AshMap
Overview
The Montecristo No. 2 Petit is a study in compression—a torpedo that doesn't just shorten the legendary No. 2, but distills its soul into a tighter, more demanding arc. Where the full-size figurado meanders with leisurely detours, this 5 x 52 cut-to-the-chase version forces the blend to speak in concentrated bursts, each puff a microcosm of Havana's terroir. It's not a compromise for time-pressed smokers; it's a recalibration for those who want the No. 2's signature crescendo without the longueurs. The pointed head is a promise of precision, and from the first cold draw—where creamy cedar and roasted almond collide with a faint, almost floral sweetness—you know this cigar will not waste a single ember.
Lighting the foot is like waking a sleeping cat: the initial smoke is gentle, almost demure, with toasted bread and a light creaminess that feels like a warm handshake. But the Vuelta Abajo leaf, aged at the H. Upmann factory, has a quiet intensity that builds as the taper widens. By the second third, the profile shifts from polite to provocative—earthy leather, dried apricot, and that unmistakable barnyard funk that Cuban aficionados chase across continents. The retrohale delivers a white pepper sting that's precise, not punishing, while the creaminess morphs into a cacao-infused richness, as if someone melted a dark chocolate bar into the smoke stream. This is where the Petit No. 2 reveals its genius: the shorter format means the transition from mild to medium-full happens with a narrative urgency, each note arriving on cue, no filler, no dead air.
The final third is a masterclass in heat management. The figurado's tapering concentrates the oils, and the smoke turns dark and brooding—dark roast coffee, aged leather, and a damp earthiness that lingers like a memory. There's no harshness, provided you've let the cigar rest properly; the construction from La Corona is so consistent that the burn line stays razor-sharp, the ash holding firm in pale grey columns. The finish is long, spiced, and deeply satisfying, leaving a trace of white pepper on the tongue that begs for one more puff. This is not a cigar for the impatient—it demands a 45-minute commitment, but rewards with a flavor arc that feels far longer. It's a distillation, yes, but also a revelation: sometimes the shortest path to Havana's heart is through a smaller ring gauge and a sharper point.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban-seed wrapper, specific to Cuban Habanos production — Vuelta Abajo, Cuba — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo long-leaf filler, aged at the H. Upmann factory in Havana |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba (H. Upmann factory, La Corona) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo (Petit) |
| Size | 5.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $22–$32 per cigar (depending on market and duty-free sourcing) |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Habanos S.A. recommends a minimum of 3–5 years of additional aging post-release; benefits significantly from box rest |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The torpedo's pointed head delivers an immediate concentration of creamy cedar and roasted almond on the cold draw. Once lit, the first third opens with classic Havana character — toasted bread, light creaminess, and a gentle nuttiness underscored by a faint floral note typical of Vuelta Abajo leaf. Strength starts mild-medium and is elegantly controlled.
Second Third
As the taper begins to widen, the draw opens and complexity surges. Earthy leather, dried apricot, and a pronounced barnyard note emerge — quintessentially Cuban in character. A subtle spice, reminiscent of white pepper, builds at the retrohale, and the creaminess from the first third transitions into a richer, cacao-inflected body.
Final Third
The final third delivers the fullest expression of the blend — dark roast coffee, aged leather, and a lingering earthiness dominate. The figurado construction concentrates heat and oils, intensifying the draw without harshness if properly humidified and rested. The finish is long, slightly spiced, and deeply satisfying.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction from the La Corona factory is typically exemplary — the torpedo cap requires a precise guillotine or V-cut to avoid unraveling. Burn is even and deliberate; the ash is firm and pale grey, holding to an inch or more under good conditions. Draw is medium-open through the figurado taper, rewarding the patient smoker.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A aged Cuban rum such as Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva or a Spanish brandy like Cardenal Mendoza — the spirit's sweetness and barrel character harmonize with the cigar's nutty creaminess without overwhelming the nuanced Cuban profile.
Wine
An aged Rioja Gran Reserva (Tempranillo-dominant) — the tobacco-forward, earthy character of a well-aged Rioja mirrors the cigar's barnyard and leather notes without competing for dominance.
Non-Alcoholic
A well-pulled Cuban cortado or a Jamaican Blue Mountain espresso — the cigar's nuttiness and creaminess are amplified by a rich, low-acid coffee with natural sweetness.
Who Should Smoke This?
Picture a seasoned smoker—someone who has a dedicated humidor drawer for vintage Montecristo No. 2s, who can identify the year of a cigar by its first puff—sitting on a quiet balcony after a long business dinner, the city lights humming below. They've smoked the full-size No. 2 countless times, but tonight they only have 45 minutes before a late call. They reach for the Petit No. 2, not as a consolation, but as a deliberate choice. They know its arc: the gentle opening, the mid-point surge of barnyard and apricot, the final dark roast intensity. They want that complexity without the time commitment, and they appreciate how the shorter format forces the blend to be more direct, more honest. This cigar is for them—the smoker who has earned the palate to discern the subtle shift from cream to cacao, who doesn't need a 90-minute session to feel satisfied, and who understands that sometimes less really is more, especially when it's this well made.
Bottom Line
The Montecristo No. 2 Petit is a masterful distillation of Havana's signature profile, offering a full sensory arc in under an hour. It's a must-have for any serious collector, and a worthy addition to the rotation for those who appreciate the figurado's precision. Buy a box, rest it for three years, and thank yourself later.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecristo No. 2 Petit a strong cigar?
No, it's rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. Physically, you'll feel a gentle warmth on the palate and a mild nicotine buzz that builds gradually through the second third, but it never becomes overwhelming. It's a balanced smoke that allows the flavors to shine without the body feeling heavy or harsh.
What does Montecristo No. 2 Petit taste like?
The flavor progression is a journey: first third offers toasted bread, light creaminess, and roasted almond with a faint floral note. Second third introduces earthy leather, dried apricot, and a pronounced barnyard character, with white pepper on the retrohale. Final third deepens into dark roast coffee, aged leather, and lingering earthiness, with a long, spiced finish.
How long does Montecristo No. 2 Petit take to smoke?
Given its vitola (Torpedo, Petit) and size (5.0 x 52), expect a 45–55 minute smoke. The figurado shape means the burn is deliberate, and the taper requires patience—rushing it will cause uneven burning. Plan for a focused session, not a quick puff.
What is the best pairing for Montecristo No. 2 Petit?
An aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15-Year Gran Reserva is ideal—its sweetness and barrel character complement the cigar's nutty creaminess without overpowering the nuanced Cuban profile. Alternatively, a Spanish brandy like Cardenal Mendoza works well, as its oak and dried fruit notes echo the cigar's leather and apricot undertones.
Is Montecristo No. 2 Petit good for beginners?
It's not recommended for novices. The Medium strength is manageable, but the flavor profile is complex and demands a palate accustomed to Cuban barnyard and earth notes. Additionally, at $22–$32 per cigar, it's a significant investment—better suited for those who can appreciate the subtleties and are willing to pay for the experience.
Where can I buy Montecristo No. 2 Petit?
This is a Cuban Habanos product, so it's available at authorized Habanos specialists, duty-free shops in airports, and reputable online retailers that ship to your region. Given its premium tier, avoid unofficial sources—counterfeits are common. Look for the Habanos authenticity seal and purchase from trusted vendors.
What is the price of Montecristo No. 2 Petit?
The price ranges from $22 to $32 per cigar, depending on your market and whether you source it duty-free. This places it in the premium tier, reflecting its Cuban heritage and hand-rolled construction. Buying by the box may offer slight savings per stick.
Is Montecristo No. 2 Petit worth aging?
Absolutely. Habanos S.A. recommends a minimum of 3–5 years of additional aging post-release, and this cigar benefits significantly from box rest. The Vuelta Abajo wrapper and filler will mellow further, allowing the barnyard and leather notes to integrate more seamlessly with the creaminess. Patience will reward you with a more refined, harmonious smoke.
What wrapper does Montecristo No. 2 Petit use?
It uses a Cuban-seed wrapper, specific to Cuban Habanos production—Vuelta Abajo, Cuba. This Colorado shade wrapper is warm medium-brown with a subtle silky sheen and fine tooth. It contributes the classic Havana aroma, including the floral and earthy notes that define the cigar's character.
Where is Montecristo No. 2 Petit made?
It's hand-rolled in Havana, Cuba, at the H. Upmann factory, which is part of the La Corona production facility. This is the same factory that produces the full-size No. 2, ensuring consistent construction and quality. The long-leaf filler is aged on-site, adding to the cigar's depth.