Montecristo Petit No. 2

The Moment I Knew the Montecristo No 2 Petit Was Something Special

It was a Tuesday evening in Miami, probably 2007 or 2008 – hell, might’ve been 2009, the years blur together when you’re smoking as much as I was back then. I’d just finished a brutal day of meetings and my buddy Carlos (Cuban ex-pat who taught me more about cigars than any book ever could) slides this little torpedo across the bar at us. “Try this,” he says with that knowing grin. “It’s everything you love about the regular No. 2, but it won’t take you three hours.”

Now I’ll be honest – I was skeptical. The full-size Montecristo No. 2 had been my go-to for special occasions since the late ’90s, and I had this prejudice against smaller ring gauges. Thought they burned too hot, couldn’t develop proper complexity. Boy, was I wrong.

That first draw changed everything. The montecristo no 2 petit delivered this incredible punch of flavor that was somehow both familiar and completely surprising. It’s been fifteen years since that night, and this little beauty is still in my regular rotation.

Why Size Matters (But Not How You Think)

Let me get something straight right off the bat – the Petit No. 2 isn’t just a shrunken version of its bigger brother. Sure, they share that gorgeous torpedo shape and that unmistakable Monte DNA, but the smoking experience? Completely different animal.

The regular No. 2 is a marathon. 6.1 inches of pure Cuban craftsmanship that demands two hours of your life and your full attention. The Petit? It’s a sprint – 4.3 inches that’ll give you 45-60 minutes of concentrated pleasure. And here’s the thing that most reviews won’t tell you: sometimes the sprint is better than the marathon.

The smaller ring gauge (52 vs the regular’s… wait, actually both are 52, my mistake – it’s just the length that’s different) means you’re getting more wrapper influence throughout the smoke. That Colorado wrapper really shines in this format.

First Light and Initial Impressions

The pre-light ritual with these is pure theater. That torpedo tip gives you options – punch it, V-cut it, or (my preference) use a good sharp guillotine about a quarter-inch down. The cold draw usually gives you hints of what’s coming: leather, maybe some cocoa, definitely that earthy Cuban terroir that’s impossible to fake.

Lighting up, the first thing that hits you is the construction. These roll perfect – and I mean perfect. I’ve smoked probably 200+ Petit No. 2s over the years, and I can count on one hand the ones that had draw issues. The Cubans really nailed the engineering on this vitola.

That first puff… man, it’s like being welcomed back to an old friend’s house. There’s this immediate recognition – “Oh yeah, this is definitely a Montecristo” – followed by the realization that you’re in for something special.

The Flavor Journey (My Way)

Forget all that “first third, second third” nonsense you read everywhere. Cigars don’t smoke by a timer, they evolve naturally, and the Petit No. 2 has its own rhythm.

The opening act is all about elegance. There’s this refined earthiness – not barnyard, not mushroomy, but like rich potting soil after rain. Some cedar definitely, maybe a hint of nuts. Nothing aggressive, nothing that screams for attention. It’s confident in a very Cuban way.

About twenty minutes in (give or take, depending on how you smoke), things start getting interesting. The pepper shows up – not Nicaraguan face-punch pepper, but this sophisticated white pepper that tingles your palate just right. There’s usually some leather in there too, but good leather. Like a well-aged baseball glove, not a biker jacket.

Here’s where the Petit really shows its character: that middle section delivers complexity that punches way above its size class. I’ve gotten chocolate notes, coffee (usually espresso-dark), sometimes this weird but wonderful metallic mineral thing that I can only describe as “Cuban soil.” Every stick is slightly different, which keeps things interesting even after all these years.

The final stretch? That’s where the magic happens. If you’ve been smoking it right – not too fast, not too slow – the last inch and a half turns into this concentrated essence of everything Montecristo represents. Rich, smooth, complex, but never overwhelming. It’s like the cigar is showing off, reminding you why these little torpedoes cost what they cost.

What I Pair With It (Specific Recommendations)

Here’s where I might lose some of you – I’m not a rum-with-Cubans purist. Sure, a good aged rum works great (Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is fantastic with these), but my go-to pairing is actually a peaty Scotch. Ardbeg 10 and a Petit No. 2 on a cool evening? That’s heaven right there.

For non-drinkers or daytime smokes, try it with really good coffee. I’m talking single-origin, properly roasted stuff – not Starbucks burnt garbage. There’s this Ethiopian coffee from a roaster in Portland (Stumptown, if you’re curious) that absolutely sings with these cigars.

Wine? Spanish Tempranillo, definitely. Something with enough backbone to stand up to the cigar but not so big it fights for attention. I’ve had great success with Marqués de Riscal Reserva.

And here’s a weird one that works: good dark chocolate. 70%+ cacao, maybe with some sea salt. Don’t knock it ’til you try it.

Who Should Smoke These (And Who Shouldn’t)

The Petit No. 2 is perfect for the experienced smoker who doesn’t always have two hours to kill. It’s also great for someone stepping up from milder cigars – it’s got enough complexity to be interesting but won’t beat you over the head with strength.

Business dinners? Perfect. You can finish one during a normal meal without looking like you’re trying to make a statement. Golf course? Absolutely, though watch the wind with that torpedo tip.

Who should skip it? Beginners, honestly. Not because it’s too strong – it’s actually pretty medium-bodied – but because it’s too good to waste on an undeveloped palate. Start with something cheaper, develop your taste, then come back to these when you can really appreciate what you’re smoking.

Also, if you’re a “bigger is always better” type, you might be disappointed. This isn’t about making a statement or showing off your smoking prowess. It’s about quality and refinement.

Storage Tips and Quirks

These age beautifully if you’ve got the patience. I’ve got a few boxes from 2015 that are just hitting their stride now. Store them like any other Cuban – 65-68% humidity, stable temperature, away from light. But here’s something I’ve noticed: they’re more sensitive to humidity swings than bigger cigars. Maybe it’s the smaller mass, but they seem to respond faster to changes in your humidor environment.

One quirk: the bands. They’re gorgeous (that classic Monte red and gold), but they can be stubborn. Don’t force them off cold – let the cigar warm up from your smoking, then they’ll slide right off.

Another thing – these benefit from some rest time after shipping. I know it’s tempting to fire one up right away, but give them at least a week in your humidor to settle down. They’ll thank you for it.

The Controversial Take

Alright, here’s my hot take that’ll probably get me some hate mail: I actually prefer the Petit No. 2 to the regular No. 2 about 80% of the time. There, I said it.

The regular No. 2 is a classic, don’t get me wrong. But it’s almost too much cigar sometimes. By the time you’re halfway through, your palate is shot, you’re nicotine-buzzed, and you’re smoking it just to finish it. The Petit gives you all the best parts of that experience without the endurance test.

Plus – and this is purely practical – the world has changed since the No. 2 was created. Who has three hours for a cigar anymore? The Petit fits modern life better while maintaining that classical Cuban excellence.

Common Questions I Get Asked

Are these worth the premium over other Cuban cigars?

Honestly? Depends on your budget and taste. They’re definitely premium-priced, but the quality is consistent and the experience is unique. If you’re smoking one a week, probably worth it. If you’re a multiple-cigars-per-day smoker, maybe find something more affordable for your daily driver.

How do they compare to non-Cuban alternatives?

Nothing really compares directly. The closest I’ve found is maybe the Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed, but it’s a completely different flavor profile. Cuban tobacco has this terroir that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Should I age them or smoke them fresh?

Both, honestly. Buy two boxes – smoke one fresh to experience what the factory intended, age the other for 3-5 years to see what time does to them. Fresh ones are fruitier and brighter; aged ones develop more complexity and smoothness.

What’s the best time of day to smoke one?

I’m an evening smoker with these, usually after dinner. But they work great with a good lunch too – they’re not so strong they’ll wreck your afternoon.

Bottom Line

The montecristo no 2 petit represents everything I love about Cuban cigars: tradition, craftsmanship, complexity, and that indefinable Cuban character that keeps me coming back after two decades of serious smoking. They’re not cheap, they’re not easy to find, and they’re definitely not for everyone.

But if you appreciate fine tobacco, if you understand that sometimes less is more, and if you’ve got about an hour to spend with one of the best small cigars ever made… well, you owe it to yourself to try one.

Just don’t blame me when you end up ordering a box.