Buy Montecristo Especial No.2 Cigar – Box of 25 | A masterclass in Cuban craftsmanship

“In a world obsessed with thick ring gauges, the true aficionado knows that elegance lies in the slender formats where the wrapper-to-filler ratio creates the purest flavor.”

Buy Montecristo Especial No.2 cigars and experience a masterclass in Cuban craftsmanship. While the famous Montecristo No. 2 Torpedo gets all the headlines, the Montecristo Especial No.2 is the insider’s choice—a refined, concentrated expression of the world’s most famous tobacco blend. Sharing the same prestigious Laguito No. 2 vitola as the Cohiba Coronas Especiales, this cigar offers a sophisticated smoking experience that is intense, aromatic, and undeniable.

Product Overview: A Masterpiece of Concentration

When you see Montecristo Especial No.2 for sale, you aren’t just looking at another Habano; you are looking at a piece of history. Introduced in 1969 alongside its longer brother (the Especial No. 1), this cigar was originally the domain of diplomats and high-ranking officials.

Measuring 6 inches (152mm) with a slender 38 ring gauge, this Panetela requires the most skilled torcedores (rollers) in the H. Upmann factory. Why? because rolling long-filler tobacco into such a slim format without plugging the draw is an art form. The result is a medium-to-full bodied smoke that concentrates the flavors of the Vuelta Abajo region directly onto your palate.

The Flavor Profile: Why You Need to Try It

Expert tastings and summaries from top-ranking reviews (including Cigar Aficionado and Friends of Habanos) consistently highlight a distinct evolution in this cigar:

• First Third: Opens with an elegant burst of cedar, floral notes, and a signature creamy earthiness unique to the Montecristo Especial No.2.

• Second Third: The profile deepens. Expect rich notes of roasted coffee beans, dark cocoa, and a “twang” of sourdough—a classic Cuban characteristic.

• Final Third: The finish is powerful yet refined, introducing spicy black pepper, cinnamon, and a lingering sweetness of dried fruit.

Expert Insight: Because of the thin ring gauge, this cigar burns cooler if you sip it slowly. Puffing too fast will overheat the tobacco and bitter the flavor. Treat it with patience, and it rewards you with complexity that fat Robusto cigars simply cannot match.

A Personal Note from the Humidor

I still remember the first time I cracked open a box of these. It was a rainy Tuesday in London, and I was looking for something that would last an hour but wouldn’t overwhelm me with nicotine strength immediately. I pulled out an Especial No.2.

At first, I was worried about the drawslender Cubans are notorious for being tight. I gave it a “massage” (rolling it gently between thumb and forefinger) and clipped the pigtail cap. The draw was firm but functional. The moment I lit it, the room filled with that unmistakable aroma of toasted nuts and vanilla. It wasn’t a “smoke bomb” like a Wide Churchill; it was a laser beam of flavor. It reminded me that sometimes, less volume means more intensity. If you are tired of jaw-breaking 60-ring-gauge logs, this is your return to elegance.

Why Collectors Buy Montecristo Especial No.2

• Aging Potential: This is one of the best candidates for your aging cabinet. Fresh, they are spicy; after 5+ years, they become buttery smooth.

• Prestige: The “pigtail” cap (perilla) is a sign of high-level rolling quality, shared with the Cohiba line.

• Global Appeal: Whether you are smoking in a lounge in Germany, a terrace in France, or a private club in the USA or Canada, this vitola commands respect among those who know tobacco.

Feature	Detail
Name	Montecristo Especial No.2
Vitola de Galera	Laguito No. 2
Dimensions	6″ (152mm) x 38 Ring Gauge
Strength	Medium to Full
Wrapper/Binder/Filler	Cuba (Vuelta Abajo)
Presentation	Box of 25 (SBN – Semi Boîte Nature)
Smoking Time	45 – 60 Minutes
Rating	92+ (Consistent High Scorer)

FAQs about Montecristo Especial No.2

1. Is the Montecristo Especial No.2 the same as the No. 2 Torpedo?

No. The “No. 2” Torpedo (Pirámide) is a thick, tapered cigar. The Montecristo Especial No.2 is a slim, straight Panetela with a pigtail cap. They are completely different formats.

2. How long does it take to smoke a Montecristo Especial No.2?

Despite being thin, it burns slowly due to the high-quality long-filler. Expect a smoking time of 45 to 60 minutes.

3. Does this cigar have draw issues?

Slender cigars (38 ring gauge) can occasionally be tight. We recommend buying from a reputable source that inspects boxes. Dry-boxing the cigar for 24 hours before smoking can also improve the draw.

4. Is this cigar suitable for beginners?

It is approachable, but the medium-to-full strength might be a bit much for a total novice on an empty stomach. It is better suited for intermediate smokers who can appreciate nuanced flavors.

5. How does it compare to the Cohiba Coronas Especiales?

They share the same size (Laguito No. 2). The Cohiba is generally grassy and hay-forward, while the Montecristo Especial No.2 offers earthier, coffee, and cocoa notes.

6. What is the best drink pairing for this cigar?

It pairs beautifully with a black espresso, a spicy rum (like Havana Club 7), or a neat Scotch whisky.

7. Why is there a pigtail on the cap?

The pigtail (or perilla) is a traditional finishing technique used for the Laguito vitolas, originally developed for Cohiba but used here to signify the premium nature of the Especial line.

8. Should I age these cigars?

Yes. While they smoke well young, Montecristo Especial No.2 cigars develop incredible creaminess with 3 to 5 years of age.

9. Is this a limited edition?

No, it is a regular production cigar, but due to the difficulty of rolling this size, supply is often lower than standard sizes like the Montecristo No. 4.

10. Can I buy Montecristo Especial No.2 in the USA?

Due to the embargo, Cuban cigars cannot be legally sold in the USA. However, they are available in major markets like Canada, Germany, France, and the UK.

The Expert’s Verdict: Is it Worth the Humidor Space?

To conclude, the Montecristo Especial No.2 is not a cigar for the hurried or the careless. It is a vitola that demands a specific kind of respect—the kind given to a vintage wine or a tailored suit. While the trend in the industry has shifted toward massive ring gauges that provide a “wall of smoke,” this Laguito No. 2 remains a defiant stand for elegance and concentrated flavor.

It won’t hit you over the head with nicotine; instead, it lures you in with a sophisticated dance of toasted nuts, bitter cocoa, and that unmistakable Cuban floral aroma. If you are looking to buy Montecristo Especial No.2 cigars, you are investing in a slow-burn experience that rewards patience with some of the most refined transitions in the Habanos portfolio. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, this is a “bucket list” smoke that proves class never goes out of style.