Description
The amber light of late afternoon filtered through the mahogany-paneled walls of my favorite lounge, casting long shadows across the leather armchair where I’d settled in for what promised to be an exceptional hour. In my hand rested a perfectly formed torpedo, its chocolate-colored wrapper gleaming under the soft lamplight like polished leather. The Montecristo Petit No. 2 had been calling to me from the humidor all week – that distinctive short belicoso shape promising complexity in a compact format that wouldn’t monopolize my entire evening.
This isn’t just another cigar in the Montecristo lineup. It’s a handmade masterpiece from Cuba that delivers the full Montecristo experience in a more approachable timeframe. I’ve found myself reaching for this particular vitola more often than I care to admit, especially when time is precious but the desire for something truly excellent can’t be ignored.
What strikes me most about the Petit No. 2 is how it manages to capture everything that makes cigars from this legendary marca special, condensed into 120mm of pure Cuban craftsmanship. It’s become my go-to recommendation for both seasoned aficionados and newcomers looking to understand what Cuban tobacco can truly deliver.
Flavor Journey Through the Smoke
The first third opens with a lush draw that delivers immediate complexity. Right from the cold draw, I picked up hints of caramel sweetness mingled with that unmistakable natural tobacco character that only comes from Cuban soil. Once lit, the opening notes burst with toasted wheat and subtle pepper, creating an inviting introduction that sets the stage for what’s to come.
The salt and earth notes emerge gradually, never overwhelming but adding depth to each puff. There’s something almost floral in the background – not perfumy, but reminiscent of dried flowers pressed between book pages. This isn’t a blind cigar review where I’m guessing at origins; the Cuban terroir announces itself clearly from the very first draw.
Moving into the middle third, the sweet and spicy flavors begin their elegant dance. The caramel notes I detected earlier develop into something richer, more nuanced. Cedar joins the party, bringing woody sophistication that complements rather than competes with the pepper. It’s in this section where the Petit’s true character shines – medium-bodied but never thin, complex but never muddled.
The final third is where this cigar truly proves its worth. The hay notes I’d been anticipating finally make their appearance, adding an almost nostalgic quality to the smoke. The leathery smoke becomes more pronounced, wrapping around the palate like a well-worn jacket. Even as the cigar burns down to the final inches, there’s no harshness, no bitterness – just pure, refined tobacco flavor that represents everything Montecristo stands for.
Construction and Appearance
The chocolate Colorado wrapper on the Montecristo Petit is nothing short of stunning. It’s smooth to the touch with just enough texture to remind you this is a handmade product, not some machine-rolled impostor. The veining is minimal and elegant, creating an almost silk-like appearance that speaks to careful leaf selection.
At 4¾ inches with a 52 ring gauge, the measurements create perfect proportions for this short torpedo format. The pointed cap tapers beautifully to the shoulder, then expands to the full ring gauge in a way that feels natural in the hand. Weighing in at just 10.76 grams, it’s surprisingly substantial despite its compact size.
The construction quality is evident in every regard. The seams are virtually invisible, the cap is perfectly applied, and the foot shows an even distribution of tobaccos. This is Cuban craftsmanship at its finest – the kind of attention to detail that justifies the reputation of these legendary cigars.
What impresses me most is the consistency. I’ve smoked dozens of these over the years, and the construction quality remains remarkably uniform. The draw is consistently excellent, the burn line stays razor-straight, and the ash holds firm for impressive lengths.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 120mm (4¾ inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Vitola | Petit Pyramid (Short Torpedo) |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Origin | Cuba |
| Wrapper | Chocolate Colorado |
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
The Montecristo Petit No. 2 occupies a sweet spot that makes it accessible to a surprisingly wide range of smokers. For beginners, it offers an authentic taste of Cuban excellence without the time commitment of larger vitolas. The medium strength won’t overwhelm a developing palate, while the complexity provides plenty to discover and appreciate.
Experienced aficionados will find this cigar perfect for those occasions when you want something substantial but don’t have two hours to spare. I’ve found it ideal for afternoon smoke breaks, pre-dinner cigars, or those moments when you want to savor something special without the full evening commitment.
Business professionals particularly appreciate the Petit No. 2’s versatility. It’s sophisticated enough for client meetings, quick enough for lunch breaks, and refined enough for special occasions. The size makes it perfect for outdoor events where larger cigars might feel impractical.
Honestly, I think this is one of the best cigars for anyone looking to understand what makes Cuban tobacco special. It showcases all the characteristics that have made Cuban cigars legendary – the terroir from the Vuelta Abajo region, the craftsmanship, the complexity – in a format that doesn’t intimidate.
Perfect Pairings
The medium body and complex flavor profile of the Petit No. 2 creates numerous pairing opportunities. For rum enthusiasts, I’ve found that aged Cuban rums like Havana Club 15 or Santiago de Cuba 12 complement the cigar’s caramel and spice notes beautifully. The sweetness in these aged rums echoes the natural sweetness in the tobacco without overwhelming the more subtle flavors.
Whiskey lovers shouldn’t overlook this pairing. A smooth Highland single malt like Glenlivet 18 brings out the cedar notes while its honeyed character harmonizes with the caramel undertones. For bourbon fans, something with wheated mash bill like Maker’s Mark 46 provides enough sweetness to complement without competing.
Coffee pairings work exceptionally well, particularly with Cuban coffee or a rich espresso blend. The bitter notes in coffee create a beautiful contrast with the cigar’s natural sweetness, while the roasted flavors echo the toasted elements in the tobacco. I particularly enjoy this combination during afternoon smoking sessions.
Wine enthusiasts might try a aged Rioja or a smooth Tempranillo. The earthy undertones in these wines complement the soil-driven flavors from Cuba, while their moderate tannins won’t overpower the cigar’s medium body. Port is another excellent choice, especially a 20-year tawny that brings dried fruit notes to complement the tobacco’s complexity.
Storage and Aging Considerations
Like all Cuban cigars, the Petit No. 2 requires careful attention to storage conditions. I maintain my humidor at 65-68% relative humidity and 65-68°F (18-20°C). These slightly lower humidity levels help preserve the cigar’s construction while allowing the flavors to develop properly over time.
These cigars respond beautifully to aging. Fresh boxes often display more pepper and spice, while aged examples develop deeper caramel and earth notes. I’ve found that Petit No. 2s with 2-3 years of proper storage show remarkable improvement, with the flavors becoming more integrated and the overall smoking experience gaining sophistication.
For optimal storage, I recommend cedar-lined humidors with reliable hygrometers. The compact size of these cigars makes them perfect for smaller desktop humidors, but ensure adequate air circulation. Proper humidor setup is crucial for maintaining these cigars at their peak.
Seasonal storage adjustments are important. During humid summer months, I’ll drop humidity to 62-65%, while winter heating systems might require increasing to 68-70%. The key is consistency – sudden changes in humidity can crack wrappers or affect the burn characteristics that make these cigars so special.
If you’re serious about experiencing these cigars at their best, consider proven preservation techniques that will maintain their quality for years of enjoyment.
Cutting and Lighting Technique
The torpedo shape of the Petit No. 2 requires a slightly different cutting approach than straight-cut cigars. I prefer using a sharp guillotine cutter, making the cut about 2-3mm from the tip. This preserves enough of the pointed cap to maintain the cigar’s intended draw characteristics while opening sufficient surface area for proper airflow.
Avoid cutting too much of the cap – the torpedo’s tapered design is engineered to concentrate the smoke and enhance flavor delivery. A conservative cut allows you to make additional small cuts if the draw feels too tight, but you can’t add wrapper back once it’s removed.
For lighting, I always use cedar spills or butane lighters, never sulfur matches which can impart unwanted flavors. The smaller foot size means less surface area to light, but take your time to ensure even ignition. I hold the flame about half an inch from the foot while rotating the cigar slowly, allowing the heat to toast the tobacco before bringing flame to foot.
The initial few puffs should be gentle. Let the cigar establish its burn pattern naturally rather than forcing heavy draws that might cause overheating. This patience in the lighting process pays dividends throughout the smoking experience, ensuring the complex flavors develop as intended.
Understanding proper smoking techniques will help you get the most from this exceptional cigar.
Identifying Authentic Montecristos
With the popularity of Montecristo cigars, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Authentic Petit No. 2s feature the standard Montecristo Band D, which should have crisp, clear printing with no smudging or color variations. The gold embossing should be sharp and reflective, not dull or poorly applied.
Examine the packaging carefully. Legitimate boxes feature specific holographic seals, proper Spanish text, and high-quality printing. The cigars come in various presentations: aluminum-tubed display boxes of 15 (arranged in 5 packs of 3), dress boxes of 10 or 25, or special edition packaging. Be wary of unusual packaging or prices that seem too good to be true.
The construction quality itself is often the best indicator. Authentic Cuban cigars display consistent wrapper color, invisible seams, and properly applied caps. The tobacco should smell rich and complex, not musty or artificial. Fake cigars often have loose construction, uneven wrapper color, or poor cap application.
One quality concern I’ve noticed in some boxes is inconsistent ring gauge measurements – some cigars measuring slightly different diameters than others. While this can happen with handmade cigars, significant variations might indicate quality control issues or potential authenticity problems.
When in doubt, purchase from reputable dealers who can guarantee authenticity. The investment in a genuine Montecristo Petit No. 2 is worth it for the authentic Cuban experience these cigars provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Montecristo Petit No. 2 take to smoke?
In my experience, the Petit No. 2 typically takes 45-60 minutes to smoke completely, depending on your smoking pace. The compact 4¾-inch length makes it perfect for situations where you want a full Cuban cigar experience without committing to a 90-minute smoke session.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The medium strength and balanced flavor profile make it an excellent introduction to Cuban cigars. It’s complex enough to be interesting but not so strong as to overwhelm someone new to premium cigars. I often recommend it to friends taking their first steps into serious cigar smoking.
How does the Petit No. 2 compare to other Montecristo vitolas like the Edmundo?
While both are excellent cigars, the Petit No. 2 offers a more concentrated flavor experience due to its torpedo shape and smaller size. The Edmundo provides a longer, more leisurely smoke, but the Petit No. 2 delivers similar complexity in less time. Both showcase classic Montecristo character, but the Petit No. 2 is more practical for everyday smoking.
Should I age these cigars or smoke them fresh?
Both approaches have merit. Fresh Petit No. 2s display more pepper and spice, which some smokers prefer. However, I’ve found that 2-3 years of proper aging really allows the flavors to integrate beautifully. The caramel and earth notes become more pronounced, and the overall smoking experience gains sophistication. If you can afford to buy a box and age half while smoking the rest, you’ll appreciate the difference aging makes.
What’s the best way to store these cigars if I don’t have a large humidor?
The compact size of the Petit No. 2 makes it perfect for smaller storage solutions. A desktop humidor holding 25-50 cigars is perfectly adequate. Maintain 65-68% humidity and consistent temperature around 65-68°F. Even a well-sealed tupperdor with proper humidity control can work effectively for these smaller cigars. The key is consistency rather than having the largest humidor.
Whether you’re drawn to the rich heritage of Cuban tobacco or simply seeking an exceptional smoking experience that fits into a busy schedule, the Montecristo Petit No. 2 delivers authenticity and complexity that few cigars can match. It’s a cigar that respects your time while rewarding your palate – exactly what you’d expect from one of Cuba’s most celebrated marcas.
