AshMap
Overview
Since its introduction in 1935, the Montecristo No. 2 has stood as perhaps the most iconic vitola in the entire Habanos portfolio — a torpedo of such exacting construction and profound complexity that it has become the definitive benchmark against which all pyramid-shaped cigars are measured. Its lineage is inseparable from the golden age of Cuban cigar craftsmanship: originally rolled at the legendary Partagás factory and now produced at the H. Upmann factory in Havana’s La Corona facility, the No. 2 has maintained continuous production for nearly nine decades, a testament to its enduring appeal among the world’s most discerning smokers. This is not merely a cigar; it is a historic artifact of Cuban tobacco culture, one that demands respect and rewards patience in equal measure.
The No. 2’s character begins with its source materials. The wrapper — a Habano Criollo leaf grown in the Vuelta Abajo region’s prized San Luis and San Juan y Martínez zones — displays a warm chestnut-brown Colorado hue with a silky, natural sheen that hints at the refinement within. Beneath it, a Habano binder and a carefully calibrated blend of Seco, Ligero, and Volado leaves from premier Vegas Finas de Primera plantations, aged a minimum of two years before rolling, create a medium-full cigar of remarkable balance. The piramide vitola, with its tapered head and 6.12-inch by 52-ring-gauge silhouette, is among the most technically demanding shapes in Havana production; when properly rolled, it delivers a draw of singular precision, concentrating the smoke’s delivery in a way that magnifies every note woven into the blend.
The flavor journey is one of deliberate evolution. The first third opens with a focused, creamy entry of cedar, white pepper, and roasted hazelnut, soon joined by fresh bread, mild citrus zest, and the distinctive barnyard earthiness that defines Cuban terroir. By the second third, the cigar reveals its true depth: rich leather, dark cocoa, dried fig and raisin, and a sweet, honeyed creaminess that threads through deepening woody cedar. The final third intensifies into espresso, dark chocolate, and toasted tobacco, with the narrowing piramide head concentrating the experience into a bold yet polished finish. In a well-rested example — especially one aged three or more years — the strength builds confidently to medium-full without a trace of harshness, a feat that underscores the mastery of the blend.
The Montecristo No. 2 is more than a great cigar; it is the standard by which its peers are judged. Its global status as the best-selling premium Cuban cigar is earned not through marketing alone but through an uncompromising commitment to complexity, balance, and tradition. For the seasoned aficionado who understands that restraint and terroir are virtues, not deficits, the No. 2 remains the enduring symbol of what a handmade Cuban cigar can be.
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?
The Montecristo No. 2 is for the seasoned aficionado who has graduated from novelty and seeks a cigar of profound depth and tradition. It is not a casual smoke — this is a 90-minute commitment that demands an occasion of genuine significance: a personal milestone, a long Sunday afternoon, or a celebration shared with someone who understands the weight of what they are lighting. Aficionados who appreciate the interplay of Cuban earthiness, dried fruit, and cocoa, and who have the patience to age cigars for optimal expression, will find the No. 2 an indispensable part of their rotation. Intermediate smokers ready to invest in a benchmark experience will also benefit, provided they approach it with the time and reverence it requires. For those who value heritage, craftsmanship, and the quiet complexity of well-aged tobacco, this cigar is essential.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo No. 2 is the defining Cuban torpedo — a masterpiece of balance, complexity, and tradition that has set the standard for nearly nine decades. For the discerning smoker who respects the art of the cigar, this is not a purchase; it is an investment in one of the finest experiences the premium cigar world has to offer.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Montecristo No. 2 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecristo No. 2 a strong cigar?
Yes, the Montecristo No. 2 is classified as medium-full in strength (4 out of 5). It builds gradually from a smooth, creamy first third to a bold, satisfying finish, but in a well-rested example it never becomes harsh or overwhelming.
What does Montecristo No. 2 taste like?
The No. 2 offers a complex flavor profile that evolves across three thirds. The first third features creamy cedar, white pepper, roasted hazelnut, fresh bread, mild citrus zest, and classic Cuban earthiness. The second third introduces rich leather, dark cocoa, dried fig and raisin, and a honeyed creaminess. The final third intensifies into espresso, dark chocolate, toasted tobacco, and lingering roasted coffee with subtle sweetness.
How long does Montecristo No. 2 take to smoke?
The Montecristo No. 2 requires a minimum of 90 minutes to smoke properly. This is a cigar that should never be rushed — its complexity and strength build gradually, and a relaxed pace is essential to fully appreciate its evolution.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo No. 2?
Aged Cuban or Venezuelan rum — such as Zacapa 23, Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, or a 12–15-year Havana Club — is an excellent spirit pairing. Alternatively, a 12-year Speyside Scotch like The Macallan 12 Sherry Oak or Glenfarclas 15 complements the dried fruit notes beautifully. For wine, an aged Rioja Reserva or Gran Reserva (Muga, La Rioja Alta, Marqués de Murrieta) is near-perfect. A single-origin Cuban or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee, medium roast, serves as an ideal non-alcoholic pairing.
Is Montecristo No. 2 good for beginners?
No, the Montecristo No. 2 is not recommended for beginners. Its medium-full strength, 90-minute smoking time, and complex flavor profile are best suited for experienced aficionados who can appreciate its subtleties and have the patience to smoke it slowly. Intermediate smokers who have developed their palate and are ready for a benchmark experience may also enjoy it.
Where can I buy Montecristo No. 2?
The Montecristo No. 2 is available at authorized La Casa del Habano (LCDH) retailers worldwide, as well as select international tobacconists and online retailers that specialize in premium Cuban cigars. Due to its popularity and limited production, availability can be inconsistent, and authenticity is paramount — always purchase from trusted, authorized sources.
What is the price of Montecristo No. 2?
The Montecristo No. 2 typically retails between $45 and $60 per cigar at LCDH and international retail outlets. Prices vary significantly by market, local taxes, and availability. As a prestige-tier cigar, it commands a premium that reflects its heritage, craftsmanship, and global demand.
Is Montecristo No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. The tobacco used in the No. 2 is aged a minimum of two years before rolling, and the cigar responds exceptionally well to additional aging. Young specimens can be inconsistent; with three or more years of box rest, the flavors harmonize, the strength mellows, and the complexity deepens significantly. If you can find a box from 2018 or earlier in prime condition, you are holding one of the finest experiences in the premium cigar world.
What wrapper does Montecristo No. 2 use?
The Montecristo No. 2 uses a Cuban Vuelta Abajo Habano Criollo wrapper grown in the San Luis and San Juan y Martínez zones. It is a Colorado shade — a warm chestnut-brown color — with a silky texture and a subtle natural sheen that signals the quality of the leaf.
Where is Montecristo No. 2 made?
The Montecristo No. 2 is made in Havana, Cuba, at the H. Upmann Factory (La Corona). It was formerly produced at the Partagás Factory. The cigars are hand-rolled totalmente a mano using tripa larga (long filler) construction, and the torpedo shape is among the most technically demanding vitolas in Cuban production.