AshMap
Overview
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3 is a study in quiet confidence—a cigar that doesn’t demand attention but earns it through sheer refinement. Where the original Diamond Crown whispers, the Maximus speaks in a slightly fuller register, yet it never raises its voice. This is the Dominican Republic at its most polished: a 6 x 60 toro that wraps its considerable girth in an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf so silky it feels like brushed satin under the fingers. The pre-light aroma is all sweet hay and faint citrus, hinting at the elegance to come. From the first draw, the smoke is a revelation—voluminous and cool, carrying a creamy brioche sweetness that melts into toasted almond and cedar. The retrohale is a gentle kiss of white pepper, not a sting. By the second third, the profile deepens into salted cashew and a soft barnyard earthiness, with dried apricot adding a fruity counterpoint. The wide ring gauge allows the smoke to build density, and a mild leather note emerges, wrapping the palate in a warm embrace. The final third is a masterclass in restraint: toasted oak, cocoa powder, and vanilla bean linger without ever tipping into bitterness. The strength stays firmly in the mild-medium range, a testament to the three-year-aged Dominican long-fillers that power this blend. Construction is flawless—the draw is effortless, the burn line razor-straight, and the ash holds like a pillar. This is not a cigar for the impatient; it’s a 90-minute meditation, a slow unfurling of flavor that rewards those who let it set the pace. In the Maximus lineup, the No. 3 stands as the most balanced expression—big enough to satisfy modern preferences, yet refined enough to honor the brand’s legacy. It’s a cigar that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t apologize for it.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic long-leaf tobaccos, aged minimum three years |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — General Cigar / MATASA facilities |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 60 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling; box aging recommended for additional complexity |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The draw opens with refined creaminess, toasted almond, and delicate cedar. There is a buttery sweetness upfront reminiscent of fresh brioche, underscored by a whisper of white pepper on the retrohale.
Second Third
Complexity builds gradually with notes of salted cashew, mild barnyard earthiness, and a touch of dried apricot. The smoke becomes denser and more substantial through the wide ring gauge, and a mild leather note begins to assert itself.
Final Third
The final third delivers a warm, lingering sweetness with notes of toasted oak, a hint of cocoa powder, and subtle vanilla bean. Strength remains restrained — no harshness, no bitterness — finishing clean and satisfying.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — a hallmark of General Cigar's Dominican operation. The draw is effortless with optimal resistance, the burn line is nearly razor-straight, and the ash holds firm and pale grey for well over an inch. The 60 ring gauge produces a voluminous, cool smoke throughout.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged aged rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — the sweetness mirrors the cigar's creamy profile without overwhelming it. A light Highland Scotch like Glenmorangie Original also works beautifully.
Wine
A lightly oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy (e.g., Mâcon-Villages) or a Viognier from the Northern Rhône; the fruit-forward, low-tannin character complements rather than competes.
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over or a lightly sweetened café de olla — the cigar's nutty, creamy notes dovetail with low-acidity coffees especially well.
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a collector who has spent years chasing strength—Nicaraguan bombs, peppery maduros—and has recently found himself reaching for milder, more nuanced smokes. He’s sitting on a quiet Sunday afternoon, a cup of café de olla within reach, and he wants something that won’t overpower his thoughts but will keep him company. He’s smoked the original Diamond Crown and found it lovely but a touch too delicate; he craves a bit more body without sacrificing elegance. This is the cigar for that moment. It will give him a slow, contemplative session where each third unfolds like a well-written chapter. He’ll appreciate the flawless construction, the way the ash holds, the gentle evolution of flavors. He’s not looking for a challenge—he’s looking for a companion. The Maximus No. 3 delivers that, with a quiet authority that speaks to his palate’s maturity.
Bottom Line
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3 is a triumph of balance—a big-ring cigar that never feels heavy, a mild smoke that never feels boring. It’s a must-have for anyone who values Dominican craftsmanship at its peak. Buy a box; you’ll want to see how it ages.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Diamond Crown Maximus cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. Physically, you’ll feel a gentle warmth on the palate and a slight relaxation, but no nicotine rush or heaviness. It’s designed for extended sessions without overwhelming the senses.
What does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3 taste like?
The flavor progression moves from creamy brioche, toasted almond, and cedar with white pepper on the retrohale in the first third, to salted cashew, barnyard earth, dried apricot, and mild leather in the second third, finishing with toasted oak, cocoa powder, and vanilla bean.
How long does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3 take to smoke?
Given its 6 x 60 toro vitola, expect a 90 to 105-minute smoke. The wide ring gauge and cool burn encourage a leisurely pace, so plan for at least an hour and a half of uninterrupted time.
What is the best pairing for Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3?
A well-aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is ideal—the sweetness of the rum mirrors the cigar’s creamy, nutty profile without overwhelming it. For a non-alcoholic option, a medium-roast Colombian pour-over or lightly sweetened café de olla complements the low-acidity, nutty notes beautifully.
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3 good for beginners?
Yes, in terms of strength—the mild-medium body is approachable. However, the $18–$24 price point and 90+ minute smoking time may be a lot for a novice. If you’re new to cigars and willing to invest, it’s a gentle introduction to premium Dominican quality, but you might prefer starting with a smaller, less expensive vitola.
Where can I buy Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3?
This is a premium, tier-level cigar, so look for it at high-end tobacconists, specialty cigar lounges, or reputable online retailers like Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, or Holt’s. You can also check the General Cigar website for a store locator.
What is the price of Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3?
The price ranges from $18 to $24 per cigar, depending on your retailer and local taxes. It’s positioned as a super-premium offering, so expect to pay a premium for the craftsmanship and aged tobaccos.
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3 worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years before rolling, but the blend’s balance and the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper will benefit from additional box aging. Over 1–3 years, the creamy notes will deepen, the pepper will mellow further, and the sweetness will become more integrated. Store it at 65–70% humidity and 65–70°F for best results.
What wrapper does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3 use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, which is a natural, silky leaf with a light golden-tan color and minimal veining. This wrapper contributes the signature creaminess, subtle sweetness, and delicate texture that define the cigar’s profile.
Where is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 3 made?
It is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at the General Cigar / MATASA facilities. The construction is a hallmark of that operation, featuring a triple-cap build and a flawless draw that ensures an even burn.