Description
The Perfect 30-Minute Escape
You know those cigars that just make sense? The ones where every element clicks into place like a well-made watch? That’s the Montecristo Petit No 2 in a nutshell. I picked up my first box back in 2007 – or was it 2008? Doesn’t matter – and I’ve kept them stocked ever since. This little torpedo has saved more lunch breaks than I can count.
What makes this particular vitola special isn’t just that it’s a Montecristo. We all know the brand. It’s that they took everything people love about the legendary No 2 and compressed it into a format that fits modern life. Same iconic shape, same complexity, but in a 30-minute window instead of 90. That’s not dumbing down the experience – it’s smart design. The Petit No 2 delivers concentrated flavor without rushing you, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.
I’m going to walk you through why this cigar has earned permanent real estate in my humidor, what you can expect from the smoking experience, and when it shines brightest. If you’ve been curious about Montecristo’s smaller formats or need a serious Cuban cigar that doesn’t require clearing your afternoon, pay attention.
What You’re Actually Getting
Montecristo needs almost no introduction. Since 1935, they’ve been the benchmark – the cigar that other Cuban brands get measured against. When someone who doesn’t know cigars thinks “Cuban cigar,” they’re probably picturing a Montecristo band. That yellow and brown logo has become shorthand for premium tobacco.
The Petit No 2 takes the classic torpedo shape that made the original No 2 famous and shrinks it down to petit corona dimensions. But here’s what most reviews miss – this isn’t just a smaller version of its big brother. The blend smokes differently at this ring gauge. The wrapper-to-filler ratio changes everything. You get more wrapper influence, which in Montecristo’s case means more of that signature sweetness and spice dancing on your palate.
This cigar targets the aficionado who knows what they like. If you’re still figuring out Cuban tobacco, start with a Monte No 4. But if you’ve been around the block, if you can appreciate subtlety over strength, and if you value your time – this is your cigar. It’s become my go-to for business lunches, golf course smokes, and those rare moments between conference calls when I just need 30 minutes of sanity.
The construction is typically flawless. We’re talking Montecristo quality control here, which means something. The torpedo cap is sharp and well-formed. The wrapper is smooth Cuban leaf from Vuelta Abajo – the only region that matters when we’re talking Cuban tobacco. And that trademark Monte sweetness? It’s all there, just more concentrated.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Petit Piramides (Petit No 2) |
| Length | 4.9 inches / 125 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Blend |
| Strength | Medium |
| Smoking Time | 30-40 minutes |
How This Thing Actually Smokes
The cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming – cocoa, a bit of barnyard earthiness, maybe some dried fruit if the cigar’s been resting properly. Not overpowering, just present. That’s your first sign you’re dealing with quality tobacco. I always clip about a quarter inch off the cap. Too much and you lose the point of the torpedo shape. Too little and you’re working too hard for the draw.
Light it properly – and I mean properly, with a torch that gives you even coverage – and the first third opens with cedar and cream. That classic Montecristo sweetness is there immediately. It’s subtle though. This isn’t a sugar bomb. Think more like the faint sweetness of good bread, not dessert. There’s white pepper on the retrohale that catches some people off guard. Not harsh, just present enough to remind you this is Cuban tobacco, not some mild Dominican.
Around the halfway point – and this is where the Petit No 2 separates itself from simpler cigars – complexity builds. You start picking up leather notes. Coffee comes in, but it’s espresso, not diner coffee. The sweetness that dominated the first third now plays backup to earthier, woodier flavors. The burn stays razor-sharp if you’re not puffing like a chimney. The ash holds to about an inch, maybe inch and a quarter, then drops cleanly. Construction has never been an issue for me with these, which matters when you’re smoking during limited time.
The final third is where opinions split. Some aficionados find it gets a touch bitter. I think it gets interesting – more robust, definitely, with the strength ramping up to solid medium territory. That cedar note from the beginning comes back but now it’s aged cedar, darker and richer. The pepper intensifies. If you’ve been retrohaling throughout – and you should be – this last section really showcases what Cuban tobacco can do. The finish lingers. We’re talking 10, 15 minutes after you set it down, you’re still tasting it.
One thing worth mentioning – and this is just my experience, so grain of salt – these need rest. Fresh off the truck from Cuba, they can smoke harsh and one-dimensional. Give them three months minimum, six if you’ve got the patience. The difference is night and day. That integration of flavors, that smoothness, it only comes with time.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecristo Petit No 2 | Medium | 30-40 minutes | Time-conscious aficionados wanting complexity |
| Partagas Serie D No 5 | Medium-Full | 35-45 minutes | Those preferring earthier, fuller flavors |
| Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill | Medium | 40-50 minutes | Smokers wanting milder, creamier profiles |
What to Drink With It
Coffee works brilliantly with the Petit No 2, especially in the morning. I’m talking proper espresso or a well-made cortado, not burnt Starbucks. The coffee’s bitterness plays off the cigar’s sweetness in a way that elevates both. My local lounge makes a Cuban coffee that pairs so perfectly it’s almost unfair.
For spirits, I’m reaching for aged rum – Havana Club 7 Year if I’m keeping it Cuban-themed, or a good añejo tequila if I’m feeling different. The caramel and vanilla notes in aged spirits complement that Montecristo sweetness without overwhelming it. Whisky works too, but go lighter – a Speyside single malt, not an Islay peat bomb. Something like Glenlivet 12 or Glenfiddich 15. The goal is harmony, not competition.
Honestly though? Sometimes just water or sparkling water. When the cigar is this good, you don’t always need a pairing. Let the tobacco speak for itself. Save the fancy drinks for cigars that need help.
Time-wise, this is a versatile smoke. Morning with coffee? Absolutely. Afternoon break? Perfect. After dinner? Why not. The medium strength means it won’t knock you sideways at 10 AM, but it’s got enough character to stand up to a full meal. I’ve smoked these everywhere from golf courses to airport lounges (back when that was still possible) to backyard barbecues.
How does the Petit No 2 compare to the regular Montecristo No 2?
Different animals, really. The original No 2 is a 90-minute commitment with more gradual flavor development and fuller body by the end. The Petit No 2 compresses that experience – you get similar flavor profiles but more concentrated, and the whole thing wraps up in 30-40 minutes. Think of it as the espresso shot version of the full cup. Both are excellent, just depends on how much time you’ve got.
What’s the best way to store these cigars?
Standard Cuban protocol applies – 65-70% humidity, around 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit. I keep mine at 65% humidity because I find Montecristos smoke better slightly drier than wetter. And seriously, let them rest after you get them. Three months minimum. I know that’s tough when you’re excited about a new box, but patience pays off with these cigars. They need time to recover from shipping and settle down.
Is this a good cigar for beginners?
Depends on the beginner. If someone’s smoked a few dozen cigars and wants to explore Cuban tobacco, sure. But if they’re brand new to cigars? Probably not. The price point alone – though I won’t mention specific numbers – means you want some experience under your belt first. Start with a Montecristo No 4 or even a Romeo y Julieta, then work your way here. The Petit No 2 rewards experience. You’ll appreciate it more once you know what you’re tasting.
Why does my Petit No 2 taste different than my friend’s?
Could be a dozen reasons. Different production dates, different storage conditions, different aging time, even different boxes from different factories. Cuban cigars aren’t as consistent as some other origins – that’s both the charm and the frustration. Also, how you smoke matters. Puff frequency, lighting technique, cutting method – all of it affects flavor. This is why cigar aficionado reviews sometimes contradict each other. We’re all tasting slightly different cigars smoked under different conditions.
Can I age these cigars long-term?
You can, but I’m not convinced it’s worth it past 3-5 years. Montecristos in general don’t need decades of aging like some Cohibas or Bolivars. They’re blended to smoke well relatively young. I’ve had 10-year-old Petit No 2s that were fantastic, but they weren’t dramatically better than 3-year-old ones. If you’ve got the patience and storage space, go for it. But don’t feel like you need to sit on these for a decade.
What box size should I buy?
These come in boxes of 25. For your first purchase, honestly, I’d try a five-pack or split a box with a friend if you can. Make sure you like them and that they’re smoking well before committing to a full box. Once you know you love them, buy by the box – they need consistent storage anyway, and keeping them together helps maintain quality.
Why do some of these cigars smoke tight?
Construction issue, usually. Even with Montecristo’s quality control, occasionally you get a plugged cigar. Could be over-rolling, could be a stem in the wrong place, could be moisture issues. Use a draw tool to open it up, or if it’s really bad, cut a bit more off the cap. If multiple cigars from the same box smoke tight, your humidity might be too high. Drop it down to 62-65% for a few weeks and see if that helps.
The Bottom Line
The Montecristo Petit No 2 does exactly what it’s supposed to do – delivers genuine Cuban complexity in a format that fits real life. I’ve recommended this cigar to more people than I can count, and I’ve yet to hear someone say they were disappointed. That doesn’t happen often with cigars.
It’s not trying to be the strongest cigar in your humidor or the most complex. It’s just consistently excellent, which might be the highest compliment you can give a cigar. Whether you’re an experienced aficionado looking for a reliable short smoke or someone ready to explore what makes Montecristo legendary, this vitola deserves your attention. Stock up, let them rest, and thank me later.
