AshMap
Overview
The Montecristo No. 2 is not merely a cigar; it is the archetype of the torpedo vitola, a benchmark against which all other pyramides are measured. Introduced in 1935 alongside the original Montecristo line by the now-defunct Particulares factory, this 6.12 x 52 masterpiece was a deliberate departure from the parejo tradition, its tapered head and broad foot a technical challenge that, when executed by Havana’s most skilled rollers, yields a smoking experience of singular grace. From the moment the sheathed corojo wrapper—Colorado in hue, warm reddish-brown with a subtle natural sheen—meets the eye, the promise of Cuban pedigree is unmistakable. The construction is exemplary: a triple-cap, hand-rolled perfection that speaks to a lineage of craftsmanship rooted in the Vuelta Abajo region, where the sun-grown Habano wrapper, binder, and filler leaves are all sourced and aged a minimum of two years at the H. Upmann Factory (La Corona) in Havana. This is the flagship of the Montecristo portfolio, a Prestige-tier cigar that has earned its place in humidors and cigar bars worldwide not through novelty but through unwavering consistency and structural elegance.
The No. 2’s character unfolds in three distinct acts, each a testament to the pyramid format’s ability to modulate airflow and flavor progression. The cold draw—gently clipped or V-cut—delivers an immediate surge of creamy cedar, toasted almond, and white pepper, a prelude that transitions without pretense into a first third defined by buttery creaminess, roasted coffee, and dry wood, with subtle earth and dried lavender emerging as the ash builds. The second third is where the legend solidifies: as the taper widens, the draw loosens, and the blend opens to reveal dark chocolate, dried fig and raisin, roasted hazelnut, and aged leather, with a gentle spice riding the retrohale. The final third consolidates into a dense, satisfying finish of espresso, dark cocoa, cedar resin, and lingering nuttiness, with well-aged specimens adding a caramelized sweetness. Through every phase, the strength remains medium—a remarkable achievement for a blend that includes ligero leaf—never overwhelming, always composed.
In the context of the premium cigar world, the Montecristo No. 2 occupies a paradoxical position: it is both ubiquitous and exalted, a staple that remains aspirational. It is not the most complex Cuban cigar available—that honor might belong to a Cohiba Siglo VI or a Partagás Lusitania—but it is arguably the most consistently pleasurable and structurally elegant. It is the cigar that converts skeptics and rewards devotees, a smoke that demands patience and delivers proportionally. Its pricing—$30 to $50 at LCDH and authorized retailers, highly variable due to Cuban import regulations—places it firmly in investment territory, but the return on that investment is measured in minutes of unhurried introspection, not monetary value. Best enjoyed with five or more years of age, when fresh grassiness gives way to integration and depth, the No. 2 is a living argument for Havana’s enduring relevance, a benchmark that needs no apology.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo (Habano) — sun-grown Corojo — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — a blend of seco, ligero, and volado leaves, aged a minimum of two years at the factory |
| Country of Origin | H. Upmann Factory (La Corona), Havana, Cuba |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Piramide) |
| Size | 6.12 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $30–$50 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers; market pricing highly variable due to Cuban import regulations and reg |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Factory-aged minimum two years; further cellaring 3–5 years brings significant complexity and integration; peak window o |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered head delivers an immediate surge of creamy cedar, toasted almond, and white pepper on the cold draw that transitions gracefully once lit. The first third opens with rich, buttery creaminess layered over roasted coffee and dry wood — a signature Montecristo signature note. Subtle earth and a gentle floral quality (often described as dried lavender) emerge as the ash builds.
Second Third
The second third is where the No. 2 truly earns its legendary status — the pyramid shape opens up the blend and the draw loosens beautifully, amplifying flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruit (raisin, fig), roasted hazelnut, and aged leather. A gentle spice component — white and black pepper — rides the retrohale without overwhelming the creamy base. Complexity deepens considerably as strength ticks slightly upward.
Final Third
The final third consolidates into a rich, dense, satisfying finish dominated by espresso, dark cocoa, cedar resin, and a lingering nuttiness. Well-aged specimens add a nuanced sweetness and almost caramelized quality here. Strength remains medium, never punishing — a remarkable feat for a Habano ligero blend at full burn.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is generally exemplary given Havana's skilled rollers — the torpedo head, when properly guillotined or V-cut, produces an ideal draw with moderate resistance. Burn line is even, ash holds firm in silver-white columns of 1–1.5 inches; minor touch-ups are not uncommon in humid storage conditions but are easily corrected.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban or Barbadian rum (Ron Santiago de Cuba 12-Year, Mount Gay XO); alternatively a well-aged Speyside Scotch such as The Macallan 18 Double Cask complements the creamy, nutty profile without competing
Wine
A structured, earthy Burgundy (Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru) or a restrained Rioja Reserva (Muga Reserva) — avoid heavily tannic New World reds that overpower the cigar's subtlety
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over or a well-pulled double ristretto — the floral and coffee notes in both parallel the cigar's core character beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
The Montecristo No. 2 is for the seasoned enthusiast who has graduated from entry-level smokes and seeks a benchmark experience—the aficionado who understands that patience is a virtue and that a 90- to 120-minute smoke is an investment, not a diversion. It rewards those who have developed a palate capable of parsing layered notes of cedar, dried fruit, leather, and spice without seeking brute strength. It is less suited to beginners, who may find the torpedo’s tapered head challenging to cut and the flavor profile too subtle. Ideal for celebratory evenings, milestone moments, or quiet afternoons when time is not a constraint. This is a cigar for the collector, the connoisseur, and the romantic who believes that the journey through a single vitola can be as memorable as the destination.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo No. 2 remains the definitive torpedo—a cigar of rare poise, consistency, and depth that justifies its prestige and price. If you smoke only one pyramide in your life, let it be this one.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Montecristo No. 2 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecristo No. 2 a strong cigar?
No. It is classified as Medium (3/5) in strength. Despite including ligero leaf in its Vuelta Abajo filler blend, the balance achieved through aging and blending prevents it from becoming overwhelming. It offers a smooth, composed profile that never punishes the palate.
What does Montecristo No. 2 taste like?
Its flavor profile evolves through three distinct thirds. The first third delivers creamy cedar, toasted almond, white pepper, roasted coffee, and dried lavender. The second third introduces dark chocolate, dried fig and raisin, roasted hazelnut, and aged leather with gentle spice. The final third consolidates into espresso, dark cocoa, cedar resin, and lingering nuttiness, with aged specimens offering a caramelized sweetness.
How long does Montecristo No. 2 take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 90 to 120 minutes. The pyramide format demands a slow, attentive pace. This is not a cigar to rush; it rewards patience and should be reserved for unhurried occasions.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo No. 2?
Aged Cuban or Barbadian rum, such as Ron Santiago de Cuba 12-Year or Mount Gay XO, complements its creamy, nutty character. A well-aged Speyside Scotch like The Macallan 18 Double Cask is also excellent. For wine, a structured Burgundy (Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru) or a restrained Rioja Reserva (Muga Reserva) works well. For non-alcoholic options, a single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over or a double ristretto parallels its floral and coffee notes.
Is Montecristo No. 2 good for beginners?
Not ideally. The torpedo vitola requires careful cutting (guillotine or V-cut) to achieve proper draw, and its evolving complexity may be lost on less experienced palates. Beginners may find the medium-strength, subtle profile underwhelming compared to bolder blends. It is better suited to those with some smoking experience who can appreciate its nuance.
Where can I buy Montecristo No. 2?
Authentic Montecristo No. 2 cigars are available at La Casa del Habano (LCDH) stores worldwide and through authorized Cuban cigar retailers. Due to U.S. trade embargoes, purchasing within the United States is restricted; travelers may buy them in duty-free shops at international airports or from licensed vendors in countries where Cuban cigars are legally sold. Always verify provenance to avoid counterfeit products.
What is the price of Montecristo No. 2?
Pricing is highly variable due to Cuban import regulations and regional taxes. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 per cigar at LCDH and authorized retailers. Box prices vary: a standard box of 25 typically ranges from $750 to $1,250, while Cabinet (SLB) boxes of 50 can command significantly higher prices. Market fluctuations are common.
Is Montecristo No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. While factory-aged for a minimum of two years, additional cellaring of three to five years brings significant complexity and integration. Fresh examples can taste grassy and underdeveloped. The peak window for flavor maturation is generally considered to be five to ten years, after which notes of sweetness and caramelized depth emerge.
What wrapper does Montecristo No. 2 use?
It uses a sun-grown Corojo wrapper from the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba. The wrapper is classified as Colorado in color—a warm, reddish-brown hue—and is noted for its silky texture and subtle natural sheen. It is a Habano sub-variety, contributing to the cigar's signature creaminess and wood notes.
Where is Montecristo No. 2 made?
It is hand-rolled at the H. Upmann Factory (formerly La Corona) in Havana, Cuba. All tobacco—wrapper, binder, and filler—is sourced exclusively from the Vuelta Abajo region, the premier tobacco-growing district in Cuba. The filler is a blend of seco, ligero, and volado leaves, aged a minimum of two years at the factory.