AshMap
Overview
The Montecristo Especial No. 2 occupies a peculiar and enviable position in the Cuban cigar pantheon: it is simultaneously one of the most refined expressions of the Montecristo house and one of the least understood. Rolled at El Laguito—the same storied Havana factory that produces Cohiba—this elegant Laguito No. 2 pyramid represents a masterclass in restraint. Where many premium cigars seek to impress through sheer presence, the Especial No. 2 whispers rather than shouts, demanding the smoker's full attention and rewarding it with layers of complexity that unfold across its 60- to 75-minute duration.
From the first draw, the cigar's architectural elegance becomes apparent. The tapered foot, closed at the cap, opens into a slim 38-ring-gauge profile that concentrates flavors with surgical precision. Initial notes of creamy cedar and white pepper give way to roasted almond and a faint floral whisper, establishing a foundation of mineral cleanliness that characterizes elite Cuban tobacco. The draw, slightly restricted by design, is no impediment for experienced smokers—it is, rather, an invitation to smoke deliberately. The second third deepens considerably into toasted oak, aged leather, and a honey-like sweetness native to well-aged Vuelta Abajo leaf, with dried fruit and espresso emerging as the smoke evolves. The final third intensifies without aggression, roasted coffee and dark spice asserting themselves while the cigar maintains the creamy texture established at the outset.
What distinguishes the Especial No. 2 from its more celebrated Montecristo siblings is not inferiority but difference—a leaner, more disciplined vehicle for the same Cuban terroir. It is unequivocally a cigar for the seasoned aficionado, one whose palate has matured beyond the need for bombast. Construction is meticulous: the burn line remains sharp and even, producing dense, silver-white ash that holds with authority. At the prestige tier, priced between $30 and $45 per cigar, it represents significant value for those patient enough to let it breathe. Should you encounter stock with three or more years of box age, acquisition becomes imperative.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Habano — Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Habano — Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Habano — Vuelta Abajo region, primarily Seco and Ligero leaves, aged a minimum of two years |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — El Laguito factory (Fábrica El Laguito) |
| Vitola / Shape | Laguito No. 2 (Pyramid/Torpedo) |
| Size | 6.0 x 38 (tapered to approximately 52 at foot) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $30–$45 per cigar (depending on market, duty, and region) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two years on tobacco prior to rolling; benefits significantly from additional box aging of three to five years p |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered foot delivers an immediate elegance — creamy cedar and white pepper open the palate, followed by dry roasted almonds and a faint floral note. The draw, slightly restricted by design given the slim ring gauge, concentrates the flavors beautifully into a refined, focused smoke. Earth tones are restrained but present, providing a clean, mineral backbone.
Second Third
The midpoint deepens considerably into toasted oak, aged leather, and a pronounced honey-like sweetness that is characteristic of well-aged Cuban tobacco. A subtle dried fruit note — think golden raisin rather than dark fruit — emerges alongside fresh espresso and a whisper of cocoa. Complexity here is the defining quality; the smoke evolves with each puff without becoming aggressive.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with more pronounced roasted coffee and dark spice while retaining the creamy texture that has defined the smoke throughout. Cedar and leather become more assertive, and a long, dry finish with fine tannins lingers. Strength ticks upward but never overwhelms — this remains a medium cigar right to the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction at El Laguito is meticulous; the burn line is sharp and even, producing a dense, silver-white ash that holds firm past the inch mark. The slim ring gauge demands a measured, unhurried draw — experienced smokers appreciate the discipline it requires, though novices may find it more restrictive than a standard vitola.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban-style rum — Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva; alternatively a very light, floral single malt such as Glenmorangie Original 10-Year complements without overwhelming the delicate profile
Wine
A refined, aged white Burgundy — Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet — mirrors the cigar's creaminess and oak notes; for red lovers, a restrained Rioja Reserva (Tempranillo-dominant) is a classic Spanish pairing that won't eclipse the tobacco
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe filter coffee — light-roasted to preserve floral and honey notes — echoes the cigar's own floral and honey characteristics with remarkable synergy
Who Should Smoke This?
The Montecristo Especial No. 2 is expressly for the seasoned cigar enthusiast—someone with years of smoking experience and a refined palate capable of appreciating subtlety over spectacle. This is not an introduction to premium cigars; it demands discipline and patience. The slim ring gauge and concentrated profile reward unhurried, focused smoking in quiet settings: a solitary evening, a contemplative afternoon, an intimate one-on-one conversation. Social smokers accustomed to robust, fuller-bodied cigars may find it restrictive. But for the aficionado who has graduated to appreciating restraint as a virtue, who understands that complexity need not announce itself loudly, the Especial No. 2 becomes indispensable.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo Especial No. 2 is Montecristo's most underappreciated format—a lean, elegant pyramid that proves Cuban excellence transcends strength and size. For the disciplined smoker, it is essential.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Montecristo cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Montecristo Especial No. 2 a strong cigar?
No. It is classified as medium strength (3/5), and it remains so throughout the smoke. While strength does tick upward slightly in the final third, it never overwhelms—this is a cigar defined by refinement and balance, not power.
What does the Montecristo Especial No. 2 taste like?
The first third opens with creamy cedar, white pepper, roasted almond, and subtle florals. The second third deepens into toasted oak, aged leather, honey, dried fruit, and espresso with cocoa undertones. The final third intensifies with roasted coffee and dark spice while maintaining creaminess and cedar. Complexity and evolution define the profile.
How long does the Montecristo Especial No. 2 take to smoke?
Expect 60 to 75 minutes. The slim 38-ring-gauge demands a measured, deliberate pace—this is not a cigar to rush through.
What is the best pairing for the Montecristo Especial No. 2?
Aged Cuban rum such as Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva or a light, floral single malt like Glenmorangie Original 10-Year complement beautifully. For wine, an aged white Burgundy (Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet) mirrors the creamy oak notes, or a restrained Rioja Reserva for red lovers. A light-roasted Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee echoes the cigar's floral and honey characteristics with remarkable synergy.
Is the Montecristo Especial No. 2 good for beginners?
No. The slim ring gauge, restricted draw, and demand for disciplined, undivided attention make it poorly suited for novices. This cigar rewards experience and palate sophistication. Beginners should develop their smoking foundation with more forgiving vitolas before attempting this one.
Where can I buy the Montecristo Especial No. 2?
As a Cuban cigar, availability depends on your region's import regulations. Licensed Cuban retailers and authorized Habanos distributors carry it where legal. Pricing and stock vary significantly by market and duty structures.
What is the price of the Montecristo Especial No. 2?
The Montecristo Especial No. 2 typically retails between $30 and $45 per cigar, depending on market, local duty, and region. This positions it firmly in the prestige tier.
Is the Montecristo Especial No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. While the cigar is hand-rolled after a minimum of two years of tobacco aging, it benefits significantly from additional box aging of three to five years. If you locate stock with three or more years of age, acquisition becomes imperative. Box aging will further develop complexity and mellowness.
What wrapper does the Montecristo Especial No. 2 use?
A Cuban Habano wrapper from Vuelta Abajo in Pinar del Río, with a medium-brown Colorado shade. It displays a silky texture with subtle natural sheen and fine-grained character—hallmarks of elite Cuban leaf.
Where is the Montecristo Especial No. 2 made?
The Montecristo Especial No. 2 is hand-rolled at Fábrica El Laguito in Havana, Cuba—the same prestigious factory that produces Cohiba. All tobacco—wrapper, binder, and filler—is Cuban Habano from the Vuelta Abajo region.