Montecristo
CubanExperienced smokersMontecristo No. 2
Arguably the most famous cigar in the world — Cuba's iconic torpedo, with a tapered head and a rich, classic Havana flavor.
Flavor profile
Sweet · Roast · Earthy · Spice
Critic ratings
Cigar Aficionado
2013
96/100
Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.
If a single cigar could represent Cuba, it would probably be the Montecristo No. 2. The torpedo shape — a tapered, pointed head — is iconic, and the flavor is the benchmark a lot of smokers measure other Cubans against.
What it tastes like
Expect a medium-to-full smoke that opens with cocoa and coffee, then settles into classic Havana notes: cedar, earth, and a measured black-pepper spice. The tapered head concentrates the smoke and lets you dial in the draw. It's rich without being punishing — but it is not a beginner cigar.
Who it's for
This is for smokers who've worked past mild Connecticuts and want the real Cuban experience. Treat it with respect: smoke it slowly, ideally after a meal, with an espresso or an aged rum nearby. (And if you're comparing it to the rich Nicaraguans it's often pitted against, see our Cuban vs Nicaraguan breakdown.)
As with any premium cigar, condition matters — store it at the right humidity and it rewards you. New to that? Start with how to store cigars.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
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Montecristo No. 2 head-to-head
See how Montecristo No. 2 stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.