AshMap
Overview
The Montecristo No. 2 is not merely a cigar; it is the archetype against which every other torpedo is measured, the distilled essence of what makes Cuban tobacco a religion rather than a commodity. From the first cold draw, there is a sense of occasion — the tapered head funnels air with a whisper, promising precision. The pre-light offers a quiet prelude of cedar shavings and a faint, sweet hay, but the true narrative begins at ignition. The opening third is a study in restraint: roasted almonds crackle against a backdrop of white pepper that tingles rather than bites, while fresh cedar lends a brisk, clean architecture. Within the first inch, the Vuelta Abajo terroir announces itself — damp limestone and a gentle barnyard funk that grounds the smoke in earth, not air. A creamy undercurrent builds, carrying a whisper of honey that never tips into sweetness, a balance that feels almost architectural. This is a cigar that asks you to slow down, to read its pacing, and it rewards patience with a seamless evolution.
As the burn line crosses into the second third, the No. 2 reveals its legendary depth. The creaminess thickens into a velvety matrix, but it is the flavor layers that command attention: roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate with a hint of bitterness, and dried apricot that adds a tart, almost jammy counterpoint. A spice-tinged leather wraps around these notes, giving the smoke a savory, almost umami weight. The retrohale is where the magic becomes unmistakable — subtle floral nuances, like tobacco blossom and a hint of jasmine, emerge with a delicacy that is rarely found outside Cuban production. This is not a cigar of brute force; it is one of conversation, each puff a dialogue between the rich, earthy base and the high, aromatic top notes. The ash holds firm, a pale grey column that seems to respect the cigar’s own composure, and the draw remains effortless, a testament to the torcedor’s art.
The final third is a crescendo that never loses its manners. Espresso and dark cocoa intensify, while a long, satisfying black pepper finish lingers on the palate, a gentle reminder of the cigar’s strength. Toasted oak emerges, adding a woody depth, and a slight mineral salinity — like sea air on limestone — appears as the ring gauge widens at the foot. The strength ticks up to medium-full at the nub, but on a properly constructed specimen, it never turns harsh; instead, it delivers a final, resonant chord that fades slowly, leaving a memory of leather and earth. This is a cigar that demands 75 to 90 minutes of unhurried time, and it repays every second with a narrative arc that feels both inevitable and surprising. The Montecristo No. 2 is not the most powerful cigar, nor the most overtly complex, but it achieves a harmony — of construction, terroir, and elegance — that few cigars across any country can match. It is the reference point, the benchmark, the reason why Cuban tobacco commands such reverence. Age it for five years, and it becomes something transcendent, a time capsule of Vuelta Abajo’s finest expression.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Habano — Vuelta Abajo, San Juan y Martínez — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Habano — Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Habano — Vuelta Abajo blend, aged minimum two years at H. Upmann factory |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — H. Upmann Factory (La Corona Factory / Fábrica de Tabacos H. Upmann) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Piramide) |
| Size | 6.1 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $28–$38 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers); pricing varies significantly by market and duty |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum two years in-factory aging standard; post-production aging of three to five additional years is widely recommend |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered head delivers a refined opening of roasted almonds, white pepper, and fresh cedar. A distinct earthiness — damp limestone and light barnyard — emerges within the first inch, classic Vuelta Abajo terroir. Creaminess begins building alongside faint honey notes.
Second Third
The mid-section is where the No. 2 earns its legendary status — layers of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, dried apricot, and a pronounced spice-tinged leather take full command. Complexity deepens considerably; the retrohale reveals subtle floral and tobacco blossom nuances rarely found outside Cuban production.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with espresso, dark cocoa, and a long, satisfying black pepper finish. Toasted oak and a slight mineral salinity emerge as the ring gauge widens at the foot. Strength ticks up to medium-full at the nub but never turns harsh on a properly constructed specimen.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is the benchmark against which all torpedoes are measured — a properly rolled No. 2 draws effortlessly with just the right resistance, burns in a slow even line, and produces a firm, dense ash of pale grey that holds well past an inch. Occasionally requires a single touch-up, which is expected and acceptable for a handmade piramide of this complexity.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban rum — Havana Club 15 Año or Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo 12; alternatively a single malt Speyside Scotch such as Glenfarclas 15 or The Balvenie DoubleWood 17
Wine
Rioja Reserva (Tempranillo-dominant) — Marqués de Murrieta Reserva or a structured Ribera del Duero; the earthy tannic backbone mirrors the cigar's limestone terroir beautifully
Non-Alcoholic
Single-origin Cuban pour-over coffee — medium roast, Arabica, ideally Serrano or Turquino bean — or a lightly sweetened cortado to echo the cigar's almond and cream mid-profile
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the collector who has already smoked a hundred cigars and is beginning to understand that power is not the point. Picture a man in his late forties, sitting alone on a stone terrace overlooking a vineyard at golden hour, a glass of Rioja Reserva at his elbow. He has a humidor full of bold Nicaraguans and rare Cubans, but tonight he wants conversation, not confrontation. He has just finished a difficult negotiation, and he needs a cigar that will match his contemplative mood — something that rewards attention but does not demand it. He already enjoys the creamy complexity of a Padron 1926 or the floral elegance of a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, but he is ready for a cigar that feels like a masterclass in balance. The Montecristo No. 2 will give him that: a slow, evolving journey from cedar and almond to espresso and leather, with a finish that lingers like a half-remembered melody. It is not a cigar for rushing or for show; it is for the man who knows that the best smokes are the ones that make time disappear.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo No. 2 is the definitive Cuban torpedo, a masterclass in balance and evolution that every serious smoker must experience. It is not the strongest or the most complex, but its harmony of terroir, construction, and flavor is unmatched. Smoke it slowly, age it if you can, and understand why this cigar has been the benchmark for nearly a century.
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 our strength scale. You will feel a gentle warmth on the palate and a mild nicotine presence, but it never overwhelms. The strength only ticks up to medium-full in the final third, and even then, it remains smooth and controlled, making it suitable for a relaxed afternoon or evening smoke.
What does Montecristo No. 2 taste like?
The flavor progression is a journey: the first third offers roasted almonds, white pepper, fresh cedar, and a damp limestone earthiness with a hint of honey. The second third deepens into roasted coffee, dark chocolate, dried apricot, and spice-tinged leather, with floral retrohale notes. The final third brings espresso, dark cocoa, toasted oak, and a long black pepper finish with a subtle mineral salinity.
How long does Montecristo No. 2 take to smoke?
Expect a 75 to 90 minute smoke, depending on your pace. The Torpedo (Piramide) vitola, at 6.1 x 52, is designed to be savored slowly; the tapered head concentrates flavors early, while the wider foot opens up in the final third. Rushing it will ruin the experience, so set aside at least an hour and a half.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo No. 2?
Aged Cuban rum is the classic choice — Havana Club 15 Año or Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo 12. The rum’s oak, vanilla, and dried fruit notes mirror the cigar’s coffee, chocolate, and apricot layers, while its sweetness balances the pepper and leather. For a non-alcoholic option, a single-origin Cuban pour-over coffee (Serrano or Turquino bean) echoes the almond and cream mid-profile beautifully.
Is Montecristo No. 2 good for beginners?
It is not ideal for beginners. While the strength is Medium (3/5), the price point of $28–$38 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers) makes it a significant investment, and the complexity of its flavor evolution may be lost on a palate not yet trained to pick out subtle notes. Beginners should start with milder, more affordable Cubans like a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 or a Montecristo No. 4 before graduating to this masterpiece.
Where can I buy Montecristo No. 2?
The Montecristo No. 2 is available at La Casa del Habano (LCDH) stores worldwide, as well as authorized Habanos S.A. retailers. These are the only guaranteed sources for authentic, properly stored Cuban cigars. Avoid unofficial online marketplaces or street vendors, as counterfeits are common. If you are outside Cuba, check for licensed distributors in your country.
What is the price of Montecristo No. 2?
The price ranges from $28 to $38 per cigar at LCDH and authorized retailers, but this varies significantly by market and duty. In countries with high tobacco taxes, such as the UK or Australia, you may pay more; in duty-free or lower-tax markets, it can be closer to the lower end. Always buy from authorized sources to ensure authenticity.
Is Montecristo No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. While it comes with a minimum of two years of in-factory aging, post-production aging of three to five additional years is widely recommended. With age, the white pepper and barnyard notes mellow, the honey and floral nuances deepen, and the overall profile becomes more integrated and creamy. A five-year-old No. 2 is a transcendent experience, but even two to three years will soften the edges and enhance complexity.
What wrapper does Montecristo No. 2 use?
It uses a Cuban Habano wrapper grown in the Vuelta Abajo region, specifically from the San Juan y Martínez area. This wrapper is a Colorado shade, giving it a warm chestnut brown color with a silky sheen. It contributes notes of cedar, earth, and a subtle sweetness, while its fine veins and oily texture are hallmarks of premium Cuban tobacco.
Where is Montecristo No. 2 made?
It is made in Havana, Cuba, at the H. Upmann Factory (also known as La Corona Factory or Fábrica de Tabacos H. Upmann). This is the historic home of Montecristo, and the No. 2 is entirely hand-rolled (totalmente a mano) by top-tier torcedores. The piramide vitola is one of the most technically demanding to roll, requiring exceptional skill to achieve the perfect draw and burn.