About the Montecristo No.2
The Montecristo No.2 is the cigar most aficionados name when asked to picture the perfect Cuban torpedo. Born from the Montecristo marca, a brand established in Havana in 1935, this Piramides shape has grown into a global reference point for the format itself. Its tapered head and broad foot are rolled entirely by hand, and the No.2 has long been regarded as the flagship of the standard Montecristo range. Few cigars carry this much heritage with so little effort, and the reputation is earned in the smoke rather than on the band.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans creamy and approachable, with light cedar, a soft toasty edge, and just a whisper of pepper to wake the palate. Through the middle the cigar gathers weight, layering richer wood, fine leather, and a growing seam of cocoa alongside that tangy, slightly citric character Montecristo is known for. The final third turns darker and more serious, pushing espresso, bitter chocolate, and deeper earthy spice as the medium body edges toward medium-full. Balance holds from light to nub, which is a large part of why this blend is so respected.
Pairings
- Aged Cuban or Caribbean rum, whose caramel sweetness flatters the cocoa and coffee notes.
- A lightly peated or sherried single malt to echo the leather and dark spice of the second half.
- Strong black espresso for a classic after-dinner match that mirrors the cigar’s roasted core.
Aging and storage
Montecristo No.2 smokes beautifully fresh, yet it rewards patience handsomely. Held at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and around 18 degrees Celsius, the cigar gradually softens its youthful spice and lets the cocoa, cedar, and leather marry into something rounder and more harmonious. A box rested for two to five years often shows real refinement, so a seasoned humidor is a worthwhile home for these. Rotate your stock occasionally and keep the box away from light and temperature swings.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the smoker who wants the definitive Cuban torpedo experience without chasing something obscure. Its medium to medium-full profile suits established palates while remaining accessible enough for an enthusiast ready to step up from milder Habanos. Collectors value it for cellaring, and seasoned smokers return to it as a reliable benchmark. If you keep one box of Cuban cigars at home, many would argue the No.2 deserves the slot.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Montecristo No.2?
It is a Piramides, the Cuban torpedo shape, measuring 6.1 inches (156 mm) with a 52 ring gauge.
Is the Montecristo No.2 a strong cigar?
It sits in the medium to medium-full range, beginning smoothly and building in body and intensity toward the final third.
How should I store Montecristo No.2 cigars?
Keep them in a seasoned humidor at around 65 to 70 percent humidity. They smoke well young but often improve with a few years of careful aging.
Explore more
Browse all Montecristo cigars, see our Montecristo price guide, or try the Montecristo No.2 and Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.