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.
The short answer
The Montecristo No. 2 is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Cuban torpedo (pirámide) with a Cuban wrapper. Expect cocoa, coffee, and cedar. Critics rate it 96/100.
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.
The verdict
The Montecristo No. 2 is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from Montecristo. It's a Cuban torpedo (pirámide) wrapped in Cuban at 6.1 in × 52.
On the palate, expect cocoa, coffee, and cedar, leaning sweet. Plan on roughly 70 minutes from light to nub.
It's well regarded: Cigar Aficionado rated it 96/100 in 2013. It pairs naturally with espresso, aged rum, and after a meal. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
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.
Montecristo No. 2 — frequently asked
- Is the Montecristo No. 2 a good cigar for beginners?
- Ease into it. The fuller body can be a lot for a first-timer, so it's better once you've built up a little tolerance.
- How strong is the Montecristo No. 2?
- The Montecristo No. 2 is Medium-Full-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Montecristo No. 2 taste like?
- Expect cocoa, coffee, and cedar, leaning sweet. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What is the Montecristo No. 2's rating?
- Published critic scores: Cigar Aficionado 96/100 (2013). Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings and doesn't score cigars itself.
- What pairs well with the Montecristo No. 2?
- It pairs well with espresso, aged rum, and after a meal. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium-full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Montecristo No. 2?
- Plan on about 70 minutes for the torpedo (pirámide) — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Montecristo No. 2 head-to-head
See how Montecristo No. 2 stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.