What is the size and ring gauge of Montecristo Especiales No.2?

The Montecristo Especiales No.2 measures 152mm (6 inches) in length with a 38 ring gauge, classifying it as a Laguito No.2 vitola. This slender, elegant format was originally developed for Cohiba's Lanceros and later adopted by Montecristo. The 38 ring gauge produces a concentrated smoke that emphasizes the wrapper's contribution to the blend, delivering a more intense flavor experience than thicker formats of similar length.

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

Expect 45-60 minutes of smoking time, depending on your pace. The 38 ring gauge requires a slower, more deliberate draw than modern thicker cigars. The Laguito No.2 format burns cooler due to reduced filler volume, which preserves the delicate Montecristo blend of Vuelta Abajo tobaccos. Seasoned smokers often report the final third extends noticeably, rewarding patience with evolving cedar and cocoa notes.

What does Montecristo Especiales No.2 taste like compared to regular Montecristo No.2?

The Especiales No.2 delivers a more refined, linear experience than the robusto-sized No.2. While both share Montecristo's signature cocoa and coffee foundation, the Especiales emphasizes cedar, white pepper, and subtle citrus through its higher wrapper-to-filler ratio. The 1969 release predates the No.2 by decades and offers medium-bodied elegance versus the No.2's fuller, more complex progression. Aficionados seeking the brand's traditional character often prefer this vitola.

What is the size and ring gauge of Montecristo Especiales No.2?

The Montecristo Especiales No.2 measures 152mm (6 inches) in length with a 38 ring gauge, classifying it as a Laguito No.2 vitola. This slender, elegant format was originally developed for Cohiba's Lanceros and later adopted by Montecristo. The 38 ring gauge produces a concentrated smoke that emphasizes the wrapper's contribution to the blend, delivering a more intense flavor experience than thicker formats of similar length.

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

Expect 45-60 minutes of smoking time, depending on your pace. The 38 ring gauge requires a slower, more deliberate draw than modern thicker cigars. The Laguito No.2 format burns cooler due to reduced filler volume, which preserves the delicate Montecristo blend of Vuelta Abajo tobaccos. Seasoned smokers often report the final third extends noticeably, rewarding patience with evolving cedar and cocoa notes.

What does Montecristo Especiales No.2 taste like compared to regular Montecristo No.2?

The Especiales No.2 delivers a more refined, linear experience than the robusto-sized No.2. While both share Montecristo's signature cocoa and coffee foundation, the Especiales emphasizes cedar, white pepper, and subtle citrus through its higher wrapper-to-filler ratio. The 1969 release predates the No.2 by decades and offers medium-bodied elegance versus the No.2's fuller, more complex progression. Aficionados seeking the brand's traditional character often prefer this vitola.

Cigar Information

Montecristo Montecristo Especiales No.2

Montecristo Especiales No.2

The Montecristo Especiales No.2 stands as one of the most enduring offerings from Cuba's most celebrated cigar brand. Released in 1969, this elegant vitola has remained in continuous production for over five decades, a testament to its lasting appeal among aficionados who appreciate refined, traditional Cuban cigar craftsmanship.

Vitola Specifications

Cigar Name	Montecristo Especiales No.2
Factory Name	Laguito No.2
Ring Gauge	38
Length	152 mm (6 inches)
Official Weight	8.15 g
Construction	Handmade
Status	Current Regular Production
Release Year	1969

Band and Packaging

The Especiales No.2 features Montecristo's standard band configuration, incorporating bands A, B, C, and D. The cigar is currently presented in semi boîte nature boxes containing 25 cigars.

Montecristo Montecristo Especiales No.2 packaging

Collectors should note several discontinued packaging formats from earlier eras. A 10-count semi boîte nature box was offered but discontinued prior to 2000. Additionally, a cajón containing 100 cigars individually wrapped in cellophane was produced until approximately the 1980s.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Based on 34 enthusiast reviews, the Especiales No.2 delivers a sophisticated smoking experience characterized by medium strength and notable complexity. The flavor architecture centers on rich cocoa and coffee notes, which emerge most frequently in tasting reports.

Primary Flavor Notes:

Cocoa
Coffee
Nut
Cream
Citrus

Secondary Characteristics:

Distinctive Cuban twang
Baking spice
Vanilla
Cedar
Almond
Earth

Aficionados have also identified subtle undertones including floral hints, leather, mocha, biscuit, bitter chocolate, cappuccino, hay, honey, and sourdough bread characteristics. The cigar's complexity rewards attentive smoking, with new nuances revealing themselves throughout the experience.

Performance Ratings

Aggregate scores from 34 reviews reflect consistently positive impressions:

Elegance	4.0 / 5
Balance	4.0 / 5
Strength	3.0 / 5 (Medium)
Complexity	4.0 / 5
Aftertaste	4.0 / 5
Overall Rating	3.91 / 5

The Especiales No.2 earns particular praise for its elegance, balance, and complexity. The medium-bodied strength profile makes it accessible to developing palates while offering sufficient depth for experienced smokers. Its refined aftertaste lingers pleasantly, contributing to a satisfying conclusion.

Heritage and Significance

As part of Montecristo's distinguished portfolio, the Especiales No.2 represents the brand's commitment to producing cigars that honor traditional Cuban blending techniques. The Laguito No.2 factory designation connects this vitola to Cuba's most prestigious rolling facilities, where some of the island's finest cigars are crafted by experienced torcedores.

Questions & Answers

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