AshMap
Overview
There is a particular anxiety that comes with clipping a short torpedo. The taper promises the drama of a lancero's focus, but the stubby 4.5-inch girth warns that this is a sprint, not a marathon. The Montecristo Petit No. 2 leans into that tension. It is not merely a smaller version of the legendary No. 2; it is a distillation, a concentrated argument for why the torpedo format—in miniature—might be the most perfect vessel for Dominican tobacco. The pre-light draw is a quiet prelude: the cool, dense air carries the scent of a cedar humidor lined with toasted almonds and a whisper of sweet cream. It is an invitation that feels familiar, almost safe, before the flame changes everything.
Once lit, the first third unfolds with a deceptive softness. The smoke is plush, coating the palate with a smooth cedar core that is immediately recognizable as Montecristo's house style. But there is a subtle tension here—a grounding earthiness that prevents the wood from feeling sterile, and a distinct white pepper that tingles the retrohale with a sharp, clean bite. This is not a shy cigar. It announces its medium strength with a gentle but persistent pressure on the sinuses, a physical reminder that the Cibao Valley tobaccos beneath the surface are fully engaged. The ash is a dense, pale grey column, holding firm as the burn line stays razor sharp, a testament to the roll.
As the burn line crosses into the second third, the torpedo's taper begins to open, and with it, the cigar's personality expands. The cedar backbone remains, but it is now joined by a supple leather note that adds a savory depth. Then comes the shift—a dark cocoa powder emerges, not sweet, but rich and slightly bitter, mingling with the earth to create a profile that is more brooding than the first third suggested. Just as the profile threatens to turn heavy, a delicate sweetness surfaces, like dried fig or a light caramel reduction, dancing on the finish and balancing the darker elements. This is the heart of the cigar, a place where the initial brightness matures into a complex, satisfying harmony.
The final third is a masterclass in compression. The flavors, once spread across the palate, now tighten into a dense, focused core. The leather becomes the dominant voice, chewy and assertive, while the earthiness deepens into a rich, almost loamy foundation. A distinct espresso note, dark and roasted, emerges to join the chorus, and the white pepper from the start returns, but this time with more heat, a spicy crescendo on the finish that lingers without ever becoming harsh. The smoke turns thick and weighty, demanding a slower, more deliberate puff. As the nub grows too hot to hold, the cigar ends with a clean, satisfying snap, leaving behind a memory of leather, coffee, and that singular Montecristo cedar—a complete, fulfilling narrative arc in under an hour.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban seed, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade or Dominican grown — varies by market; Cuban version uses Vuelta Abajo wrapper — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic long-fillers — aged tobaccos from the Cibao Valley region |
| Country of Origin | La Romana, Dominican Republic (non-Cuban version); Havana, Cuba (Cuban version — H. Upmann factory / El Laguito) |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Torpedo (Short Torpedo / Belicoso) |
| Size | 4.5 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $12–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 2–3 years prior to rolling; some boxes benefit from 6–12 months additional humidor rest |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with notes of cedar, toasted almond, and a delicate creaminess. Once lit, the first third delivers smooth cedar wood, mild earthiness, and a pleasant nuttiness with a hint of white pepper on the retrohale.
Second Third
The torpedo head begins to open fully and complexity increases — leather and cocoa notes emerge alongside the cedar backbone. A subtle sweetness develops, reminiscent of dried fruit or light caramel, complementing the earthy core.
Final Third
The final third tightens and concentrates the flavors — leather becomes more pronounced, earthiness deepens, and a rich espresso note emerges. Spice picks up slightly on the finish but never overwhelms; the burn finishes clean and satisfying.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — the torpedo head requires a precise cut (guillotine or V-cut recommended at the shoulder) for optimal draw. Burn is even, ash holds firm in dense grey columns, and draw is medium-open with ideal resistance.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva; alternatively a 10-year Scotch single malt like Glenmorangie Original — the wood and vanilla notes complement without overpowering
Wine
A medium-bodied Rioja Reserva (Tempranillo-based) or a Côtes du Rhône — the earthy, leather, and dried fruit notes in the cigar mirror the wine's profile beautifully
Non-Alcoholic
A flat white or cortado with whole milk — the cream and espresso notes bridge directly into the cigar's second and third third character
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the seasoned smoker who has a 45-minute window before a late-afternoon meeting and refuses to sacrifice depth for time. They are the type who has a dedicated tupperdor for Cubans and a separate one for New World favorites, and they appreciate the nuance of a well-aged Connecticut Shade wrapper. They are not looking for a nicotine hit; they are seeking a focused, meditative interlude. They already enjoy the full Montecristo No. 2 but find themselves short on time more often than not. This cigar gives them that familiar, beloved profile—the cedar, the leather, the espresso—but in a concentrated format that forces them to pay attention. It is a smoke for the collector who values the ritual as much as the result, who will use a V-cutter to respect the torpedo head and will sit in silence, watching the ash grow, finding a moment of clarity in the middle of a chaotic day.
Bottom Line
The Petit No. 2 is a masterful exercise in proportion, delivering the soul of its larger sibling in a tightly wound, intensely satisfying package. It is a short smoke that punches far above its weight class, offering a complex, evolving journey that demands—and rewards—your full attention. For those who know the Montecristo profile, this is an essential addition; for those who don't, it is a perfect introduction to its quiet power.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Montecristo No. 2 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecristo Petit No. 2 a strong cigar?
No, it is rated as Medium (3/5) strength. Physically, you will feel a gentle, warming presence on the palate and a slight tingle in the sinuses, but it will not deliver a heavy nicotine punch or cause any lightheadedness. It is a flavor-forward smoke where the strength supports the tasting experience rather than dominating it.
What does Montecristo Petit No. 2 taste like?
The flavor arc is a progression. It starts with smooth cedar, toasted almond, and a white pepper zing on the retrohale. In the second third, it develops a supple leather and dark cocoa character, with a subtle dried fruit or light caramel sweetness. The final third concentrates into a bold mix of leather, deep earth, and rich espresso, with a spicy finish.
How long does Montecristo Petit No. 2 take to smoke?
Given its Petit Torpedo vitola and 4.5 x 52 dimensions, you should budget for a 45 to 60-minute smoke. The torpedo head starts narrow, so the first third burns a bit slower, but the larger ring gauge in the middle and final thirds will keep the pace steady. It is designed to be a complete experience within an hour.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo Petit No. 2?
An aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 is an ideal companion. The rum's inherent vanilla, toffee, and oak notes create a direct bridge to the cigar's cedar and caramel sweetness in the second third, while its own depth stands up to the leather and espresso that dominate the finale without overpowering the medium-bodied smoke.
Is Montecristo Petit No. 2 good for beginners?
It is a good 'next step' for a beginner who has moved past mild cigars and is ready to explore more defined flavors. The Medium strength is manageable, and the flavors are clear and recognizable. However, the $12–$18 price point is a premium investment, and the torpedo cut can be tricky. A novice might be better served by a cheaper, straight-sided vitola to hone their palate and cutting skills first.
Where can I buy Montecristo Petit No. 2?
As a premium, hand-rolled cigar, it is best purchased from a dedicated brick-and-mortar tobacconist where you can inspect the wrapper and get advice. For the non-Cuban version, reputable online retailers are also a solid option. For the Cuban version, you must purchase from a licensed Habanos specialist retailer, typically found outside the United States or in duty-free shops.
What is the price of Montecristo Petit No. 2?
The price typically falls between $12 and $18 per cigar. This premium price point reflects the aged Dominican long-fillers, the hand-rolled triple-cap construction, and the prestige of the Montecristo brand name. The Cuban version will generally command a higher price at the top of that range or beyond, depending on the market.
Is Montecristo Petit No. 2 worth aging?
Yes, but with a caveat. The tobaccos are already aged 2–3 years pre-roll, so it is smokable out of the box. However, an additional 6–12 months of humidor rest will allow the flavors to marry and integrate further, softening the white pepper and allowing the sweetness to become more pronounced. It will not transform into a different cigar, but it will become more refined and cohesive.
What wrapper does Montecristo Petit No. 2 use?
The wrapper varies by market. The non-Cuban version uses a Cuban-seed wrapper grown in either Ecuador (Connecticut Shade) or the Dominican Republic, both offering a silky texture and a light sheen. The Cuban version uses a prized Vuelta Abajo wrapper from the Pinar del Río region. This wrapper is a Colorado shade, contributing a medium-brown color and a flavor profile that is slightly more earthy and complex than its Connecticut counterpart.
Where is Montecristo Petit No. 2 made?
There are two distinct production origins. The non-Cuban version is hand-rolled at the famed Tabacalera de Garcia factory in La Romana, Dominican Republic. The Cuban version is produced in Havana at either the H. Upmann factory or the El Laguito factory, both of which are the historic homes of the Montecristo brand. The blend and character differ significantly between these two origins.