Montecristo No. 2

Description

The Montecristo No. 2 stands as the undisputed king of the torpedo format and arguably the most recognizable silhouette in the entire Habanos portfolio. While other cigars might chase trends or experiment with bizarre leaf combinations, this stick relies on a consistent, dominant profile that has kept it at the top of the food chain for decades. Lighting one of these is a declaration that you are ready to engage with a serious, full-throttle Cuban experience.

The Smoking Experience

First Third: The ritual begins with the cut, which requires more attention here than with a standard parejo. Because of the tapered head, where you clip determines the draw resistance, so it is wise to start shallow. Once lit, the No. 2 does not wait to introduce itself. You get an immediate, concentrated blast of white pepper and dry cedar wood. The smoke output is thick and oily right from the start, coating the palate with a distinct saltiness that often surprises new smokers. Within the first ten minutes, that initial aggressive spice settles down, revealing a core of roasted espresso beans and a faint hint of cinnamon. The construction usually allows for a firm, cool draw that directs the smoke right to the center of the tongue.

Mid-Section: As you move past the first inch and the ring gauge widens to its maximum, the profile undergoes a significant shift toward creaminess. This is the sweet spot where the cigar earns its legendary status. The sharp pepper fades into the background, replaced by a smooth, rich layer of milk chocolate and vanilla cream. You might detect the signature “Monte tang,” a unique acidity that balances the heavy earth tones. Complex notes of green chestnuts and nutmeg weave in and out, creating a savory quality that keeps you coming back for another puff. The strength is definitely climbing at this point, moving firmly from medium into the full-bodied territory, yet the smoke remains velvety and cool.

Final Third: The taper toward the foot is a distant memory now, and the intensity ramps up considerably. The sweetness from the middle section recedes, making way for robust flavors of damp earth, leather, and charred oak. You will likely notice a return of the spice, but this time it leans closer to red pepper flakes and black licorice. The finish becomes incredibly long, leaving a heavy coating of cocoa and tobacco on the tongue long after you exhale. Because the oils accumulate near the head, the cigar can get hot if you puff too frequently, so this final stretch requires patience to keep the flavors from turning bitter. It ends with a powerful, authoritative punch that leaves you feeling satisfied and perhaps a bit lightheaded.

Flavor Profile

The Story Behind Montecristo

Founded in 1935, this brand owes its name to the distinct Cuban tradition of having lectors read to the torcedores while they worked. The rolling floor at the H. Upmann factory had a particular fondness for Alexandre Dumas’s “The Count of Monte Cristo,” leading the founders to adopt the name for their new line. The logo, with its six crossed swords and fleur-de-lis, symbolizes the crossover between the novel’s swashbuckling themes and the precision required to craft these cigars. The No. 2 has been a staple of the catalog since the very beginning, surviving political upheavals and changing market tastes to remain the benchmark for the Piramides vitola.

Perfect Pairings

• Rum: Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva – The heavy brown sugar and molasses sweetness of this Venezuelan rum cuts through the dry cedar and earth of the cigar, creating a dessert-like balance.
• Whiskey: Yamazaki 12 – The Japanese oak and tropical fruit notes in this single malt bridge the gap between the cigar’s spicy start and its creamy middle section without overpowering the tobacco.
• Coffee: Vietnamese ca phe – The intense robusta beans combined with sweetened condensed milk provide the perfect counterweight to the bitter espresso and leather notes found in the cigar’s final third.

Ideal For

This is not a morning smoke, nor is it a starter stick for someone who has never handled a Habano before. The Montecristo No. 2 is built for the experienced aficionado who enjoys a dynamic evolution of flavor and a substantial nicotine kick. It serves best as the centerpiece of a long evening after a heavy meal, where you have the time to appreciate the complexity without rushing the clock.