Montecristo No.2

The Montecristo No.2 – Why I Keep Coming Back to This Cuban Classic

I’m sitting here on my back patio, maybe fifteen minutes into a fresh Monte 2, and I’ve got to tell you – this torpedo never fails to remind me why I fell in love with Cuban cigars in the first place. The draw’s perfect (thank God, because you never know with these days), and I’m getting those familiar earthy notes that hit just right with my evening bourbon.

Look, I’ve been smoking cigars for over two decades now, and if there’s one stick that’s been consistently good to me, it’s the Montecristo No.2. Sure, there are flashier cigars out there. Bolder ones too. But this pyramide keeps showing up in my humidor for a reason.

First Impressions – The Good and the Ugly

Let me be straight with you about what you’re getting when you find a Montecristo #2 Cuban for sale. The construction is usually solid – we’re talking about one of Cuba’s flagship cigars here, so they generally don’t mess around. The wrapper’s got that beautiful Colorado shade, maybe leaning slightly toward maduro depending on the box. I’ve noticed the more recent boxes (2021-2023) have been particularly well-made.

But here’s the thing nobody wants to tell you: these cigars can be temperamental as hell when they’re young. I learned this lesson the hard way back in ’08 when I bought a whole box and tried smoking them right away. Harsh. Bitter. Just not pleasant. Now I know better – give these babies at least two years of aging, preferably three or four if you can manage the patience.

The pre-light draw usually gives you hints of what’s coming. Cedar, definitely. Sometimes a bit of cocoa. Occasionally you’ll get a whiff of that Cuban farm smell – you know what I’m talking about if you’ve been to the island.

The Flavor Journey (My Way)

Forget all that “first third, second third” nonsense. That’s not how I experience cigars, and I bet it’s not how you do either. This Monte starts mellow – deceptively so. You light it up thinking you’re in for a gentle ride, and then about twenty minutes in, it starts showing its teeth.

The flavors build in waves rather than distinct sections. First you get the classic Monte earthiness – it’s like rich potting soil after rain. Then the wood notes come in. Not just “wood” – specifically cedar chest wood, the kind my grandfather kept his winter clothes in. There’s a sweetness underneath it all that keeps things from getting too serious.

Around the halfway point (and this varies wildly depending on how you smoke), you start getting into Monte territory. The strength kicks up a notch. The flavors get more complex. I usually pick up leather, sometimes a hint of coffee, and if I’m lucky – and if the cigar’s properly aged – there’s this incredible nutty quality that appears.

Here’s where it gets interesting: the last portion of this cigar is where it either shines or falls apart. A good Monte 2 will develop this almost chocolatey richness without getting harsh. A young one or a poorly stored one? It’ll bite you. Hard. I’ve had to put down more than a few because they turned unsmokable in the final stretch.

What I Pair It With (Real Recommendations, Not Marketing BS)

Coffee? Please. That’s what everyone says, and frankly, it’s boring advice. Here’s what actually works:

My go-to pairing is Elijah Craig Small Batch bourbon. The vanilla and caramel notes complement the Monte’s earthiness without competing. I’ve been doing this combination for probably eight years now, ever since my buddy Carlos (who owns a cigar shop in Miami) suggested it during a particularly good evening.

If you’re a rum person, try it with some aged Guatemalan rum – Zacapa 23 if you can find it. The sweetness plays beautifully against the cigar’s natural earth tones. Wine drinkers should go for something with some weight – maybe a decent Rioja or a California Cab. Skip the delicate stuff; this cigar will steamroll right over it.

For non-alcoholic options (and yes, sometimes you don’t want booze), I’ve had great success with really good espresso or even a quality root beer. Sounds weird, I know, but the vanilla and sassafras in root beer create this interesting contrast.

Who Should Smoke This (And Who Shouldn’t)

This isn’t a beginner cigar, despite what some people might tell you. The Montecristo brand has cachet, sure, but the No.2 specifically can be overwhelming if you’re not used to medium-plus strength cigars. I’ve seen too many newcomers try these as their “first Cuban” and end up green around the gills.

If you’re coming from Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars, you’ll probably love these. The flavor profile’s different but not so alien that you’ll be lost. If you’ve been smoking Cohibas exclusively, the Monte might seem a bit rough around the edges at first, but give it a chance.

Honestly, these are perfect for the intermediate smoker who wants to understand what classic Cuban flavor is all about. They’re also great for experienced smokers who want something reliable they can reach for again and again.

Skip these if: you only like mild cigars, you’re pregnant (obviously), or you’ve got less than 90 minutes to dedicate to the experience. These demand time and attention.

Storage and Quirks – The Stuff Nobody Tells You

Keep these at 65% humidity, not the 70% that everyone preaches. Higher humidity makes them burn unevenly, and trust me, there’s nothing worse than a tunneling Monte 2. I learned this after ruining a few good sticks.

The boxes usually come with a manufacturing date, and here’s my controversial opinion: don’t smoke these for at least 18 months after that date. I know it’s painful to wait, but young Montes are harsh and one-dimensional. Age transforms them into something special.

Another quirk – these cigars respond really well to a dry box period before smoking. If your humidor’s running on the higher side, take the cigar out and let it sit in a slightly drier environment for a day or two before lighting up. It improves the burn and intensifies the flavors.

Watch out for fake ones. The Monte 2 is probably one of the most counterfeited Cuban cigars out there. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Buy from reputable dealers only.

Some Real Talk About Availability

Finding authentic Montecristo #2 Cuban for sale can be a challenge depending on where you live. In the US, you’re looking at the gray market or travel purchases. Singles can be tricky to track down, so committing to a full box is often the easier route.

Availability has gotten tighter over the last few years, and demand keeps climbing. Is the hunt worth it? For special occasions, absolutely. For daily smoking? That’s your call. Either way, buy from sources you trust.

Quick FAQs From My Experience

How long does it take to smoke one?

Plan for 90 minutes minimum. I’ve had some last nearly two hours when I’m really taking my time. Don’t rush these.

Can you smoke half and save the other half?

Technically yes, but why would you want to? The flavor changes after relighting, and not in a good way. Commit to the full experience.

What’s the difference between a Monte 2 and other Montecristo sizes?

The torpedo shape concentrates the smoke differently. You get more intensity than you would from, say, a Monte 4. The No.1 is longer but similar flavor-wise.

How do I know if mine are properly aged?

The wrapper should have a slight give to it – not spongy, but not rock hard either. The pre-light aroma should be pleasant, not sharp or ammonia-like.

Final Thoughts

Look, the Montecristo No.2 isn’t perfect. It’s not the most complex Cuban cigar, and it’s not the smoothest. But it’s reliable in a way that a lot of other cigars aren’t. When I want a good Cuban experience without overthinking it, this is what I reach for.

Is it overhyped? Maybe a little. The Montecristo name carries weight that sometimes exceeds the actual smoking experience. But when you get a good one – properly aged, well-stored, smoked at the right pace – it reminds you why Cuban cigars have the reputation they do.

If you’re looking to add some Monte 2s to your collection, be patient, buy from trusted sources, and give them time to develop. They’ll reward the wait.

Explore more

Browse all Montecristo cigars, see our Montecristo price guide, or try the Montecristo Double Corona Limited Edition 2001 and Montecristo 80 Aniversario. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from its Cigar Aficionado rating, Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.