AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about an inch into the Montecristo No. 2, when the world outside the smoke ring ceases to matter. The tapered piramide head, a feat of Havana's most demanding rolling, delivers a stream of smoke so focused it feels like a whisper directly into the palate. It opens with a creamy cedar note that is less about wood and more about the scent of a freshly lined humidor, followed by a sharp, clean white pepper that dances on the tip of the tongue without ever burning. Beneath it all, a roasted hazelnut richness provides a grounding, savory anchor. This is not a cigar that announces itself; it introduces itself with the quiet confidence of a legacy that has been in continuous production since 1935, a benchmark against which every other torpedo is measured and, more often than not, found wanting.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo (San Luis / San Juan y Martínez), Habano Criollo — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo, Habano leaf |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo blend — Seco, Ligero, and Volado leaves from premier Vegas Finas de Primera plantations, aged a minim |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — H. Upmann Factory (La Corona), formerly Partagás Factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Piramide) |
| Size | 6.12 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $45–$60 per cigar (LCDH and international retail); significant variance by market |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Tobacco aged minimum 2 years pre-rolling; post-rolling box rest of 3–6 months standard; cigar responds exceptionally wel |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The open draw from the piramide tip delivers a focused, concentrated entry of creamy cedar, white pepper, and roasted hazelnut. As the first third develops, notes of fresh bread, mild citrus zest, and a characteristic Cuban earthiness — that distinctive barnyard terroir — emerge. Smoke production is generous and texture is velvety from the first light.
Second Third
The heart of the No. 2 reveals its true complexity: rich leather, dark cocoa, dried fruit (fig and dark raisin), and a deepening woodsy cedar character. The pepper from the cold draw recedes into a warm spice backbone, and a sweet, almost honeyed creaminess threads through the smoke. This is where the cigar earns its legendary reputation.
Final Third
The final third intensifies — earthy leather, espresso, dark chocolate, and toasted tobacco dominate. The piramide head concentrates flavors as the ring gauge narrows, delivering a bold, satisfying finish with lingering notes of roasted coffee and subtle sweetness. Strength builds to a confident medium-full without harshness in a well-rested example.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction on the No. 2 is generally excellent — the tapered head provides one of the most refined, precise draws in all of Havana production when properly rolled, producing a tight, focused stream of smoke. The burn is even and self-correcting in most examples; ash is firm and pale grey, holding 1–1.5 inches without issue.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban or Venezuelan rum (Zacapa 23, Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, or a 12–15 year Havana Club); alternatively, a 12-year Speyside Scotch such as The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak or Glenfarclas 15 — the sherry influence harmonizes beautifully with the cigar's dried fruit notes
Wine
An aged Rioja Reserva or Gran Reserva (Muga, La Rioja Alta, Marqués de Murrieta) — the Tempranillo's leather, tobacco leaf, and red fruit character is a near-perfect complement; alternatively a mature Burgundy Premier Cru for special occasions
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Cuban or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee, medium roast — the floral acidity and natural sweetness mirror the cigar's complexity without competing with it
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has a dedicated humidor, not a drawer. The one who has spent years chasing regional editions and limited releases, only to find themselves returning to the classics for a reason. They are marking a specific milestone—a partnership sealed, a retirement celebrated, or perhaps just a rare, uninterrupted Sunday afternoon where the phone is on silent. They already appreciate the finesse of a well-aged Davidoff or the earthy punch of a Padrón, but they are seeking something with a deeper, more historical resonance. This cigar will not shock them with strength; it will reward their patience with a slow-burning narrative of leather, earth, and dried fruit that demands their full, undivided attention for a luxurious ninety minutes.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo No. 2 is not just a cigar; it is the definitive argument for the torpedo vitola. It is a masterclass in balance and concentration, a mandatory benchmark for any serious aficionado. Buy it, age it, and smoke it when you are ready to pay attention.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Montecristo No. 2 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecristo No. 2 a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5). This means it has a noticeable nicotine presence that builds steadily, especially in the final third as the ring gauge narrows, but it never becomes harsh or overpowering in a well-rested example. It offers a substantial, satisfying strength that is more about depth and richness than raw power.
What does Montecristo No. 2 taste like?
The flavor arc is a progression. It starts with creamy cedar, white pepper, and roasted hazelnut. The middle third introduces rich leather, dark cocoa, and dried fig, all wrapped in a honeyed creaminess. The finale is dominated by earthy leather, espresso, and dark chocolate, finishing with lingering roasted coffee notes.
How long does Montecristo No. 2 take to smoke?
Given its Torpedo (Piramide) vitola and 6.12 x 52 size, you should allocate at least 90 minutes. The tapered head and dense filler require a slow, deliberate smoking pace to fully appreciate the flavor development and prevent the cigar from overheating.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo No. 2?
For a spirit, an aged Cuban or Venezuelan rum like Zacapa 23 is ideal; its inherent sweetness and oak notes harmonize with the cigar's dried fruit and cocoa. For wine, an aged Rioja Reserva is a near-perfect match, as the Tempranillo's leather and tobacco leaf character mirrors the cigar's core profile.
Is Montecristo No. 2 good for beginners?
No. With a Medium-Full strength profile and a price point of $45–$60 per cigar, it is a significant investment that requires a developed palate to appreciate its subtle transitions. A beginner would be better served by a milder, more forgiving vitola to build their palate before tackling this benchmark.
Where can I buy Montecristo No. 2?
As a premium Cuban cigar, it is available at official La Casa del Habano (LCDH) franchises and authorized international retailers. Due to its prestige and demand, it is rarely found in general tobacco shops. Your best bet is to seek out a reputable LCDH or a trusted online vendor that specializes in authentic Habanos.
What is the price of Montecristo No. 2?
The price typically ranges from $45 to $60 per cigar at LCDH and international retail outlets. However, there is significant variance by market due to import taxes, local distribution, and regional pricing structures, so you may find it for slightly more or less depending on your location.
Is Montecristo No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobacco is already aged a minimum of two years pre-rolling, and the cigars rest for 3-6 months post-rolling. However, the cigar responds exceptionally well to further box aging. A well-stored box from 2018 or earlier will show a marked increase in creaminess and a softening of the pepper, with the dried fruit and leather notes becoming more pronounced and integrated.
What wrapper does Montecristo No. 2 use?
It uses a Cuban Vuelta Abajo (San Luis / San Juan y Martínez) Habano Criollo wrapper in a Colorado shade. This specific wrapper is prized for its silky texture and natural sheen, contributing notes of cedar and a subtle sweetness while providing the cigar's characteristic warm chestnut-brown color.
Where is Montecristo No. 2 made?
It is made in Havana, Cuba, at the H. Upmann Factory (La Corona), which was formerly the Partagás Factory. This is a totalmente a mano (totally handmade) production using long filler, and the piramide head is considered one of the most technically demanding constructions in all of Havana production.