Montecristo No. 2 — Heritage & History

Montecristo No. 2 was born from a naming dispute. In 1935, the brand's owner, Alonso Menéndez, lost the rights to the name 'H. Upmann' in a legal battle with the Bank of London. Forced to rebrand, Menéndez allegedly drew inspiration from Alexandre Dumas's *The Count of Monte Cristo*, a favorite among the torcedores at his factory. The brand was rolled at the H. Upmann factory (Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás complex, now under Habanos S.A.) in Havana. Its signature vitola, the No. 2 Torpedo, became the standard against which all other figurados are judged. While the No. 2 is the icon, the brand's range shows its depth, from the lighter, grassy No. 4 Petit Corona to the more robust Línea 1935 Dumas, which uses a darker, sun-grown leaf. This breadth, anchored by a single legendary shape, is the brand's defining trait.

Blending Philosophy

Montecristo's blending approach is defined by its use of premium Vuelta Abajo tobaccos from the San Juan y Martínez and San Luis regions, with a focus on the seco and ligero leaves for the filler. The brand's identity is built on a house style that is approachable yet layered, often favoring a slightly lighter wrapper leaf—like the Habano Claro or Natural—to allow the filler's character to shine. The No. 2 Torpedo and the Especial No. 1 demonstrate a commitment to the pirámide format, a shape that requires a master torcedor to roll correctly, ensuring a slow, cool burn that progressively introduces the blend's deeper notes. The Línea 1935 Dumas, with its sun-grown Criollo wrapper, shows a deliberate departure toward a more powerful profile, proving the brand can pivot from its classic medium-bodied core without losing its identity.

Flavor Profile

The Montecristo No. 2 range is anchored by a core of cedar and a distinct earthy sweetness, often described as a dried fruit or raisin note. Smokers can expect a consistent opening of mild white pepper and a subtle nuttiness, which evolves into a creamy leather mid-section. The classic No. 2 Torpedo is medium-full, delivering a dark cocoa bitterness on the retrohale that balances the sweeter notes. The Especial No. 2, a medium-strength smoke, is brighter, with more pronounced notes of fresh cedar and a hint of citrus zest. In contrast, the Línea 1935 Dumas, while still medium, introduces a darker, sun-grown leaf that brings a more pronounced earthiness and a touch of black coffee, showing the range's ability to move from a delicate, floral profile to a more robust, savory one.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Montecristo No. 4 Petit Corona is the ideal entry point. At $18–$28, it is the most accessible in the lineup. Its medium strength and smaller format (approximately 40-45 minutes) make it a manageable introduction. Expect a straightforward profile of cedar, mild leather, and a hint of that signature Montecristo dried fruit sweetness, without the intensity of the larger torpedos.

Montecristo No. 2 Cigar Lineup

Explore 24 Montecristo No. 2 cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Edmundo — Torpedo (Pirámide), Medium-Full · $28–$45 per cigar depending on market and duty status
  • Especial No. 1 — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium · $35–$55 per cigar (LCDH and authorized Cuban retailers; grey market varies widely)
  • Especial No. 1 Lancero — Lancero, Medium · $30–$45 per cigar (LCDH / authorized importers); varies by market
  • Especial No. 2 — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium · $30–$42 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers; market prices vary by region and duty)
  • Especial No. 2 Torpedo — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium · $30–$45 per cigar (LCDH or authorized retailer depending on market; Cuban pricing varies significantly by country)
  • Línea 1935 Dumas — Torpedo, Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • Media Corona — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium · $30–$45 per cigar (depending on market; LCDH and authorized importers vary by region)
  • No. 1 — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium-Full · $45–$60 per cigar (LCDH and international retail); significant variance by market
  • No. 1 Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Medium · $28–$38 per cigar (LCDH / authorized international retail)
  • No. 2 — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium-Full · $28–$38 per cigar (varies significantly by market; UK/EU duty-paid often higher)
  • No. 2 Torpedo — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium · $28–$38 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers); pricing varies significantly by market and duty
  • No. 3 — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium · $30–$50 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers; market pricing highly variable due to Cuban import regulations and reg
  • No. 3 Corona — Torpedo (Piramide), Medium · $35–$55 per cigar (varies by market and duty-free availability; black market premiums apply in the US)
  • No. 4 — Petit Corona, Medium · $18–$28 per cigar depending on market and region
  • No. 4 Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • No. 5 — Torpedo (Pirámide), Medium · $35–$55 per cigar (depending on market and duty)
  • No. 5 Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Open Eagle No. 3 — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Open Eagle Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium · $12–$18 per cigar
  • Open Junior Robusto — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Open Master Toro — Toro, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Petit Edmundo — Petit Robusto, Medium · $18–$24 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers; market pricing varies by region)
  • Petit No. 2 — Petit Torpedo (Short Torpedo / Belicoso), Medium · $12–$18 per cigar
  • Petit No. 2 Torpedito — Petit Torpedo (Torpedito), Medium · $12–$18 per cigar (non-Cuban); $20–$30+ Cuban edition depending on market

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Montecristo No. 2 cigars made?

The Cuban versions are hand-rolled in Havana at the H. Upmann factory, now operating under Habanos S.A. Historically, production has also been associated with the Partagás factory complex. Non-Cuban versions, which share the name but use different tobaccos, are produced in the Dominican Republic at General Cigar's La Romana facility.

What is Montecristo No. 2 known for?

The No. 2 Torpedo is the definitive pirámide, a benchmark for the vitola. It is known for its consistent, medium-full profile of cedar, earth, and dried fruit. The brand's Especial No. 1 and No. 2 are also celebrated for showcasing a lighter, more delicate side of the blend, proving the range's versatility.

Are Montecristo No. 2 cigars strong?

The strength varies across the lineup. The iconic No. 2 Torpedo is rated Medium-Full. The Especial No. 1 and No. 2 are Medium. The No. 5 Petit Corona is Mild-Medium. The Línea 1935 Dumas sits at Medium. This range allows smokers to choose their preferred intensity.

What is the best Montecristo No. 2 cigar for beginners?

The No. 4 Petit Corona is the best choice. Its smaller ring gauge and shorter length (a 40-minute smoke) make it less demanding, while its Medium strength and lower price point ($18–$28) reduce the barrier to entry. It provides a clear introduction to the brand's signature cedar and sweet earth flavors.

How much do Montecristo No. 2 cigars cost?

Pricing varies significantly by market and duty. The core No. 2 Torpedo ranges from $28–$38. The Especial No. 1 is a premium offering at $35–$55. The more affordable Línea 1935 Dumas is $18–$24, and the No. 4 Petit Corona is $18–$28.

What wrapper does Montecristo No. 2 use?

The Cuban editions use a variety of Vuelta Abajo wrapper leaves, including Habano Colorado, Habano Claro/Natural, and sun-grown Criollo '98. The Línea 1935 Dumas specifically uses a sun-grown Criollo. Non-Cuban versions typically use an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade or a Cuban-seed Habano-style wrapper grown in Ecuador or the Dominican Republic.

Are Montecristo No. 2 cigars Cuban?

Yes, the original and most famous Montecristo No. 2 cigars are Cuban, produced by Habanos S.A. at the H. Upmann factory in Havana. However, the brand name is also licensed to General Cigar, which produces its own Montecristo line in the Dominican Republic and Santiago using non-Cuban tobaccos. These are distinctly different cigars.

Where can I buy Montecristo No. 2 cigars?

For authentic Cuban Montecristos, you must purchase from La Casa del Habano (LCDH) franchises or authorized Habanos S.A. retailers outside the United States. In the US, where Cuban cigars are subject to trade embargoes, only the Dominican-made versions are legally available through authorized General Cigar retailers.