The Montecristo Especiales No. 2 is one of the brand’s oldest products. The younger brother of Especiales No. 1, with which he shares only the ring gauge (38), he is among the last survivors of the Panetela/Lancero size still produced in Cuba. His vitola de galera is called Laguito No. 2.
Currently, it is available in 25 count Semi Boite Nature boxes, but in the past (up to the 80s), it also included a Cajon packaging of 100 cellophaned cigars.
The wrapper of the Especiales No. 2 is shiny and of a Colorado Claro shade with yellow reflections. To the touch, it is silky, with little marked veins. The overall construction is excellent.
- Country of Origin: Cuba
- Size: 38 x 152 mm (6″)
- Wrapper: Cuba
- Binder: Cuba
- Filler: Cuba
- Price: $ N.A. – € 14
Montecristo Especiales No. 2: the cold draw reveals well-defined aromas of wood and dried fruit.
The opening outlines a slightly sapid smoke and a pleasant spicy sensation, which vanishes during the first third. The aromas that develop are mainly balsamic herbs and dried fruit, enriched by hints of cocoa. Strength is medium-light (2/5).
In the central section, the sapidity increases in intensity, accompanied by a slight bitterness that is not unpleasant. The profile confirms the notes of dried fruit, cocoa (which intensifies compared to the first third), wood aromas, and a nuance of white pepper. Strength becomes medium (3/5).
In the last third, the bitterness becomes equal with the sapidity. While the note of dried fruit is always clearly evident, a metallic note appears, and with the cocoa becoming less evident, the flavor profile unravels towards the end. Strength remains unchanged (3/5).
Ultimately, the Montecristo Especiales No. 2 is an extremely elegant smoke, with a flavor profile reminiscent of the brand but which, at the same time, allows for few digressions. Strength is never over the top. Unfortunately, with a somewhat narrow evolution in the last third and the increase of the bitter taste towards the end, the final rating suffers a bit. However, it should be taken into consideration that it is a cigar that deserves the right rest period in the humidor. It will tend to lose the bitter components.