AshMap
Overview
The Montecristo No. 2 is not merely a cigar; it is the archetype of the torpedo, the silhouette that defines aspiration in the humidor. To light one is to engage in a ritual of anticipation, a slow-burning dialogue with a century of Cuban craftsmanship. From the first cold draw, there is a promise of refinement—a whisper of honeyed hay and distant spice that hints at the depth to come. This is the flagship of the Montecristo fleet, a vitola that demands respect not for its brawn, but for its poise. It is the cigar you reach for when the evening itself needs a centerpiece, a benchmark against which all other tapered cigars are quietly, and often unfairly, measured.
The opening act is a study in controlled elegance. The tapered head funnels a stream of toasted almonds and warm cedar directly to the palate, a greeting that is both immediate and composed. Beneath this lies a fresh, almost dairy-like creaminess that softens the edges, while a gentle white pepper tingle on the retrohale provides a subtle, electric wake-up call. A delicate, honey-like sweetness emerges early, not cloying but integrated, weaving through a dry earth and light hay foundation that speaks to the youth of the Vuelta Abajo leaf. It is a first third that is deceptively simple, a masterclass in restraint that sets the stage for a more complex narrative.
As the burn line passes the widest point of the torpedo, the cigar’s true character unfolds. The sweetness recedes, replaced by a robust and deeply satisfying core of rich espresso and dark cocoa. Roasted walnut adds a savory, oily depth, while a distinct leathery mid-note introduces a savory counterpoint to the earlier cream. The hallmark Montecristo earthiness—a dry, mineral-laden terroir note—becomes the anchor, grounding the profile. Threading through this darker, more brooding landscape is a surprising and beautiful floral quality, a hint of dried rose or violet that lifts the blend and prevents it from becoming ponderous. This is the heart of the cigar, where complexity is not just present but purposeful.
The final third is a crescendo of warmth and power, a testament to the blend’s structural integrity. The body builds, but never turns harsh. Dark caramel and mocha notes meld with a building spice of clove and black pepper, creating a long, satisfying finish that coats the palate. The creaminess of the first third returns, but now it is richer, more concentrated, like a crème brûlée that has been reduced to its essence. The finale is long, dry, and woody, with a lingering cocoa powder residue that invites contemplation. It is a complete, symphonic arc, a journey from delicate introduction to powerful resolution, leaving no doubt as to why this remains the world’s most celebrated Cuban format.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo, Habanos S.A. — sun-grown Criollo — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo Criollo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo tripa — seco, volado, and ligero leaves from the Pinar del Río region, aged a minimum of two years |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — H. Upmann factory (formerly La Corona), Habanos S.A. |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Piramide) |
| Size | 6.1 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $30–$45 per cigar (LCDH or authorized retailer depending on market; Cuban pricing varies significantly by country) |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two years on leaf before rolling is standard Habanos protocol; additional post-roll aging of 3–6 months at the f |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The torpedo head delivers an immediate rush of toasted almonds and warm cedar, underpinned by fresh cream and a gentle white pepper tingle on the retrohale. There is an elegant sweetness — almost honey-like — that sets the stage early, balanced by dry earth and light hay characteristic of young Vuelta Abajo leaf.
Second Third
Complexity deepens considerably as the cigar opens up through the widest point of the torpedo. Rich espresso and dark cocoa emerge alongside roasted walnut and a leathery mid-note. The hallmark Montecristo earthiness becomes more pronounced, with aged cedar and a subtle floral quality — dried rose or violet — threading through the profile.
Final Third
The final third brings greater body and warmth without the harshness of a poorly constructed cigar. Dark caramel, mocha, and a spice note — clove and black pepper — build toward a full, satisfying finish. The creaminess of the first third returns in a richer, more concentrated form, and the finish is long, dry, and woody with lingering cocoa.
Construction, Burn & Draw
When properly stored and rested, the No. 2 draws with effortless precision — the entubado bunching technique ensures airflow even through the tapered torpedo. The burn is even and unhurried, producing a dense, firm ash that holds well past an inch; construction is among the most refined in the Habanos portfolio, though vintage variation is a reality with Cuban production.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A well-aged single malt Scotch with coastal character — Oban 14, Dalmore 18, or Highland Park 18 — mirrors the cedar and maritime notes beautifully. Alternatively, a 12-year añejo rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva flatters the sweetness in the profile.
Wine
A structured, earthy Rioja Gran Reserva (Muga or La Rioja Alta '904') or a mature Ribera del Duero complements the leather and dark earth notes without overpowering the cigar's inherent elegance.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso — ideally a Cuban-style cortadito with a touch of raw sugar — is the canonical companion. Alternatively, a dark Chinese pu-erh tea, aged at least 10 years, echoes the earthiness and amplifies the cocoa.
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has spent years chasing rare, limited-edition releases, only to realize that the true measure of a portfolio is its cornerstone. You are a seasoned smoker, comfortable with full-bodied Nicaraguans and refined Cubans alike, but you find yourself in a moment of quiet reflection—perhaps after a significant professional milestone or a long-overdue personal victory. You want a cigar that will not demand your attention with brute force, but will reward it with subtle, evolving layers. You already appreciate the earthy complexity of a Bolivar or the floral notes of a Hoyo de Monterrey, and you are seeking the benchmark that ties them all together. This smoke will give you a 90-minute masterclass in balance, a reminder that true power lies in restraint, and a standard against which you will judge every other torpedo for years to come.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo No. 2 is a non-negotiable benchmark for any serious aficionado. It is a flawless performance of balance and depth, a cigar that justifies its legendary status with every puff. Simply put, it is the definitive Cuban torpedo.
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. This means it offers a substantial, satisfying body and flavor profile without ever becoming overpowering or harsh. The strength builds gradually through the final third, providing a warming sensation rather than a nicotine punch, making it suitable for a long, contemplative session.
What does Montecristo No. 2 taste like?
The flavor profile is a progression. It opens with toasted almonds, warm cedar, fresh cream, and a honey-like sweetness. The middle third deepens into rich espresso, dark cocoa, roasted walnut, and a distinctive leather note, all underpinned by a hallmark dry earthiness. The finale brings dark caramel, mocha, clove, and black pepper, with a return of a richer, more concentrated creaminess.
How long does Montecristo No. 2 take to smoke?
As a Torpedo (Piramide) measuring 6.1 inches with a 52 ring gauge, you should expect a smoking time of approximately 90 minutes. The tapered head and entubado bunching technique ensure a slow, even burn, encouraging a leisurely pace to fully appreciate the evolving flavors.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo No. 2?
For a spirit pairing, a well-aged single malt Scotch with coastal character, such as an Oban 14 or Highland Park 18, is ideal. Its subtle maritime salinity and cedar notes mirror the cigar's own profile, creating a harmonious and elevated experience. Alternatively, a 12-year añejo rum like Ron Zacapa 23 will flatter the cigar's inherent honey and caramel sweetness.
Is Montecristo No. 2 good for beginners?
While the strength is Medium and approachable, the price point of $30–$45 per cigar makes it a significant investment for a novice who may not yet fully appreciate its subtle transitions. It is better suited for a smoker with some experience who can recognize the nuances of a premium Cuban. A beginner would be better served starting with a milder, more affordable vitola before graduating to this benchmark.
Where can I buy Montecristo No. 2?
Authentic Cuban Montecristo No. 2 cigars are sold exclusively through official Habanos S.A. distributors. This includes La Casa del Habano (LCDH) franchise stores and other authorized retailers in countries where Cuban cigars are legally sold. Be wary of unauthorized sources, as counterfeit Cubans are common.
What is the price of Montecristo No. 2?
The price typically ranges from $30 to $45 per cigar, though this can vary significantly depending on the country and local taxes. Purchases from an LCDH or an authorized retailer in a major market will generally fall within this band, but you may find higher prices in regions with heavy tobacco duties.
Is Montecristo No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. While the tobacco is aged a minimum of two years before rolling, additional post-roll aging of 3–6 months is standard. Further aging in a stable humidor will allow the flavors to meld and mellow, softening the white pepper and enhancing the creamy, floral notes. With 3-5 years of age, the earthiness deepens and the cigar becomes even more refined and complex.
What wrapper does Montecristo No. 2 use?
It uses a Cuban Vuelta Abajo, Habanos S.A. — sun-grown Criollo wrapper. This Colorado-colored leaf is prized for its silky texture, subtle sheen, and its contribution of a warm, medium-brown hue. This wrapper is a key source of the cigar's initial notes of cedar, honey, and white pepper, and its quality is a primary factor in the cigar's overall elegance.
Where is Montecristo No. 2 made?
It is made in Havana, Cuba, at the H. Upmann factory (formerly La Corona), under the Habanos S.A. umbrella. This is a hand-rolled, tripa larga (long filler) cigar, and the demanding torpedo head requires exceptional skill from the torcedor. The entubado bunching technique used in its construction is a hallmark of the brand and ensures an effortless draw.