AshMap
Overview
The Montecristo No. 2 is the undisputed sovereign of the torpedo vitola—a pirámide that has defined the category since its introduction in 1935. Rolled entirely by hand in the historic H. Upmann factory within Havana’s Partagás complex, this is a cigar built around a single, uncompromising idea: that the tapered head and broad foot of the pirámide format, when executed by Cuba’s most experienced torcedores, can deliver the most concentrated and progressive smoking experience in the premium cigar world. The construction alone commands respect—forming a flawless, symmetrical taper is one of the most technically demanding skills in the industry, and only senior rollers are entrusted with the No. 2. The result is a vitola that breathes with intention: the open foot delivers a focused burst of flavor from the first light, and as the taper narrows, the smoke column condenses, intensifying every note as the journey progresses. The wrapper is a Vuelta Abajo Habano Colorado leaf—a rich chestnut brown with a silken texture and a faint natural oiliness that hints at the complexity within. Beneath it lies a binder of Vuelta Abajo seco and a filler blend that combines seco, volado, and ligero leaves, aged per Habanos S.A. protocol. This is not a cigar of brute force; rather, it is a study in balance and evolution. The first third opens with roasted cedar, white pepper on the retrohale, and a creamy undertone of toasted almonds, all framed by fresh hay and subtle floral tobacco that speaks directly to the Vuelta Abajo terroir. By the second third, the No. 2 earns its legendary status: dark cocoa, dried stone fruit, aged leather, and a savory espresso bitterness emerge, while the retrohale sharpens with earthy minerality and a whisper of barnyard that aficionados prize in mature Cuban tobacco. The final third intensifies without aggression—dark chocolate, roasted coffee, cedar sap, and a long, lingering spice on the finish—while nicotine presence climbs noticeably. Aged examples, particularly those with five or more years of rest, develop a dried apricot sweetness and a silky finish that is among the most satisfying conclusions in all of cigar smoking. This is the benchmark torpedo against which all others are measured, and while Cuban consistency has had its documented challenges, a properly stored, well-aged No. 2 from an authorized source remains a transcendent experience—one that no Nicaraguan or Dominican equivalent has fully replicated.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — Habano Colorado — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo seco leaf |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo blend — seco, volado, and ligero leaves, aged per Habanos S.A. protocol |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — H. Upmann factory (Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás complex, now under Habanos S.A.) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Pirámide) |
| Size | 6.1 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $28–$45 per cigar depending on market and duty status |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Habanos S.A. mandates a minimum aging period prior to boxing; individual examples benefit significantly from 3–5 years o |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered foot opens with a focused, concentrated draw that delivers immediate notes of roasted cedar, white pepper on the retrohale, and a creamy creaminess underscored by toasted almonds. Fresh hay and subtle floral tobacco character emerge as the first inch develops, consistent with classic Vuelta Abajo terroir. Strength is restrained early — the pirámide format naturally controls combustion and airflow.
Second Third
This is where the No. 2 earns its legend — complexity blooms into dark cocoa, dried stone fruit (plum, fig), aged leather, and a savory espresso bitterness that is never harsh. The retrohale sharpens with earthy minerality and a whisper of barnyard that aficionados prize in mature Cuban tobacco. Creaminess from the first third integrates beautifully with the mounting body.
Final Third
The final third intensifies without turning aggressive — dark chocolate, roasted coffee, cedar sap, and a long, lingering spice on the finish. Nicotine presence climbs noticeably. Aged examples (5+ years) develop a dried apricot sweetness and a silky finish that is among the most satisfying codas in all of cigar smoking.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exceptional when drawn from a trusted LCDH or authorized retailer with proper stock rotation — the pirámide format provides one of the most even, slow burns in the Cuban portfolio, producing a firm charcoal ash and a cool, focused smoke column. Draw is characteristically Cuban: slightly resistant, which concentrates flavor; never plugged in a properly humidified example.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban or Barbadian rum — Havana Club Añejo 15 Años, Ron Zacapa 23, or a well-rested single malt Scotch from Speyside (Glenfarclas 15 or Aberlour 16) to mirror the dried fruit and spice interplay
Wine
A structured Rioja Gran Reserva (Muga, Marqués de Murrieta) or an aged Ribera del Duero — the tobacco's earthy minerality and leather demand a wine with comparable complexity and tannic backbone
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso, unsweetened — ideally Cuban or Colombian origin with a pronounced dark chocolate and nut profile to shadow the cigar's midpoint flavors
Who Should Smoke This?
The Montecristo No. 2 is for the experienced smoker who understands that great cigars demand time, patience, and attention. It rewards those who have developed a palate capable of parsing the interplay of roasted cedar, dark cocoa, dried stone fruit, and aged leather as they evolve over 90 to 105 minutes. This is a contemplative, ceremonial smoke—best suited to late evenings with minimal distraction, ideally outdoors where the retrohale can be fully appreciated. Beginners may find the tapered format challenging to light and the medium-full strength (4/5) surprising; novices are advised to start with a smaller, more forgiving Montecristo vitola before attempting the No. 2. It is not a cigar for casual social smoking—rather, it is for the solitary moment of reflection or the small gathering of discerning enthusiasts who understand that the pirámide format rewards rest and reverence.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo No. 2 is the most important torpedo in the world—full stop. It is the benchmark against which every other pirámide is measured, and a properly aged example from a trustworthy source delivers a transcendent complexity that no other vitola has yet surpassed.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Montecristo No. 2 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecristo No. 2 a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated medium-full (4/5). Nicotine presence builds noticeably through the final third, but the strength is never harsh—it is a refined, warming intensity that complements the complexity rather than overwhelming it. Smokers with lower nicotine tolerance should approach with caution and a full meal beforehand.
What does Montecristo No. 2 taste like?
The flavor profile evolves dramatically. The first third delivers roasted cedar, white pepper, creamy toasted almonds, and fresh hay. The second third introduces dark cocoa, dried plum and fig, aged leather, and a savory espresso bitterness. The final third deepens into dark chocolate, roasted coffee, cedar sap, and a lingering spice. With aging (5+ years), dried apricot sweetness and a silky finish emerge.
How long does Montecristo No. 2 take to smoke?
Reserve 90 to 105 minutes. The pirámide format provides a slow, even burn, and rushing this cigar diminishes its progressive complexity. It is a contemplative, ceremonial smoke that rewards patience.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo No. 2?
Spirit pairing: aged Cuban or Barbadian rum (Havana Club Añejo 15 Años, Ron Zacapa 23) or a well-rested Speyside single malt Scotch (Glenfarclas 15 or Aberlour 16) to mirror the dried fruit and spice. Wine pairing: a structured Rioja Gran Reserva (Muga, Marqués de Murrieta) or aged Ribera del Duero. Non-alcoholic: a double espresso, unsweetened—ideally Cuban or Colombian origin.
Is Montecristo No. 2 good for beginners?
Generally no. The tapered foot can be difficult to light evenly, and the medium-full strength may be overwhelming for novice palates. Beginners are advised to start with a smaller, more forgiving Montecristo vitola (such as the No. 4 or Open Junior) before attempting the No. 2, which requires developed technique and nicotine tolerance.
Where can I buy Montecristo No. 2?
Only from authorized Habanos S.A. distributors—preferably a La Casa del Habano (LCDH) boutique or a trusted retailer with proper stock rotation and humidity control. Due to global demand and counterfeiting risks, avoid third-party marketplace sellers. Prices range from $28 to $45 per cigar depending on market and duty status.
What is the price of Montecristo No. 2?
The retail price ranges from $28 to $45 per cigar, depending on the market, local taxes, and duty status. Prices are higher in non-Cuban markets due to import tariffs. It falls into Habanos S.A.'s Prestige tier.
Is Montecristo No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. While Habanos S.A. mandates a minimum aging period before boxing, the No. 2 benefits significantly from 3 to 5 additional years of rest. Aged examples develop a dried apricot sweetness, a silky finish, and a more integrated complexity that elevates the smoking experience from excellent to transcendent.
What wrapper does Montecristo No. 2 use?
The wrapper is a Cuban Vuelta Abajo Habano Colorado leaf—shade Colorado, color Colorado—characterized by a rich chestnut brown hue, a silky texture, and a faint natural oiliness. This wrapper is grown exclusively in the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Río, Cuba.
Where is Montecristo No. 2 made?
It is made in Havana, Cuba, at the H. Upmann factory, which now operates under the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás complex under Habanos S.A. Each cigar is rolled totalmente a mano (entirely by hand) by experienced torcedores, as the tapered head of the No. 2 is one of the most technically demanding vitolas in the Cuban portfolio.