Montecristo Petit No 2

As soon as you clip the tapered head, you notice the draw is distinctively Cuban—just the right amount of resistance. Lighting the foot releases a heavy, aromatic cloud that smells like a barnyard in the best possible way. The first few puffs are surprisingly smooth but potent. You get an immediate hit of toasted tobacco and dry cedar wood. It does not wait around to introduce itself. There is a subtle "twang" that Montecristo fans look for, accompanied by a faint white pepper note on the retrohale that wakes up your sinuses without stinging. The burn line usually corrects itself quickly after the initial light, revealing a dark gray ash that holds tight.

About fifteen minutes in, the cigar really finds its stride. The initial pepper fades into the background, allowing the texture of the smoke to become creamier and denser. This is the sweet spot where the signature cocoa flavors emerge. It tastes like unsweetened chocolate powder or a dark mocha, layering over the woody base established in the beginning. You might catch fleeting notes of roasted nuts, specifically hazelnuts or walnuts, which add a savory quality to the profile. The strength creeps up from medium toward the fuller side here, reminding you that despite its small stature, this is a serious blend with plenty of ligero leaf in the filler.

As you approach the band, the intensity peaks. The flavors darken significantly, shifting from cedar and cocoa to damp earth and strong espresso beans. The sweetness from the second third drops off, replaced by a robust, leather-heavy character. Because the cigar is short, the smoke warms up noticeably at this stage, which actually helps intensify the wood notes. It stays flavorful right down to the nub, rarely turning bitter if you pace your puffs correctly. It leaves a long, coating finish on the palate that stays with you well after you have put it down.

Montecristo is arguably the most recognized Habanos brand on the planet, serving as the benchmark against which other Cuban cigars are measured. Founded in Havana in 1935, the brand took its name from the rolling floor tradition where lectores (readers) would read stories to the torcedores while they worked. Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo" was a clear favorite among the rollers, eventually lending its name to the cigars they created. While the brand is steeped in tradition, the release of the Petit No. 2 in 2013 showed that Habanos S.A. was ready to adapt to modern smokers who wanted the classic "Pyramid" experience in a more manageable timeframe.

This cigar is a perfect choice for the experienced smoker who is short on time but refuses to smoke something mild or boring. It packs a significant punch, so it might be a bit overwhelming for a complete beginner on an empty stomach. It serves as an excellent winter smoke when it is too cold to stay outside for long, or as a sophisticated companion to a mid-day espresso.