AshMap
Overview
There is a certain arrogance to the 60-ring gauge, a declaration that the smoker has time, patience, and a palate that doesn't need to be coddled. The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 wears this girth not as a gimmick, but as a canvas. From the first cold draw, the message is clear: this is not a cigar that will shout at you; it will speak in low, resonant tones, demanding you lean in. The Colorado Maduro wrapper, dark as wet river stone and textured like fine suede, offers a pre-light whisper of dark cherry and unsweetened cocoa, a promise of the depth to come. This is the Maximus line's quiet rebellion—a Dominican maduro that refuses to rely on the brute force of Nicaraguan leaf, instead building its power through layering and restraint, a hallmark of the MATASA factory's refined approach.
The first third unfolds with the deliberate pace of a slow-cooked reduction. Rich dark cocoa and a sharp, clean espresso shot land first, but they are immediately joined by a gentle, almost floral sweetness from the Broadleaf wrapper—not cloying, but a refined sugar cane note that dances around the bitter edges. A dry cedar plank and a faint, tart dried cherry cut through the creaminess, which itself is velvety and substantial, coating the palate like a heavy blanket. The smoke is thick, almost chewy, and the retrohale is surprisingly clean for a cigar of this stature, offering just a hint of white pepper that signals the journey ahead. It is a masterclass in balance; the power is present, a coiled muscle, but it is the elegance of the flavor delivery that captivates.
As the ash holds its dense, grey column, the second third deepens the narrative. The espresso transforms into a darker, more roasted coffee bean, while the chocolate shifts from cocoa to a bittersweet, nearly black variety. A seasoned leather note emerges, not the raw hide of a new boot, but the supple, worn armrest of a library chair. The sweetness persists, but it matures, now mingling with toasted walnuts and almonds, adding a savory, nutty complexity that grounds the profile. An earthy thread, like damp forest floor after a rain, begins to weave through the core, providing a counterpoint to the lingering sugar. The strength has built to a solid medium-full, a gentle pressure at the back of the throat, but the balance remains impeccable—each element in conversation, none dominating.
The final third is a study in resolution. The espresso intensifies to a near-espresso shot strength, while dark molasses replaces the lighter sweetness, adding a deep, almost savory caramel depth. The pepper on the retrohale becomes more pronounced, a pleasant, warming tingle that clears the sinuses. The sweetness recedes, allowing the earthy and woody undertones—think oak and worn leather—to take the lead and close the experience with a firm, authoritative grip. There is no harshness, no bitterness, just a long, satisfying finish that lingers on the palate, a testament to the quality of the aged Dominican fillers. The No. 5 doesn't just end; it concludes, leaving the smoker in a state of contemplative satisfaction, having witnessed a complete and perfectly paced performance.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican |
| Filler | Dominican long-leaf aged tobaccos, blended for balance and complexity |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — General Cigar / MATASA factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 5.5 x 60 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $20–$25 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper undergoes extended fermentation contributing to its maduro |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with rich dark cocoa and espresso, underscored by a gentle sweetness from the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Cedar and a hint of dried cherry emerge as the foot warms, with a creamy, velvety texture on the palate.
Second Third
The profile deepens into dark roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate, and seasoned leather. A subtle earthiness threads through, balanced by lingering sweetness and notes of toasted nuts — walnut and almond specifically.
Final Third
Finishes with intensified espresso, dark molasses, and a pleasant pepper on the retrohale. The sweetness recedes slightly, allowing earthy and woody undertones to close the experience with authority, never turning harsh.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably excellent — the draw is open yet with just enough resistance, producing thick, creamy smoke. The burn line is even, and the ash holds firm in dense, light grey columns consistent with well-aged Dominican fillers.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — particularly Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23 — or a 12–15 year Speyside Scotch such as Glenfarclas 15
Wine
Amarone della Valpolicella or a ripe California Zinfandel with jammy dark fruit to match the wrapper's inherent sweetness
Non-Alcoholic
A double shot ristretto or cold brew concentrate — the coffee's natural bitterness mirrors the espresso notes in the final third beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a humidor full of bold, peppery Nicaraguans and finds themselves reaching for the same profiles, craving a change of pace. It's for a specific evening—perhaps a quiet Sunday after a long week, when the house is finally still and the last of the autumn light is fading. You're someone who appreciates the nuance of a well-aged Dominican blend, who has graduated from chasing strength to savoring complexity. You enjoy a fine single malt or a rich, aged rum, not as an afterthought, but as a deliberate pairing. This cigar is for the smoker who wants to slow down, to spend 70 unhurried minutes with a single, evolving flavor story, and who understands that true power is often expressed in a whisper, not a shout. It will reward your patience with a masterclass in balance and refinement.
Bottom Line
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 is a triumph of restraint, a Dominican maduro that delivers profound depth and complexity without ever resorting to brute force. It is a refined, contemplative smoke that earns its premium price through flawless construction and a perfectly paced flavor arc. This is a cigar for the aficionado who knows that true power lies in nuance.
Similar Cigars
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5). Physically, this translates to a noticeable but not overwhelming nicotine presence that builds gradually. You'll feel a pleasant, warming sensation by the final third, but it never becomes harsh or punishing, making it a good choice for a seasoned smoker seeking a substantial, yet refined, experience.
What does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 taste like?
The flavor profile is a progression. It opens with rich dark cocoa, espresso, and a gentle sweetness with hints of cedar and dried cherry. The middle third deepens into dark roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate, seasoned leather, and toasted walnuts. It finishes with intensified espresso, dark molasses, and a pleasant white pepper on the retrohale, with earthy and woody undertones.
How long does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 take to smoke?
As a 5.5 x 60 Robusto, you should expect a smoking time of 60 to 75 minutes. The 60-ring gauge and dense filler require a slow, deliberate pace to keep the burn cool and the flavors well-developed, so it's not a cigar to rush.
What is the best pairing for Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5?
An aged rum like Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23 is an ideal match. The rum's inherent sweetness and notes of dark fruit, caramel, and oak complement the cigar's own molasses and cocoa notes, while its smooth, warm finish mirrors the cigar's creamy texture and gentle strength without overpowering it.
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 good for beginners?
No, this is not a beginner's cigar. With a Medium-Full strength rating and a price point of $20–$25 per cigar, it is an investment best suited for a smoker with enough experience to appreciate its subtle shifts in flavor and to handle its nicotine delivery. A novice might find the strength challenging and miss the nuanced complexity that defines this blend.
Where can I buy Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5?
As a premium, high-end cigar, it is best purchased from a reputable brick-and-mortar tobacconist that carries a curated selection of top-tier brands. It can also be found at established online cigar retailers that specialize in premium products, but be sure to verify the seller's authenticity and storage practices.
What is the price of Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5?
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 is positioned in the premium tier, with a retail price typically ranging from $20 to $25 per cigar. This price reflects the use of aged, high-quality Dominican long-fillers and a specially fermented Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, as well as the meticulous hand-rolling process at the MATASA factory.
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling and the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper undergoes extended fermentation, this cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. However, it possesses the structural integrity and balance to benefit from additional humidor time. A year or two of rest could further meld the flavors and soften the pepper on the retrohale, potentially adding an extra layer of roundness to the profile.
What wrapper does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 use?
It uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, specifically in a Colorado Maduro shade. This wrapper is known for its deep, dark color and toothy texture. The extended fermentation process it undergoes contributes a distinct, natural sweetness and rich, earthy character that is the signature of the Maximus line, setting it apart from the original Diamond Crown.
Where is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 made?
It is hand-rolled in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at the renowned General Cigar / MATASA factory. This is the same facility known for its meticulous production standards and is part of the Fuente-adjacent tradition, ensuring a high level of construction quality and consistency that is expected from a cigar in this tier.