About the Montecristo Petit No. 2
Few Cuban cigars carry the reputation of the Montecristo No. 2, the torpedo that helped define what a benchmark Habano should taste like. The Montecristo Petit No. 2 arrived in 2013 as a smaller sibling, keeping the same hefty 52 ring gauge and the brand’s signature tapered pirámide head while trimming roughly an inch and a half from the length. The result is a totally handmade, long filler figurado built around the classic Montecristo blend, offering the depth that made the marque famous in a format that fits a busy afternoon rather than a long evening.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third leans on toasted almond, milky cocoa, and a gentle dusting of cedar, all carried on a creamy, sweet tobacco core. Through the middle the smoke settles into a steady medium, with wood notes firming up and a subtle nuttiness running underneath. As the final third develops, coffee bean and a deeper chocolate sweetness come forward, the cedar grows more pronounced, and the cigar closes with a smooth, lightly smoky finish that lingers pleasantly without turning harsh.
Pairings
- Aged Cuban rum, where caramel and oak echo the cigar’s cocoa and cedar.
- A short, full bodied espresso that mirrors the roasted coffee notes in the second half.
- Lightly peated single malt Scotch for smoky contrast against the creamy tobacco.
Aging and storage
The Petit No. 2 smokes beautifully young, yet it rewards patience like most quality Habanos. Hold your boxes at roughly 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and a steady temperature near 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in a well seasoned humidor. Given a year or two of rest, the nutty and woody elements tend to marry and the sweetness rounds out, so it is worth setting a few aside while smoking the rest fresh.
Who it is for
This is an ideal cigar for the smoker who loves the full size Montecristo No. 2 but does not always have ninety minutes to spare. Its medium body and approachable balance make it friendly to those still exploring Cuban tobacco, while the genuine Montecristo character keeps seasoned aficionados coming back. If you want a dependable, refined daily figurado, the Petit No. 2 belongs in your rotation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Montecristo Petit No. 2 take to smoke?
Most smokers finish it in roughly forty five to sixty minutes, which is part of its appeal as a shorter alternative to the full size No. 2.
How strong is the Montecristo Petit No. 2?
It sits in the medium range, building from a milder opening toward a solid medium body, so it stays enjoyable without overwhelming.
What is the difference between the Petit No. 2 and the regular Montecristo No. 2?
Both share the 52 ring gauge pirámide shape, but the Petit is about an inch and a half shorter, giving a similar flavor experience in a more compact, quicker smoke.
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.