Description
The Montecristo Petit No. 2 is a concentrated masterpiece, designed for the connoisseur who demands the legendary profile of the classic No. 2 but requires a more time-efficient experience. As a Petit Pirámide (or Short Torpedo), this cigar encapsulates the very essence of the world’s most famous vitola within a compact 120mm frame. Boasting a medium to full-bodied strength profile, it delivers an immediate and intense immersion into the Montecristo DNA. From the first draw, the palate is enveloped in a creamy smoothness, characterized by rich notes of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and aromatic cedar. Handcrafted with precision in Cuba, the Petit No. 2 is a “compact powerhouse” that offers a sophisticated progression of flavor, moving from sweet-spicy nuances to a deep, woody intensity that lingers long after the final puff.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 Hand-Rolled Habanos | 10 Hand-Rolled Habanos |
| Packaging Type | Classic Semi-Boite Nature (SBN) Wood Box | Elegant Dress Box / Slide Lid Box |
| Ideal For | Long-term aging and daily aficionados | Gifting and short-term travel storage |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar lining for optimal moisture retention | Compact seal for freshness during transit |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Petit Pirámide (Petit No. 2) |
| Length | 120 mm (4.7 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban Colorado (Oily, Medium-Brown) |
| Binder | Cuba |
| Filler | Cuba (Vuelta Abajo Region) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Body | Full and Rich |
| Smoking Time | 50–70 Minutes |
| Factory | Habanos S.A., Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Montecristo |
Brand Heritage
The Montecristo name is synonymous with the pinnacle of Cuban cigar artistry. Founded in 1935 at the H. Upmann factory, the brand took its name from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. Tradition dictates that the Lector (reader) would recite this tale of adventure and revenge to the torcedores (rollers) as they worked, and the story became so beloved that the workers requested the brand be named in its honor. Since its inception, Montecristo has set the global benchmark for quality, flavor, and prestige in the tobacco world.
While the original Montecristo No. 2 is perhaps the most recognizable cigar on the planet, the Petit No. 2 was introduced in 2013 to cater to the modern smoker. As global lifestyles became faster and smoking restrictions more prevalent, Habanos S.A. recognized the need for a shorter, thicker format that did not compromise on the complexity or strength of the traditional Pirámide. The Petit No. 2 was the answer—a contemporary classic that maintains the brand’s fleur-de-lis legacy while offering a more accessible smoking window for the discerning executive or collector.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
Upon lighting, the Montecristo Petit No. 2 introduces itself with an immediate burst of rich cedar and toasted nuts. Unlike its larger sibling, which takes time to develop, the Petit No. 2 gets straight to business. The draw is typically perfect, offering a creamy mouthfeel that carries faint notes of grassy green tea and a distinct vanilla sweetness. There is an underlying spice—reminiscent of nutmeg and cinnamon—that tickles the back of the throat, signaling the medium-full body that is to come. The aroma is intoxicating, filling the room with scents of fine leather and aged tobacco.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar transitions into the second third, the flavors deepen and become more cohesive. The nutty character evolves into a savory toasted almond, while the chocolate notes shift from milk chocolate to a darker, more intense cocoa. The coffee bean influence becomes more pronounced here, providing a robust backbone to the smoke. One of the standout features of this stage is the thick, sweet retrohale, which reveals a gentle white pepper spice. The construction remains flawless, with a sharp burn line and a sturdy ash that reflects the expert craftsmanship of the Cuban rollers.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third is where the Petit No. 2 truly shines as a “compact powerhouse.” The woody intensity of the cedar ramps up, perfectly balanced by the lingering caramel sweetness from the earlier stages. The black tea and bread notes provide a savory complexity, while the pepper and nutmeg become more prominent, offering a spicy tingle that never becomes harsh. Despite the intensity, the cigar remains remarkably cool, allowing the smoker to enjoy it down to the very last inch. There is a complete absence of bitterness, replaced instead by a rich, earthy finish.
Finish
The finish is long, luxurious, and deliciously spicy. It leaves a lasting impression of creaminess and white pepper on the palate. The aftertaste is clean yet complex, inviting the smoker to reflect on the 50 to 70 minutes of pure Cuban excellence they have just experienced.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Dark Chocolate, Toasted Nuts, Cedar Wood |
| Secondary Notes | Roasted Coffee, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla |
| Tertiary Notes | Leather, Green Tea, Fresh Bread, Hay |
| Finish | Spicy White Pepper, Creamy Caramel, Earth |
| Aroma | Floral, Woodsy, Aged Tobacco, Sweet Spice |
Aging and Collector Value
The Montecristo Petit No. 2 is a prime candidate for the serious collector’s humidor. Because of its 52 ring gauge and dense Cuban filler, it possesses the structural integrity required for long-term maturation. When young, the cigar is vibrant and spicy; however, with 1 to 3 years of aging, the oils within the Colorado wrapper begin to mellow, integrating the spice with the creamy chocolate notes for a more harmonious profile.
For those looking to maximize collector value, we recommend storing these in their original cedar boxes at a consistent 65-70% Relative Humidity (RH) and a temperature of 21°C (70°F). Over time, the Petit No. 2 will lose its “youthful edge” and develop a sophisticated “vintage” character that is highly sought after in the secondary market. The aluminum tube (Tubos) versions also offer excellent aging potential, as the sealed environment slows down the oxidation process, preserving the cigar’s aromatic oils for even longer periods.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum | The molasses sweetness of the rum complements the chocolate and caramel notes of the cigar perfectly. |
| Single Malt Scotch | A Highland malt with heather and honey notes balances the cedar and white pepper spice. |
| Double Espresso | The bitterness of the coffee enhances the toasted nut and cocoa profile for a classic morning pairing. |
| Cognac (XO) | The dried fruit and oak notes of a fine Cognac mirror the complexity of the Petit Pirámide. |
| Late Bottled Vintage Port | The dark fruit sweetness provides a beautiful contrast to the earthy and woody final third. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Habanos, authenticity is paramount. We take extreme measures to ensure that every Montecristo Petit No. 2 that leaves our humidor is a 100% genuine product of Cuba.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official Habanos warranty seal with a unique barcode and a holographic image that reacts to light.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of each box is stamped with the factory code and the month/year of production, allowing for full traceability.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) ink stamps, which are hallmarks of premium Cuban construction.
- Triple Cap – Each Petit No. 2 is finished with a traditional Cuban triple cap, a sign of expert rolling that ensures a clean cut and a smooth draw.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our rigorous quality standards, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we are committed to delivering the true Cuban experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Montecristo No. 2 and Petit No. 2?
The primary difference lies in the length. The classic No. 2 is a full-sized Pirámide (approx. 156mm), whereas the Petit No. 2 is a Petit Pirámide (120mm). Both share the same 52 ring gauge and flavor profile, but the Petit No. 2 offers a more concentrated and intense experience in a shorter timeframe, making it ideal for 60-minute smoking sessions.
How long does the Montecristo Petit No. 2 take to smoke?
Depending on your smoking pace, the Petit No. 2 typically lasts between 50 and 70 minutes. Because of its thick ring gauge, it burns relatively slowly for its length, providing a substantial amount of smoke and flavor without requiring a two-hour commitment.
Does the Montecristo Petit No. 2 age well?
Absolutely. While it is excellent right out of the box, it has exceptional aging potential. We recommend at least 12 months of humidor time to allow the flavors to marry. Collectors often find that these cigars reach their “sweet spot” after 3 to 5 years of careful storage.
Is the Montecristo Petit No. 2 too strong for beginners?
The Petit No. 2 is a medium to full-bodied cigar. While it may be a bit intense for someone’s very first cigar, it is remarkably smooth. For a beginner looking to explore the world of premium Cubans, it is a fantastic “step-up” cigar that rewards the palate with classic flavors without being overwhelmingly aggressive.
