the complexity I was hoping for. Solid smoke, just not outstanding. Still enjoyable.
Jean Stone –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo D EL 2005 delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of wood and leather throughout the 88 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Kathleen Cooper –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo D EL 2005 is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 89 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – cocoa and cream. Will definitely order more!
Philip Mason –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of cedar and coffee. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
Kevin Mitchell –
Very pleased with this Montecristo D EL 2005. Montecristo quality shines through with cedar and coffee flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Donna Campbell –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo D EL 2005 is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 56 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – cedar and coffee. Will definitely order more!
Steven Ross –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of cocoa and cream. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Christopher Wilson –
The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the cocoa and cream notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Gary Wood –
This is hands down one of the best cigars I’ve smoked this year. The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 exceeded all expectations. Rich, creamy smoke with complex notes of cocoa and cream. Construction is perfect, ash holds firm. Worth every penny!
William Garcia –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of almonds and honey. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Carol King –
Great cigar! Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of almonds and honey throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Cheryl Chapman –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo D EL 2005 showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of cedar and coffee. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Timothy Kelly –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo D EL 2005 offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of wood and leather, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Marilyn Stone –
Excellent cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo D EL 2005 has a refined flavor profile – lots of spice and toast. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 84 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Jessica White –
The Montecristo D EL 2005 is a respectable cigar. Nice notes of earth and nuts, 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.
Edward Coleman –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Montecristo really knocked it out of the park with the Montecristo D EL 2005. Rich flavor profile featuring almonds and honey, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Tyler Hill –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo D EL 2005 delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of spice and toast throughout the 80 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Helen Bennett –
Excellent cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo D EL 2005 has a refined flavor profile – lots of cedar and coffee. Draw was perfect and it burned for about 52 minutes. Only minor complaint is it’s slightly strong for my taste, but overall a great smoke.
Elizabeth Taylor –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo D EL 2005 is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of cocoa and cream, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Irene Cole –
Phenomenal smoke! Been enjoying Cuban cigars for years and this Montecristo D EL 2005 is easily one of my favorites. Beautiful wrapper, flawless construction, and about 73 minutes of pure enjoyment. The flavor profile is incredible – wood and leather. Will definitely order more!
Eugene Simpson –
Top-tier quality from Montecristo. The Montecristo D EL 2005 showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of spice and toast. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
Kimberly Roberts –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo D EL 2005 is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of cocoa and cream, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Anna Sanders –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted cocoa and cream with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Lawrence Rose –
A true masterpiece from Montecristo. This Montecristo D EL 2005 is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of spice and toast, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Julia Holmes –
Very pleased with this Montecristo D EL 2005. Montecristo quality shines through with almonds and honey flavors and solid construction. A touch expensive but worth it for special occasions. Good smoke!
Arthur Knight –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of almonds and honey. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Lisa Walker –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted spice and toast with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Joe Fisher –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of almonds and honey. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
James Robinson –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo D EL 2005 offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of earth and nuts, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Kenneth Brooks –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Montecristo really knocked it out of the park with the Montecristo D EL 2005. Rich flavor profile featuring wood and leather, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Sarah Johnson –
Solid cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo D EL 2005 has nice flavors of earth and nuts and good construction. Enjoyed about 72 minutes of smooth smoking. Would recommend, especially for those new to Montecristo.
Joshua Clark –
Absolutely love this Montecristo D EL 2005! Montecristo continues to impress with their quality. Wonderful complexity with spice and toast, smooth creamy smoke, and perfect construction. One of my all-time favorites!
Charles Foster –
Absolutely love this Montecristo D EL 2005! 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!
Alexander Green –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo D EL 2005 offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of wood and leather, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Jennifer Brown –
Really enjoyed this Montecristo D EL 2005. Montecristo consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of spice and toast. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Jeffrey Watson –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo D EL 2005 offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of earth and nuts, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Rose Martinez –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted almonds and honey with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Margaret Butler –
Very good cigar. The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 lives up to its reputation. Beautiful wrapper, good construction, and nice flavor development. Tasted cocoa and cream with a smooth finish. Not the absolute best I’ve had, but definitely solid. Would buy again.
Russell Fox –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Montecristo really knocked it out of the park with the Montecristo D EL 2005. Rich flavor profile featuring wood and leather, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Brenda Gibson –
Great cigar! Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 offers excellent quality and flavor. Notes of wood and leather throughout, good burn, nice draw. Not quite perfect but very close. Will definitely order again!
Robert Martinez –
Absolutely love this Montecristo D EL 2005! 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!
Christine Hayes –
Great smoke for the price. This Montecristo D EL 2005 offers excellent value for a premium Montecristo cigar. Good flavor with notes of almonds and honey, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Janet Gray –
Decent cigar but not my favorite from Montecristo. The Montecristo D EL 2005 has good flavor – cedar and coffee – 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.
Judith Boyd –
Really enjoyed this Montecristo D EL 2005. Montecristo consistently delivers quality and this is no exception. Good complexity with notes of earth and nuts. Construction was solid and burn was even. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for with Cuban cigars. Recommended!
Albert Fisher –
Best cigar I’ve had in a long time! Montecristo really knocked it out of the park with the Montecristo D EL 2005. Rich flavor profile featuring earth and nuts, perfect draw, and excellent burn. Can’t recommend this enough!
Andrew Thompson –
Five stars all the way! The Montecristo Montecristo D EL 2005 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of almonds and honey. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Cynthia Bailey –
Exceptional cigar from Montecristo. The Montecristo D EL 2005 delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of wood and leather throughout the 56 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!