Is the H. Upmann No.2 or the Montecristo Open Master better for beginners?

They're a similar medium strength, so neither is clearly easier — choose by flavor. The H. Upmann No.2 brings cocoa and coffee, the Montecristo Open Master cream and cedar.

What's the difference between the H. Upmann No.2 and the Montecristo Open Master?

The H. Upmann No.2 is a medium Cuban cigar with a Cuban wrapper; the Montecristo Open Master is a medium Cuban cigar with a Cuban wrapper.

Which is rated higher, the H. Upmann No.2 or the Montecristo Open Master?

H. Upmann No.2: Cigar Aficionado 98/100. Montecristo Open Master: no published critic score yet.

H. Upmann No.2 vs Montecristo Open Master

How do H. Upmann No.2 and Montecristo Open Masterstack up? Here's the head-to-head — strength, wrapper, flavor, size, and critic ratings — plus which one to reach for.

The short answer

The H. Upmann No.2 and Montecristo Open Master sit at a similar medium strength, so it comes down to flavor and origin.

H. Upmann

H. Upmann No.2

Montecristo

Montecristo Open Master

Strength
Body: Medium; Medium
Origin: Cuba; Cuba
Wrapper: Cuban; Cuban
Binder: Cuban; Cuban
Filler: Cuban; Cuban
Vitola: Piramide; Robusto
Size: 6.1 in × 52; 4.9 in × 50
Rating: 98/100 · 2022; —
Flavor: CocoaCoffeeRoasted nutsCinnamonPepper; CreamCedarCoffeeLight cocoaCitrus

The verdict

Strength: Both land at Medium — a similar body either way.
Critic scores: H. Upmann No.2 carries the published pedigree (98 points from the critics).
Flavor: H. Upmann No.2 leans sweet; Montecristo Open Master leans creamy. Pick the profile that calls to you.

Both are worth knowing — the "better" cigar is the one that fits your taste and the moment.

Choose H. Upmann No.2 if

sweet notes appeal to you.

See H. Upmann No.2 →

Choose Montecristo Open Master if

creamy notes appeal to you.

See Montecristo Open Master →

H. Upmann No.2 vs Montecristo Open Master — FAQ

Is the H. Upmann No.2 or the Montecristo Open Master better for beginners?: They're a similar medium strength, so neither is clearly easier — choose by flavor. The H. Upmann No.2 brings cocoa and coffee, the Montecristo Open Master cream and cedar.
What's the difference between the H. Upmann No.2 and the Montecristo Open Master?: The H. Upmann No.2 is a medium Cuban cigar with a Cuban wrapper; the Montecristo Open Master is a medium Cuban cigar with a Cuban wrapper.
Which is rated higher, the H. Upmann No.2 or the Montecristo Open Master?: H. Upmann No.2: Cigar Aficionado 98/100. Montecristo Open Master: no published critic score yet.

Compare other cigars →Find your cigar →Browse the library →