Let's cut to the chase - the Montecristo Platinum No.2 brings serious swagger with its 6⅛" figurado shape wrapped in that signature San Andrés cubano leaf. Packing 52-ring girth and boxed in 27-count bundles, this dominican puro shows why it scored that 94 rating from Cigar Aficionado. At $15-$20 per stick depending on sales, it positions itself as a premium daily smoke rather than special occasion trophy cigar.
The pre-light taste gives raisin sweetness with barnyard earthiness - that San Andrés signature peeking through. Wrapper sheen suggests optimal 65% humidity storage. The triple cap cuts cleanly revealing snug-but-not-tight bunching.
Initial puffs deliver roasted coffee beans and black pepper spice. Smoke output stays moderate - no choking clouds here. Ash holds solid inch-plus with razor burn line. Retrohale amps up the cinnamon heat without throat bite.
Cocoa powder and leather emerge as core flavors around the 30-minute mark. The dominican filler blend shows its complexity with cashew nut undertones. Burning stays even despite breezy conditions. Strength builds gradually to medium-plus.
Last third introduces mineral notes and cuban-esque twang. Tar accumulates faster than Upmann counterparts - stop at 1.5" nub unless you want nicotine rush. Paired beautifully with oaky chardonnay cutting through the sweetness.
Regulars at my local lounge praise its consistency - no dud sticks in recent memory. Newbies sometimes find the belicoso taper awkward to cut. Box splits move faster than Partagás Blacks but slower than Acid Kuba Kulture. Pro tip: Dry-box for 4 hours pre-smoke to enhance combustion.
