About the Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001
Montecristo remains the most recognized name in Cuban cigars, and this release captures the brand at its most ambitious. The Double Corona Limited Edition 2001 belongs to the formative years of the Edicion Limitada program, the Habanos series introduced in 2000 to showcase rare vitolas rolled with specially aged tobacco. Presented in the grand Prominentes format and carrying the darker wrapper that defines these limited runs, it brings the classic Montecristo character to an epic 7 5/8 inch scale. Boxes of 25 made it scarce from the start, and surviving examples now carry well over two decades of additional rest in the cedar.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third settles into polished leather and aged cedar, with a savory earthiness that signals a properly matured Habano. As the cigar reaches its middle, roasted nuts and a creamy sweetness emerge, balanced by a slow-building espresso bitterness that never turns harsh. The final third deepens further, the dark coffee notes growing richer alongside hints of molasses and a lingering, woody finish. This is unmistakably a full-bodied smoke, yet the long aging has rounded its edges into something smooth and contemplative.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, whose caramel and oak echo the cigar’s cedar and roasted nut tones.
- A peaty single malt Scotch to stand up to the full body and amplify the leather and earth.
- A small cup of dark, unsweetened espresso that mirrors the coffee notes running through every third.
Aging and storage
A cigar of this stature rewards patience, and much of the work has already been done by time itself. Keep it in a seasoned humidor held near 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a steady temperature around 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. At this maturity the tobacco is delicate, so avoid sudden swings in conditions and let any newly arrived stick settle for a few weeks before lighting. Stored well, a fully aged Edicion Limitada like this holds its character beautifully and continues to gain nuance rather than fade.
Who it is for
This is a smoke for the seasoned aficionado and the serious collector. The full body and generous size call for an experienced palate and a clear stretch of time, since the Prominentes format burns slowly across an hour and a half or more. Anyone who appreciates vintage Habanos, the prestige of the early Edicion Limitada releases, or simply the depth that decades of aging bring to a great cigar will find this one worth the occasion.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001?
It is a Prominentes, the classic Double Corona format, measuring 7.6 inches (194 mm) with a 49 ring gauge.
How strong is this cigar?
It is full-bodied, though years of aging have smoothed its intensity into a rich, balanced profile of leather, cedar, roasted nuts, and dark espresso.
Why is this release so collectible?
It is one of the early Edicion Limitada cigars, a scarce series rolled with specially aged tobacco and released only in limited boxes of 25, making well-kept examples increasingly rare.
Explore more
Browse all Montecristo cigars, see our Montecristo price guide, or try the Montecristo No.2 and Montecristo 80 Aniversario. 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.