AshMap
Overview
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 represents a masterful exercise in restraint and refinement, a maduro that eschews the brute force of its Nicaraguan contemporaries for a more cerebral, Dominican-led complexity. Launched in the early 2000s as the dark-hued sibling to the original Diamond Crown line, the Maximus series was conceived at the MATASA factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic — a facility with deep Fuente family ties — and it wears that heritage with quiet confidence. The No. 5 vitola, a robusto with a commanding 60-ring gauge, is very much a product of its era’s embrace of larger formats, yet it handles the extra real estate with poise, never allowing the increased surface area to overwhelm the blend’s balance.
At the heart of this cigar’s character lies its Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, a leaf that undergoes extended fermentation to achieve its nearly black, Colorado Maduro hue. This wrapper is a study in contradictions: it is toothy and oily to the touch, yet it delivers a sweetness that is remarkably clean, free of the cloying, one-dimensional sugariness that plagues lesser maduros. Beneath it, a Dominican binder and a carefully composed blend of aged Dominican long-leaf fillers provide the structural backbone. The smoking experience unfolds with the precision of a well-orchestrated tasting menu — first, rich dark cocoa and espresso, accented by cedar and dried cherry; then, a deepening into roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate, and seasoned leather, with toasted nuts and a subtle earthiness woven through; finally, a finish of intensified espresso, dark molasses, and a gentle retrohale pepper that closes with authority, never tipping into harshness.
From a construction standpoint, the Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 is reliably exemplary. The draw is open yet resistant enough to encourage a contemplative pace, and the burn line remains razor-straight through a 60 to 75-minute session, producing thick, creamy smoke and dense, light-grey ash. This is not a cigar for the impatient; the 60-ring gauge demands proper humidity and a relaxed mindset, rewarding the smoker who allows the profile to evolve naturally. In a market increasingly dominated by power-forward Nicaraguan blends, the Maximus No. 5 stands as a criminally underrated alternative — a refined, Dominican-forward maduro that offers complexity without punishment.
Spirit pairings such as Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum or a 12 to 15-year Speyside Scotch like Glenfarclas 15 complement the cigar’s inherent sweetness, while an Amarone della Valpolicella or a jammy California Zinfandel mirrors its dark fruit notes. For the aficionado who values lineage and evolution over sheer intensity, the Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 is a quiet triumph — a cigar that proves subtlety can be every bit as powerful as strength.
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 cigar is for the experienced smoker who appreciates complexity over raw power — the aficionado who wants a maduro that is rich and sweet without being cloying. It suits those who enjoy a longer, meditative smoke, ideally on a relaxed weekend afternoon or evening when they can dedicate a full 60–75 minutes without interruption. While it is not punishing, the 60-ring gauge and medium-full strength require some familiarity with larger formats; a beginner might find the draw volume and nicotine delivery demanding. This is a cigar for the connoisseur who values Dominican craftsmanship and a flavor profile that rewards patience, not the thrill-seeker chasing the strongest blend on the shelf.
Bottom Line
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 is a masterclass in the Dominican maduro — refined, balanced, and quietly authoritative. It proves that a big ring gauge and a dark wrapper need not sacrifice elegance. For the aficionado who craves complexity without punishment, this is an essential smoke.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Diamond Crown Maximus cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 a strong cigar?
Rated at 4 out of 5 on our strength scale, it is medium-full — present and satisfying but not overwhelming. It delivers a rich nicotine experience without the aggressive punch of many full-bodied Nicaraguan blends, making it approachable for experienced smokers who want depth without punishment.
What does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 taste like?
The flavor profile opens with rich dark cocoa and espresso, accented by cedar and dried cherry. The middle third deepens into dark roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate, seasoned leather, and toasted walnuts and almonds. The final third intensifies with espresso, dark molasses, and a gentle pepper on the retrohale, with earthy and woody undertones closing the experience.
How long does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 take to smoke?
Plan for a 60 to 75-minute smoke. The 60-ring gauge and densely packed Dominican fillers require a relaxed pace — this is not a cigar to rush. Proper humidity is essential to maintain an even burn and full flavor development.
What is the best pairing for Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5?
Aged rum such as Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Ron Zacapa 23, or a 12–15 year Speyside Scotch like Glenfarclas 15, complement the cigar’s inherent sweetness beautifully. For wine, an Amarone della Valpolicella or a ripe California Zinfandel with jammy dark fruit is ideal. Non-alcoholic: a double shot ristretto or cold brew concentrate mirrors the espresso notes in the final third.
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 good for beginners?
Not ideally. The 60-ring gauge and medium-full strength demand some familiarity with larger formats and nicotine. A beginner might find the draw volume and the cigar’s 60–75 minute commitment challenging. We recommend it for smokers who have developed their palate and are ready for a refined, moderately strong maduro.
Where can I buy Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5?
Diamond Crown Maximus cigars are available at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists, upscale cigar lounges, and select online retailers that carry Dominican premium brands from General Cigar. Given the $20–$25 per cigar price point, we recommend purchasing from authorized dealers to ensure proper storage and authenticity.
What is the price of Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5?
The Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 is priced in the $20 to $25 range per cigar, placing it firmly in the premium tier. This reflects the quality of the aged Dominican long-leaf fillers, the extended-fermentation Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, and the meticulous hand-rolled construction at the MATASA factory in Santiago.
Is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 worth aging?
Yes, but with reasonable expectations. The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, and the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper has undergone extended fermentation. Additional aging of 1–3 years in a stable humidor can further integrate the flavors, softening the pepper and allowing the sweetness and earth notes to meld more harmoniously. It will not transform dramatically, but it will become silkier.
What wrapper does Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 use?
It uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, finished to a deep Colorado Maduro color — nearly black, with a subtle oily sheen and a toothy texture. This wrapper undergoes extended fermentation to develop its characteristic sweetness and rich, dark flavor profile.
Where is Diamond Crown Maximus No. 5 made?
It is made in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at the MATASA factory — a facility with deep connections to the Fuente family and General Cigar. All components, including the Dominican binder and aged Dominican long-leaf fillers, are sourced and rolled within the Dominican Republic.