AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about an inch into the Montecristo No. 2, when the tapered tip gives way to the full shoulder of the piramide, and the smoke shifts from a polite introduction to a full-throated declaration. That is the moment this cigar stops being a cigar and becomes a conversation. It is the benchmark, the reference point, the one against which every other torpedo is measured—not because it is the boldest or the most exotic, but because it achieves a balance so precise that it feels less like blending and more like alchemy. The pre-light draw offers a whisper of cedar and hay, a promise of restraint that the first third honors with a refined, almost architectural precision: roasted almond, clean cedar, and a creaminess that coats the palate like fresh dairy, while a delicate white pepper tingles on the retrohale, never aggressive, always present. This is Cuban tobacco at its most composed, a foundation laid with the confidence of a master builder who knows exactly where the structure is headed.
As the burn crosses the shoulder, the cigar opens up—literally and figuratively. The draw becomes more generous, and with it comes a bloom of complexity that feels earned. Dark chocolate emerges, not the sugary kind but the bitter, high-cacao variety, layered over dried fig and a seasoned leather that carries a subtle, almost barnyard sweetness. The cedar evolves into sandalwood, warmer and more aromatic, while a light caramel sweetness develops mid-palate, balancing the earthiness that has been the quiet backbone since the first puff. This is the heart of the No. 2, the section where the blend's two-year in-factory aging becomes evident: the flavors are not just present but integrated, each note supporting the next without a single one shouting for attention. The smoke is dense, aromatic, and carries a retrohale clarity that reveals the craftsmanship of the Vuelta Abajo leaves.
The final third is where the Montecristo No. 2 delivers its signature punch—a controlled strength increase that materializes like a firm hand on the shoulder. Espresso and cocoa powder take center stage, joined by a warming spice that recalls clove and black pepper, yet the creaminess persists, a thread of silk running through the growing intensity. The finish is long, dry, and elegantly bitter, with lingering almond and leather that stay on the palate long after the nub has cooled. This is not a cigar that fades; it concludes, with the same deliberate grace that marked its opening. The burn throughout is exemplary—an even, slow ribbon of ash that holds firm past an inch, a testament to the hand-rolling skill at the H. Upmann factory. It demands 75 to 90 minutes of focused attention, and it rewards that attention with a narrative arc that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Criollo '98 (Vuelta Abajo, Cuba) — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Seco and Ligero leaves, Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Seco, Volado, and Ligero from Vuelta Abajo; long-filler construction, aged a minimum of two years in-factory |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — H. Upmann factory (La Corona), hand-rolled by Habanos S.A. |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Piramide) |
| Size | 6.125 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $30–$42 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers; market prices vary by region and duty) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two years in-factory aging mandated by Habanos S.A. protocol; further box aging of 3–5 years rewards patience wi |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered draw opens with a refined cedar and roasted almond profile, underscored by a clean creaminess that is the hallmark of well-aged Cuban tobacco. Light toasted bread notes emerge alongside a delicate white pepper tingle on the retrohale. Mild earthiness establishes the foundation without ever becoming heavy.
Second Third
As the ring gauge opens up through the shoulder of the torpedo, complexity blooms — dark chocolate and dried fig emerge, layered over seasoned leather and a subtle barnyard sweetness. The draw becomes more generous, projecting rich, full smoke. A light caramel sweetness develops mid-palate, with the cedar evolving into sandalwood.
Final Third
The final act brings espresso, cocoa powder, and a warming spice reminiscent of clove and black pepper. The classic Cuban 'punch' materializes — a controlled strength increase that never overwhelms. Creaminess persists through the nub, and the finish is long, dry, and elegantly bitter with lingering almond and leather.
Construction, Burn & Draw
When properly humidified at 65–68% RH, construction is exemplary — the handmade torpedo produces an even, slow-burning ribbon of ash that holds firm past an inch. Draw is precise and slightly resistant, as Cuban piramides are meant to be, generating dense, aromatic smoke with excellent retrohale clarity.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban or Barbadian rum — Zacapa 23, Ron Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, or a 15-year Barbancourt; alternatively, a lightly peated Speyside Scotch such as Glenfarclas 15 or Balvenie DoubleWood 17
Wine
A structured yet elegant Rioja Gran Reserva (Muga or Marqués de Murrieta) or a Bordeaux-blend from Pessac-Léognan — the cedar and dried fruit in the cigar mirrors the wine beautifully
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin pour-over from Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or a classic Cuban café cortado — the brightness of the coffee mirrors the almond and chocolate notes without competing
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has moved past the need for novelty, who has a humidor stocked with experiments and has learned that true mastery lies in restraint. Picture a man in his late forties, a Tuesday afternoon, the office cleared of obligations, sitting on a quiet patio with a view of nothing in particular. He has smoked through the bold Nicaraguans and the peppery broadleafs, and he now craves something that whispers rather than shouts. He is familiar with the Montecristo name but has never given the No. 2 the time it deserves—he has always rushed it, treated it as a quick smoke between meetings. Today, he has no meetings. He lights it slowly, lets the first third settle him, and by the time the chocolate and fig arrive, he understands why this cigar has endured for decades. It gives him not a new experience but a deeper one, a reminder that the classics are classic for a reason. He finishes it with the quiet satisfaction of a man who has just reconnected with an old friend.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo No. 2 is not just the benchmark for Cuban piramides; it is the definition of the format itself. Buy a box, age it five years, and you will understand why this cigar has been the reference point for generations. There is no higher recommendation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Montecristo No. 2 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecristo No. 2 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this means it provides a satisfying nicotine presence that builds gradually through the final third—the classic 'Cuban punch'—but it never overwhelms or causes dizziness for an experienced smoker. It is robust enough to be satisfying after a meal, yet gentle enough to allow the flavor nuances to shine without being masked by strength.
What does Montecristo No. 2 taste like?
The flavor profile evolves in three distinct acts. The first third offers refined cedar, roasted almond, and a clean creaminess with a delicate white pepper tingle on the retrohale. The second third introduces dark chocolate, dried fig, seasoned leather, and a subtle barnyard sweetness, with the cedar evolving into sandalwood and a light caramel sweetness on the mid-palate. The final third brings espresso, cocoa powder, and a warming spice of clove and black pepper, finishing with a long, dry, elegantly bitter note of almond and leather.
How long does Montecristo No. 2 take to smoke?
Plan for 75 to 90 minutes of unhurried smoking time. The Torpedo (Piramide) vitola at 6.125 x 52 inches has a substantial ring gauge that, combined with the tapered head, requires a slow, deliberate burn to fully appreciate the flavor progression. Rushing it will result in overheating and a loss of the subtle creaminess that defines this cigar.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo No. 2?
For spirits, an aged Cuban or Barbadian rum such as Zacapa 23 or Ron Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is ideal—the natural sweetness of the rum mirrors the caramel and dried fig notes without overpowering the cigar's medium body. For wine, a structured yet elegant Rioja Gran Reserva from Muga or Marqués de Murrieta works beautifully, as the wine's cedar and dried fruit notes directly complement the cigar's core profile. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a single-origin pour-over from Ethiopian Yirgacheffe offers bright, floral acidity that cuts through the creaminess and highlights the almond and chocolate notes.
Is Montecristo No. 2 good for beginners?
Honestly, no—not as a first cigar. While the strength is Medium (3/5) and manageable, the $30–$42 per cigar price point (LCDH and authorized retailers; market prices vary by region and duty) makes it a costly learning tool, and the flavor profile is subtle enough that a novice palate may miss the nuances that make it exceptional. Beginners should start with milder, more affordable Cubans like a Montecristo No. 4 or Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, and graduate to the No. 2 once they can identify individual flavor notes and appreciate a slow, deliberate smoking pace.
Where can I buy Montecristo No. 2?
The Montecristo No. 2 is available exclusively through authorized Habanos S.A. distributors. Your best bet is a La Casa del Habano (LCDH) franchise store, which carries the full range of Cuban cigars with guaranteed authenticity. Authorized online retailers that ship to your region are also an option, but be wary of counterfeiters—always verify that the retailer is listed on Habanos S.A.'s official distributor list for your country. Prices and availability vary by region due to local duties and import taxes.
What is the price of Montecristo No. 2?
Expect to pay between $30 and $42 per cigar at LCDH and authorized retailers. Market prices vary significantly by region and duty—in countries with high tobacco taxes like the UK or Australia, prices can exceed $50 per stick, while in duty-free zones or lower-tax regions like Switzerland or Andorra, you may find them closer to the $30 mark. Buying by the box (typically 25 cigars) often provides a slight per-stick discount.
Is Montecristo No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely—this is a cigar that transforms with time. Habanos S.A. mandates a minimum of two years of in-factory aging before release, which means even a fresh box is already well-rested. However, further box aging of 3–5 years rewards patience significantly: the harsh edges of the young tobacco soften, the creaminess deepens, and the cedar and almond notes evolve into a more complex sandalwood and dried fruit profile. A properly aged No. 2 (5+ years) is a transcendent experience, with the strength mellowing and the flavors becoming more integrated and refined.
What wrapper does Montecristo No. 2 use?
The Montecristo No. 2 uses a Cuban Criollo '98 wrapper grown in the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba. This wrapper is shade-grown and classified as Colorado color—a medium brown with a silky texture and subtle natural sheen. The Criollo '98 leaf is prized for its aromatic complexity and its ability to burn evenly, contributing notes of cedar and a delicate sweetness that underpins the entire blend. The Colorado shade indicates a wrapper that has matured to a point where it offers both flavor depth and a refined, non-oily appearance.
Where is Montecristo No. 2 made?
The Montecristo No. 2 is hand-rolled entirely by hand (tripa larga, totalmente a mano) at the H. Upmann factory in Havana, Cuba, which is operated by Habanos S.A. This factory is one of the most historic in Cuba, and the production of the No. 2's tapered torpedo head requires exceptional rolling skill—it is considered one of the benchmarks of Cuban piramide construction. The binder uses Cuban Seco and Ligero leaves from Vuelta Abajo, while the long-filler blend combines Seco, Volado, and Ligero leaves from the same region, aged a minimum of two years in-factory before rolling.