Montecristo No. 2

The Montecristo No. 2 is arguably the most iconic Cuban cigar ever made — a Piramide measuring 156mm with a 52 ring gauge, renowned worldwide for its tapered head that concentrates flavour with every draw. Rated 94 points by Cigar Aficionado, the No. 2 is medium to full-bodied with cedar, leather, coffee and dried fruit across a 75-minute smoke. It is the cigar against which all Cuban Piramides are measured — and for many aficionados, the greatest Cuban cigar in regular production.

About Montecristo

Montecristo is the world's best-selling Cuban cigar brand — first produced in 1935 at the H. Upmann factory in Havana, where rollers named it after Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo, which they read aloud during rolling sessions. The classic range — No. 1 through No. 5 — represents some of the most balanced and consistently excellent Cuban cigars ever made. Today Montecristo is produced at the Francisco Donatién factory in Pinar del Río and encompasses the classic range, the Edmundo family, the Open series, and the prestigious Línea 1935.

Tasting Notes of the Montecristo No. 2

The No. 2 is one of the most complex and evolving smokes in the Cuban portfolio — the Piramide format concentrating flavour through the tapered head and delivering a different experience in each third.

- Pre-light: Cedar, sweet tobacco and a deep earthiness — the Montecristo aroma at its most complex and inviting.

- First Third: Cedar and coffee open with confidence. The tapered head concentrates the smoke — there is more flavour in the first draw of a No. 2 than in many full cigars.

- Second Third: Leather, dried fruit and dark chocolate develop in layers. This is where the No. 2 separates itself — the complexity builds to a level few Cuban cigars match.

- Final Third: Black pepper, earth and a long, complex finish. Medium to full-bodied by the close — deeply satisfying to the very end.

- Overall: Medium to full-bodied, complex and deeply rewarding — the benchmark Cuban Piramide and one of the greatest cigars Cuba has ever produced.

English Market Selection.

Free UK delivery for purchases over £50.

Explore more Montecristo cigars: Montecristo Double Edmundo | Montecristo Collection

Fun Facts About the Montecristo No. 2

The Piramide format — tapering from a wide foot (52 ring gauge) to a pointed head — requires exceptional skill to roll. The tapered head concentrates the smoke as it travels through the increasingly narrow channel, intensifying flavour with every millimetre. It is one of the most technically demanding formats in Cuban cigar production.

The Montecristo No. 2 has been cited by more cigar experts and publications as their personal favourite Cuban cigar than any other vitola. Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Journal and The Spectator's cigar correspondent have all named it among their top Cuban cigars of all time.

Despite being considerably more complex and demanding to produce than the No. 4, the No. 2 commands a significant price premium — a reflection of both the rolling skill required and its extraordinary reputation among collectors and aficionados worldwide.

FAQ About the Montecristo No. 2

Why is the Montecristo No. 2 so highly regarded?
The combination of the Piramide format — which concentrates flavour through the tapered head — and Montecristo's finest tobacco blend produces a smoking experience of extraordinary complexity and evolution. Few Cuban cigars develop and change as much across their smoke time as the No. 2.

How does it compare to the No. 4?
The No. 2 is significantly more complex, fuller-bodied and longer-smoking. The No. 4 is the accessible, balanced everyday Montecristo; the No. 2 is the aficionado's choice for a special occasion.

Is it good for beginners?
No — its medium to full body and 75-minute smoke time make it better suited to experienced smokers. Start with the No. 4 or Open Regata and work up to the No. 2.

What does EMS mean?
English Market Selection — confirming the cigars arrived via the official Habanos UK importer Hunters & Frankau and passed additional authenticity and condition checks.