Description
The Montecristo No. 2 is the most famous cigar to come out of Cuba. Its unique character, strength and complexity have made this cigar a true legend. Spicy and woody with an earthy finish, the Montecristo No. 2 is around the top of our all-time favourite list.
Specs
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cuba (Habanos S.A.) |
| Vitola / Shape | Pyramid / Torpedo (“Pirámide”) figuado type with a tapered head. |
| Length | ~ 6 1/8 inches (≈ 156 mm) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Strength | Medium to Full strength — starts more mild/medium, builds somewhat toward the end. |
Flavor Profile & Smoking Experience
Below are common tasting notes and how it evolves from start to finish:
| Stage | What Many Smokers Report |
|---|---|
| Cold draw / Pre‑light | Notes of cedar/hay/grass, a sweet undertone; mild wood or earth aroma. Some say a touch of caramel or cocoa in the aroma. |
| First Third | Smooth, creamy start; cedar (wood), mild sweetness; touches of spice (pepper, cinnamon), maybe honey or coffee, leather in the background. Not extremely strong yet. |
| Middle Third | Becomes richer: more pronounced cedar/wood, leather, toasted notes; earthy and spicy undertones; sometimes darker cocoa or nutty flavors appear; still balanced. |
| Final Third | Strength (body) tends to increase; more wood and leather, deeper spice, sometimes bitterness or dryness if drawn hard; espresso or dark cocoa touches; retrohale often stronger, more pronounced spice or pepper. Finish is respectable and evolves into deeper, richer tones. |
What Makes It Great / Strengths
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Classic Cuban craftsmanship: Well‑constructed, good draw (most times), lovely wrapper; considered a benchmark of Cuban cigars.
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Flavor complexity & evolution: It doesn’t stay static — starts mild, builds to more earthy, woody, spicy and cocoa notes. People often appreciate seeing that progression.
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Balance: Many reviews say Montecristo No. 2 walks the line well — not overly bold immediately, yet it delivers depth as you go along. Good for both newer smokers and more experienced ones.
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Prestige & Reputation: Very well‑regarded; long history and often very highly scored in blind tastings/reviews.
Things to Be Aware Of / Possible Downsides
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Draw / wrapper tightness: Some cigars may be slightly tight; the tapered tip can sometimes make the draw a bit firmer than expected until you let it warm up.
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Burn issues in some cigars: A few smokers report burn or canoeing (uneven burn) especially in more humid climates or with less well‑stored sticks.
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Harshness toward the end: The final third can get a bit strong, spicy, or bitter, especially if the cigar was drawn too hard. Slower, more measured draws help.
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Price & availability: As a premium Cuban cigar, cost tends to be high; often hard to find in some markets. Authenticity can also be an issue if buying from unreliable sources.
Is It a Good Choice for You?
Based on what I know of your interest in flavour and quality (from your whisky choices etc.), Montecristo No. 2 seems like a solid fit if you like your cigar to:
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Evolve over its smoking time (start gentler, build up).
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Offer a mixture of wood, leather, spice, with some sweetness and cocoa or coffee in the profile.
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Be something to savor — not something you rush. A cigar for reflection or with good company or paired with whisky.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.