Montecristo No. 2

Description

The amber glow of sunset filtered through the lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the leather armchairs where I’d settled in for what promised to be an exceptional evening. My fingers traced the distinctive pyramid shape resting in the crystal ashtray beside my glass, admiring the chocolate-colored wrapper that gleamed with an almost oily sheen. The Montecristo No. 2 has earned its reputation as the gold standard in shaped Cuban cigars, and holding one never fails to remind me why this particular vitola has captivated aficionados since 1935.

There’s something undeniably theatrical about the torpedo’s pointed cap. It demands respect, proper preparation, and most importantly, time to appreciate what’s about to unfold over the next hour and a half.

Technical Specifications

Flavor Journey Through Each Third

Opening Third: Classic Montecristo Excellence

The first draws deliver everything you’d expect from this legendary brand, but somehow more refined than other vitolas in the line. Dominant flavors of cocoa and coffee emerge immediately, wrapped in a creamy smoke that’s deceptively smooth for what’s to come. I’ve found that the classic Montecristo characteristics reach their absolute peak in this particular size.

Cedar notes provide the backbone here, supported by earthy undertones that ground the experience. Nuts and toast weave through each puff, accompanied by light spices that hint at the complexity building beneath the surface. The strength sits comfortably at medium during this stage – accessible enough for most smokers, yet rich enough to command attention.

Middle Section: Complexity Unfolds

Honestly, the transition into the second third is where this cigar truly distinguishes itself from its siblings. The smoke becomes meatier and more complex, with the body increasing noticeably as you progress toward the midway point. This is where patience pays dividends – rush through this section and you’ll miss some of the most nuanced flavors Cuban tobacco has to offer.

Dried fruit emerges alongside licorice, while the cocoa deepens into dark chocolate territory. Red pepper adds punctuation to each draw without overwhelming the palate. It’s a masterful display of how the finest tobaccos from the Vuelta Abajo region can work in harmony.

Final Third: Bold Finish

The conclusion maintains the full-bodied character you’d expect, but never crosses into harsh territory if you’ve been pacing yourself properly. Leather and earth dominate, with coffee notes providing a familiar anchor as the cigar burns down to its final inches. The strength peaks here – this isn’t the time for conversation, but rather quiet contemplation of what you’ve just experienced.

Construction and Appearance

The wrapper deserves special mention – that chocolate-colored leaf isn’t just beautiful, it’s functional perfection. Oily to the touch with an excellent sheen, it speaks to the careful selection and aging process these cigars undergo. The pyramid shape isn’t just for show; it concentrates the smoke through that tapered head, intensifying flavors in ways a traditional parejo simply can’t match.

Construction is expertly rolled throughout, with the 52 ring gauge providing enough tobacco to support the complex flavor development while maintaining an even burn. I’ve rarely encountered draw issues or construction problems with this vitola, though like all Cuban cigars, proper storage is essential to maintain these qualities.

Each cigar weighs approximately 14.26 grams – you can feel the density when you hold it. This isn’t a loosely packed stick; it’s a serious piece of tobacco architecture that demands respect.

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

The No. 2 sits in interesting territory when it comes to experience levels. While a cigar newbie might be intimidated by the 90-plus minute commitment and medium-to-full strength, it’s actually quite approachable in the first two-thirds. That said, I wouldn’t recommend it as someone’s first Cuban experience.

For the cigar aficionado, this represents essential smoking. You can’t claim to understand Cuban cigars without spending quality time with this particular expression of the Montecristo brand. It’s a benchmark against which other pyramid-shaped cigars are measured.

The occasion matters too. This isn’t a quick smoke between meetings or a casual porch cigar. It demands an evening, preferably with good company or a compelling book. Special celebrations, business milestones, or simply marking the end of a successful week – these are the moments when breaking into a box of No. 2s makes perfect sense.

Storage and Aging Considerations

Like all premium cigars, the No. 2 requires careful attention to storage conditions. Maintain humidity between 65-70% and temperature around 70°F for optimal preservation. These parameters become even more critical given the cigar’s size and density – improper storage will quickly reveal itself in poor burn characteristics and muted flavors.

The aging potential here is remarkable. Fresh boxes show the classic Montecristo profile beautifully, but properly stored cigars with 3-5 years of age develop incredible depth. The spices mellow, the earth tones deepen, and the overall smoking experience becomes even more refined.

Available in boxes of 10 and 25, I’d recommend the larger format if you’re planning to age them. The additional cigars help maintain consistent humidity within the box, and honestly, once you experience a properly aged No. 2, you’ll want more than just a few examples on hand.

Perfect Pairings

The strength and complexity of this cigar opens up numerous pairing possibilities, though some work better than others in my experience. For spirits, a well-aged Cuban rum like Havana Club 15 or Santiago de Cuba 25 provides complementary tropical notes without competing with the tobacco’s natural flavors.

Whiskey enthusiasts should look toward single malts with some sherry influence – Macallan 18 or GlenDronach 21 both offer the richness to match the cigar’s intensity while adding their own layer of complexity. Avoid heavily peated options; they’ll overwhelm rather than complement.

Coffee pairings work beautifully, particularly during the first third. A properly brewed Cuban coffee or even a high-quality espresso can echo the natural coffee notes in the tobacco. For wine drinkers, consider a aged Rioja or Barolo – something with enough tannin structure to stand up to the smoke.

Port deserves special mention here. The sweetness plays wonderfully against the cigar’s earthier elements, particularly in the final third when the leather and coffee notes dominate.

Authentication and Quality Verification

Given the reputation and price point of genuine Cuban Montecristos, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Authentic bands should feature crisp printing with clear, defined edges – no bleeding ink or fuzzy letters. The Habanos authentication seal on the box bottom should be present and properly affixed.

The cigars themselves tell their own story. Genuine examples have that distinctive wrapper sheen and oily texture. The construction should feel firm without being overly dense, and the pyramid shape should taper smoothly to a well-formed point.

When in doubt, purchase from reputable dealers who can provide provenance documentation. The savings from questionable sources simply aren’t worth the disappointment of smoking inferior tobacco.

Cutting and Lighting Technique

The pyramid shape requires specific attention during preparation. Use a quality cutter to remove just the tip – roughly 1/8 to 1/4 inch maximum. Cut too much and you’ll lose the shape’s benefit; too little and the draw becomes restricted. I prefer a straight cut over a V-cut for this particular vitola.

Lighting demands patience. Toast the foot evenly with a butane flame, rotating the cigar slowly to ensure uniform ignition. The tapered head means less surface area is initially burning, so take your time establishing an even burn before settling in for the experience.

Once lit, resist the urge to smoke too quickly. This cigar rewards patience with complexity, while rushing through it will only deliver heat and harsh flavors. One puff per minute is a good guideline, though let your palate be the ultimate judge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the No. 2 compare to other Montecristo vitolas?

The pyramid shape concentrates and intensifies the classic Montecristo flavor profile in ways that traditional parejos in the line simply can’t match. While cigars like the No. 4 offer the brand’s signature characteristics in a more accessible format, the No. 2 represents the most complex and refined expression of what makes this Cuban brand special.

Is this suitable for someone new to Cuban cigars?

While not impossible, I’d recommend building up to the No. 2 rather than starting with it. The 90+ minute smoking time and medium-to-full strength can be overwhelming for newcomers. Consider starting with a Montecristo No. 4 or similar before committing to this level of intensity and time investment.

What’s the best time of day to enjoy a No. 2?

Evening sessions work best given the smoking time and strength progression. I’ve found that starting about two hours before sunset provides the perfect timeline – you’ll finish just as full darkness settles in. The natural light helps you appreciate the burn characteristics and smoke color, while the gradual transition to evening complements the cigar’s own journey from medium to full strength.

How should I store an opened box?

Transfer them to a properly maintained humidor as soon as possible after opening. The original box can remain in the humidor if space allows, as it helps maintain consistent humidity around the cigars. Monitor conditions closely – these larger cigars are more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than smaller vitolas.

Can I age these cigars, and for how long?

Absolutely, and I’d encourage it. Montecristo No. 2s age beautifully over 3-10 years when stored properly. The harsh edges smooth out, the flavors integrate more completely, and the overall smoking experience becomes more refined. However, they’re also excellent when fresh, so don’t feel obligated to wait if you’re eager to try them.